Blog - Las Cruces Lifestyle - T or C

When talking to people who are relocating to Las Cruces about the surrounding areas and day trips, the most common question is "Why is it called Truth of Consequences?"

Actually, Hot Springs was its original name and it probably made more sense. T or C is surrounded by hot springs that make it a great day trip away from Las Cruces. However, in 1950 an NBC radio game show announced it would air a show in whatever town in American renamed itself after the show. Hot Springs, NM did it, and has been Truth or Consequences ever since.

However, other than the Elephant Butte Lake, hot mineral springs are the main attraction in this desert town.

Hot Springs

With its unique geothermal hot springs, this region has for centuries been an important place of healing & gathering. Native Americans used these springs as a neutral healing ground after battles referring to them with reverence as ‘Grandmother' because of the soothing and beneficial properties of the waters. Today people from across the globe, arrive to take part in the natural healing power of these fabulous springs.

A good hot springs bath operates on multiple levels. The first bath is the hottest, with water straight from the spring. This is allowed to drain off into a different (sometimes lower) pool which is warm. The final pool is cool or cold. One circuits these pools, with the last dip being a refreshing shock.

Stay the Night

We encourage those looking for something upscale to skip the seedy motels of the area and go directly up to at least a three star. There are a number of hotels with on-site hot springs, some offering private hot mineral water baths in the rooms. Examples include the Charles Motel and Hot Springs, Riverbend Hot Springs, Sierra Grande Lodge, the Firewater Lodge, and the Blackstone Hotsprings. We tend to stay at, and recommend the Sierra Grande Lodge. It is the nicest hotel we have found there.