There is an area of high desert along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico’s Sierra County that has been an attraction of sorts for centuries. Now named Truth or Consequences, this town has a long history. Even though it was not incorporated until 1916, this area was a hub of activity even before Europeans found our continent. The reason was the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.

Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas

The indigenous people of the area discovered the healing properties of these hot mineral springs. They would come to use the springs and warm mud marshes to heal wounds and other ailments. It was utilized by them for hundreds of years. In the late 1500s the Spanish arrived. They also realized the benefits of this area, and named it Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas (Hot Springs of the Doves). It was a much needed stop along the Camino Real (Royal Road) for the Spanish settlers as the Camino Real became an important trade route through Nuevo Mexico. In the 16th century all travelers came up from deep in Mexico to reach these northern outposts. The trails blazed by the armies that led them were rough and wrought with hazards. Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas was one of the the much needed oasis’ along the way where the armies and caravans of settlers, traders and and their livestock could convalesce.

Hot Springs, New Mexico

By the late 1800s, bath houses and lodging popped up to accommodate visitors. The name of the town had already been anglicized and changed to Palomas Hot Springs and it had became a popular therapeutic destination. In 1916 they dropped “Palomas” and the city was incorporated as Hot Springs, New Mexico.

The name changed again in 1950 when the locals took a challenge from a popular NBC radio game show. They voted to renamed the town “Truth or Consequences” when the game show host, Ralph Edwards promised to come and broadcast from the first town in America that took on the show’s name. Hot Springs bit and the rest is history.

Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences is now one of New Mexico’s best kept secrets. Located 150 miles south of Albuquerque, T or C is located next to Elephant Butte Lake State Park with its dam and 22 mile lake that has become a boating and fishing mecca of the Southwest. There is lots of hiking nearby and it’s in close proximity to a few ghost towns, (Chloride, Hermosa, Winston), that are certainly worth a day trip of exploration. The hot springs still prevail in T or C and there are many choices of lodging and spas throughout the town.

Will T or C remain a secret? Probably not. During his tenure as Governor, Bill Richardson was talked into into building a spaceport just a little southeast of T or C by billionaire Sir Richard Branson. His company, Virgin Galactic, is the anchor tenant that promised to provide a space flight to whomever can afford it. Spaceport America is completed but T or C is still waiting for Branson to start the actual space flights. Apparently there is already a long waiting list of folks who are willing to shell out thousands of dollars to take a short ride into space. Time will tell if it’s a success or not. In the meantime there are tours of the complex available to the public that include an up close look at the spaceport terminal and hanger, the ops center and the smoothest runway in the world.

Take a Trip to Truth or Consequences

Ghost Towns of the past, Spaceport of the future, fishing, hiking, boating, camping and lounging in medicinal hot springs – Truth or Consequences is a fun and interesting place to visit. Plan a long weekend in T or C to relax and enjoy the many things to do in this area of New Mexico that has been a secret too long.

If you are a New Mexico Medical Cannabis patient you won’t have to stock up on your cannabis meds before you make the trip down south. Organtica has a clinic located right off I-25 in T or C, and we offer all the same fine product we offer in Albuquerque. You may even order online before you arrive to be sure the products you choose are ready when you get there. Just let them know on the form when you expect to arrive.