Orient Land Trust is a non-profit land trust created around Valley View Hot Springs, its unique culture and environment.

With the Orient Mine and Everson Ranch, we now protect 2,200 acres, its wildlife corridor, pristine spring waters, hiking trails, rustic cabins, and camping. Visitors of all ages and walks of life enjoy free educational programs, clothing-optional naturist open space, geothermal warmth, hydroelectric energy, and Colorado's largest bat colony.  Read more...

Guidelines Rates and Reservations Bat Tours

Warm weather, cool nights, a great time to be outside! Summer is a favorite season for many hot springs guests. Those who have been here for a few years know that calling ahead is important. The bats take up summer residence at the mine starting in mid-June, the fireflies are blinking all summer, and camping is an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors. Remember that the wildlife is also more…
Sunday, April 8th, 2018

Recycle!

OLT has a partnership with Waste Free SLV to collect and transport recyclables. There are recycling stations at several locations throughout the hot springs: Oak House, the Pavilion, the parking lot near the swimming pool, Sunset Rooms, and the Welcome Center. Please separate and sort the recyclable materials as our partner's operation is not single stream recycling such as is available in larger communities. Consider decisions that reduce consumption of…
We have several new folks joining our visitor service staff! Diane Felton who volunteered as a Discovery Host last year, is returning to help with reservations and front desk check in. Michael Thompson who is new to the San Luis Valley, will be helping out at front desk and housekeeping. Mike McGee has joined our housekeeping staff. Sabine Borchers, currently in housekeeping will also be answering phones and making reservations.…
Our Kids Science Camp Registration is full. Any families who would like to go on the waitlist for this year or on our email list for future years, please email Rosie
Sunday, April 8th, 2018

New faces in old spaces

Join us in welcoming some new faces at Everson Ranch! We couldn't be anymore excited for this season's community garden under the management of the newest faces on our team, Brian, Dru and Brook. Brian's enthusiasm for the garden is contagious! His plans for the year include creating a genetically diverse garden with a focus on open pollinated seeds, companion planting, and experimentation. He plans on having three garden plots,…
Monday, March 26th, 2018

Oil and Gas Leasing Proposal

Dear Friend of San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, As you may or may not know, there is a proposed lease for oil and gas development near the Great National Sand Dunes Park and other important conservation areas in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Please read the attached letter and see attached maps of the area involved. Public comments are needed by Friday, April 6th, 2018. Thank you! Kay Crowder
Friday, March 9th, 2018

March at the Ranch, 2018

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.—Ruth Stout Snow may be falling but March brings the promise of Spring and the planning for our community garden has begun. With another season quickly approaching, we're picking out seeds in anticipation of an abundant fall harvest. Employing permaculture designs, our garden goods are always grown in a sustainable manner and we strive…

Jul
20

Sat 7/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

  • Naturism by Neil & Terry Seitz, FoundersHistory of Naturism at OLT
  • Words of Wisdom by Neil & Terry Seitz, FoundersSharing experience and wisdom that helped sustain this special place through the decades.

For the education, enjoyment, and well-being of current and future generations, Orient Land Trust: 
promotes a positive clothing-optional experience at all properties including Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine and Everson Ranch;
preserves the viewshed, including land acquisition; 
protects natural, wild, agricultural, and historic resources, in the northern San Luis Valley.

Values

  • Dedication to inclusiveness and the public good
  • Accountability to a diverse public community and maintaining their trust
  • Social and environmental justice beyond mandates
  • Respect for the worth and dignity of individuals and nature
  • Embracing naturism through practice and education
  • Modeling collaborative pluralism, transparency, integrity and honesty
  • Pledging excellence and responsibility in stewarding resources
  • Encouraging lifelong learning

Goals

  • Visitor Space Protection and Management: Maintain and protect Valley View Hot Springs as an affordable, peaceful and family-friendly clothing-optional recreational facility that enhances the visitor experience year round.
  • Conservation and Preservation: Follow the highest possible standards for land preservation, agricultural practices, and energy and water conservation.
  • Research and Education: Facilitate scientific research around OLT resources, and promote educational programs and activities suitable for adults and children.
  • Staff Development and Community Relations: Maintain OLT as a responsible citizen of the San Luis Valley.