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

Babies at the Ranch 2018
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

2018 Ranch Babies

This year's first baby goats have arrived and we are thrilled to announce they are a set of triplets! The kids were born on January 29th in the middle of the warm sunny day. Since that time they are doing great and have already stolen our hearts with their exuberant personalities and adorableness!! We do have more mamas that are expected to deliver in the upcoming weeks. Anyone who would…
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Voliunteer Weekend 2017
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

Scheduling for Volunteers!

2017 was a banner year for volunteers with 128 dedicated people donating 8,275 hours in facilities, at the ranch and garden, as camp hosts, discovery hosts, bat tour guides and astronomy hosts. Others helped with weed pulling, trail building, consulting or as a committee member or board director. Thank you to all of the incredible people who helped last year, your participation is appreciated! Calling all Astronomers! Last year we…
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Cloud Formation
Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Happy New Year!

The re-opening of the hot springs in late December went fairly well. The weather was mild and sunny. We were grateful not to be plowing the road, shoveling snow, and sanding the walkways. The weather continues to be quite nice for outdoor activities as of January 17th. The mountains are bare and we'll want some moisture eventually. In the meantime, we might as well enjoy the mild temperatures. It's not…
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Massage Therapists
Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Massage Available

In the presence of eternity, the mountains are as transient as the clouds.-Robert Green Ingersoll Visit our website: olt.org to learn more about Massage & Bodywork during your Valley View visit. Or contact Cynthia NielsenMassage Therapy Coordinator
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Winter at the reservoir
Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Winter on the Ranch

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." – John Steinbeck The work is never done! 365 days a year, seven days a week, there's no end to what must be done on the ranch. Even in the dead of winter there's lots to do. In fact, it can be the most challenging time of year! Keeping the animals healthy and warm…
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Rio Grand National Forest Roadless 2017
Thursday, December 14th, 2017

National Forest Plan

Attention OLT wildlife corridor and landscape lovers;Please find a moment to write a letter to the Rio Grande National Forest planning team regarding their twenty-year Forest Plan revision. The deadline for public input ends Friday, December 29th. This is your opportunity for public input regarding how the Rio Grande Forest surrounding Orient Land Trust will be managed over the next twenty critical years. The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC),…
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1970s Sharing the Main Pond
Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Pond Etiquette

There are many people that enjoy a beverage as they soak. Sometimes, those beverages contain alcohol. There are also people that object to alcoholic beverages at the pool. We've all seen someone get a little laissez faire about their behavior when consuming alcohol. We've also all seen people consuming alcohol become belligerent and argumentative. No one enjoys these behaviors, not even the person who is sloppy or defensive. It is…
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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.