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

Lucky LaRue playing for 2002 Members Weekend
Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Members Appreciation Weekend, Aug 8-10

Valley View isn't just a special place. It's also a remarkable community full of diverse talents, brilliant insights, and unending kindness. Like our spring waters, this extended family brings warmth and nourishment to the Valley View experience. It would not be the same without you! OLT is honored to celebrate all our amazing supporters with this annual party and concert. It's the one weekend we set aside our capacity quotas…
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Rainbow Hot Springs, June 2014
Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Rainbow Hot Springs Survives Wildfire

If you visited Valley View in June or July 2013, you may have noticed the thick, choking smoke and the western horizon ablaze. The West Fork Complex fire, actually three fires started by lightning in spruce forests that had been ravaged by beetles, burned 108,000 acres. In the heart of that fire was Rainbow Hot Springs, a collection of primitive, clothing-optional pools every bit as lovely as those at Valley…
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Long-term Volunteer's a Boon to OLT
Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Long-term Volunteer's a Boon to OLT

Finding a volunteer that has the right mix of strong communication skills, a knowledge of conflict management, a positive attitude and a thorough knowledge of Valley View culture, is not that easy to find. That's why this summer season, we're lucky to have two guys that possess all of the above virtues, and more. Plus, they have committed to perform Camp Host duties for the entire summer! Camp Host Dave…
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Doug Bishop chatting with staff
Friday, June 6th, 2014

Greetings from the Executive Director

Greetings from the new and inexperienced trainee on staff. It’s been great! Thanks to all for the warm welcome. The competent and capable staff has been patient and helpful. Those who’ve offered their congratulations and support have helped me start this new job with confidence and the comfort of your warm wishes. We reached capacity over the Memorial Day weekend. Reservations will make things run smoothly for everyone during the…
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Neil sharing his coolest treasures
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014

Joy of Giving

"I've always just loved giving things away. But then we created the non-profit. So now, it was my job to give! People from all over gave to me so I could share with others! Even organizations supported me... doing just what I always loved!"   I'll never forget how Neil's face lit up as he recounted OLT's founding years. And he wasn't alone in this adventure. He and Terry worked…
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Summer Food Storage Cabin
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014

Cooking without Crowds

Ever try to squeeze into the Oak House kitchen on a busy evening? Many have asked about the cabin we positioned next to the pavilion. Last summer, it served as a trading post. But this summer, we'll be opening it for campers to store food and prepare meals with the nearby grills. We'll add a couple communal refrigerators and room to stow coolers inside keeping any curious bears away. Spring…
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Last year's silly science campers
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014

Summer Science Camp - July 20-25

Long-time volunteer, Ted Peck, has volunteered to host a summer science camp for one week at OLT that will span our properties from the Everson Ranch to the Hot Springs and Orient Mine. It's a great opportunity for up to 20 kids (and their parents) to learn a little science and renew or create relationships that may last a long time. We're lining up presentations in geology, hydrology, biology, plants,…
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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.