The Place

Location

Ocamora is a unique 265-acre property nestled unobtrusively in a lush valley at 7,500 foot elevation on the eastern slope of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range in northeastern New Mexico. It is situated at the intersection of the Great Plains to the East and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the West. This rich ecosystem has provided for a diverse and vibrant wildlife population.

The property includes hillsides green with oak, pine, and juniper; a year-round stream; and a fresh hillside spring. In the Summer months the fields are luxuriant with alfalfa, hay, wildflowers, and medicinal plants. A wooden fence line separates the pastures from the heirloom apple orchard and a few low buildings embedded among the cottonwood trees. The area is home to hawks, eagles, owls, elk, turkeys, mountain lions, bobcats, and black bear. Week-long retreat experiences of being part of this natural world is ever-more rare, precious, inspiring and life-affirming.

History

As a reminder of earlier times, there is an ancient stone circle on the property as well as two separate Indian petroglyphs. The power and integrity of this relatively untouched land is still intact.

The area is steeped in Indian, Hispanic and Anglo pioneer history. Just east of Ocate lies the mountain route of the famous Old Sante Fe Trail which attracted courageous men, women, and children to the West to discover their destinies and pursue their dreams for a new life. Large ranches occupy the old buffalo commons to the east and nearby mountains draw hikers, skiers, and wilderness enthusiasts.

It is this pristine, natural location and the history of those who have come before that inspired the Ocamora founders to establish a place of refuge for generations to come. Learn more about Ocamora founders and the Ocamora Retreat Center/Ocamora Foundation in Legacy.

Climate

Weather ranges from the calm and gentle to the heroically dramatic. The climate in this part of New Mexico provides 340 sunny days per year on average. Summer temperatures range from 75-85 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 15-25 inches––much of it coming with dramatic thunder and lightning during late July and August afternoons. These are the perfect conditions for rainbows!

Apple blossoms arrive in April and May. A tapestry of autumn colors highlight the mountainsides in September and October. Winter features brilliant light, deep quiet, and varied snowfalls–sometimes with an accumulation of 6-12 inches or more. Night skies are truly dark and the silence is palpable. Our annual retreat season is from late May to mid-September.

Climate

Weather ranges from the calm and gentle to the heroically dramatic. The climate in this part of New Mexico provides 340 sunny days per year on average. Summer temperatures range from 75-85 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 15-25 inches––much of it coming with dramatic thunder and lightning during late July and August afternoons. These are the perfect conditions for rainbows!

Apple blossoms arrive in April and May. A tapestry of autumn colors highlight the mountainsides in September and October. Winter features brilliant light, deep quiet, and varied snowfalls–sometimes with an accumulation of 6-12 inches or more. Night skies are truly dark and the silence is palpable. Our annual retreat season is from late May to mid-September.