Camp in a Castle

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The Montezuma Castle Campus sits on the edge of the 1.6 million acre Santa Fe National Forest, home to some of the Southwest’s most inspiring beauty. With its four wilderness areas, three wild rivers and all kinds of camping opportunities, the forest provides the perfect après-dance getaway for those with time for an extended stay.

As for the castle itself:  it’s a window on the world of America’s late-19th-century romance with travel. Built in 1885 in the Queen Anne style, the 90,000-square-foot luxury hotel welcomed Americans of means who wanted a taste of the West. Find out more about the history of this incredible site here.

Altitude
We’ll be staying at an altitude of approximately 7500 feet, so your body will need to acclimate to new environs—especially if come from a much lower elevation. Campers should be prepared to pace their aerobic activity and drink lots of water for good hydration. It’s natural to feel a bit tired or more out of breath for the first couple of days. Click here for more tips for successful high-altitude travel.

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​Terrain
Montezuma Castle sits on a small hill overlooking the Field House, where dance classes and most other activities will take place. It will be necessary to walk up and down a short, but rather steep, hill several times per day between these facilities and your dorm. (Some dorms are located within the castle and others are situated close to the Field House—if you get your registration in early, you can request one or the other.)

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Dance Space

• Dance instruction will take place in a newly built gym inside the Field House. 
• Spacious, light-filled environment with excellent circulation.
• Suspended wooden floor.
• At least one evening dance party will be held at the castle​

​Dormitories

• Double-occupancy rooms; singles available for an extra charge
• Twin beds, linens provided for free
• Communal bathroom facilities, separated by gender.
• Free Wi-Fi.!
• Dorms aren't air-conditioned, but the cool mountain air is a good substitute. We suggest leaving windows open at night, and bringing an electric fan from home suggested ​for added comfort.
• Spacious lounges for jam sessions, after-parties and just hanging out.
• Communal refrigerators for midnight snacks and more.

​​Castle and Grounds

• Elegant yet laid-back surroundings, including fine original woodwork and stained glass windows.
• A massive, shaded wraparound porch with rocking chairs from which to watch the birds, admire the view or just schmooze.
• On-campus access to three refreshing hot springs, numerous hiking trails and the free-flowing Gallinas River. (The river and hot springs are located right on campus, below and within walking distance of the castle.

In-Castle Dining

• Meals held in grand dining hall featuring a chandelier by world-renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly
• Options to please all palates, with vegetarian choices always available.
• Salad, sandwich and entrée bars.
• International cuisines offered daily. (With students from around the globe, they’re a year-round staple!)

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Questions? Email our committee chair, ​​Charles.

Getting to the Castle

The castle is part of the campus of the United World College, in the town of Montezuma. It is six miles from Las Vegas and about an hour east of Santa Fe.
Detailed directions can be found on the post-registration info page, or in your Confirmation Letter, mailed after registration.