Manzano Mountain Retreat

About this venue

In 1995 the historic apple orchards that put became the host to a new summer camp, brought about by the owner of Darnell Apple Orchard. The owner is an architect and builder, who designed and constructed the main dining hall, and five group cabins as summer-only buildings. A year later Scott and Spencer Garrett, the developers of New Mexico Sports and Wellness recreational clubs, purchased the Apple Wood Camp and renamed it Apple Mountain Camp. Their goal was not only to create a summer camp facility but to develop a high-altitude sports training facility. Their dream reached reality when in 1997 and 1998 swimming gold medallists Tom Jager and Janet Evans used Apple Mountain to host their Gold Medal Swim Camp. In 1999 the Garrett’s sold their recreational clubs to a national chain but retained ownership in Apple Mountain Camp. In 2000, Scott purchased all remaining shares of AMC and commenced a significant remodeling and expansion effort, renaming the facility Manzano Mountain Retreat.