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

Sunrise Medano-Zapata Ranch - Alamosa County (JF - 0890)
Tuesday, February 4th, 2014

2014 Membership Dinner and WWTP Fundraiser

Thursday, April 3 Enjoy a great meal & OLT friends, learn about OLT’s new strategic plan, support OLT’s Wastewater Treatment Plant campaign! Door prizes!
Read more...
Let's Donate!
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Let's Donate!

We Need 1500 Donors @ $100 Each! Ever sit on the back porch at Oak House in warm summer months and catch our "drift"?!? It's not too swift on hot, sunny days, depending on which way the wind blows! OLT's wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), constructed in 1983, has gotten heavy use over the last 30 years by our thousands of annual visitors and is in dire need of retirement. We…
Read more...
Mark Jacobi, Interim Executive Director
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

OLT’s New Interim Executive Director

Born in Appleton, WI at the age of 28, after traveling a good deal, I realized I could leave once and for all! I lived and renovated buildings in New York City from 1984-1988, also exploring Theatre and Art. My wife and I have resided in the Baca Grande, south of Crestone, CO for the last 25 years in a house that we hand-built. During that time I was a…
Read more...
Thank You Terry and Neil!
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Thank You Terry and Neil!

OLT is forever grateful to our founders, Neil and Terry Seitz for their on-going consultation to and support of OLT, especially during this time of transition in organizational leadership. Terry, in particular, has put in countless hours bringing OLT's bookkeeping current after the departure of several staff members, keeping things on an even keel financially, helping OLT"s Development Director with database knowledge regarding queries and data mining, answering phones and…
Read more...
We're Listening
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

We're Listening

Good News! We're happy to announce that reduced Winter Rates will be in effect beginning when we re-open December 29, 2013, running until April 30, 2014 as follows: Day Use (per person) $13 Overnight Use (per person) $26 Tent Site $5 Vehicle Site $10 Oak Dorm Bed $10 Oak Private Room $20 Small Cabin $50 Sunset Room $55 Large Cabin $65 Even better news; the above rates will include the…
Read more...
Notes from the Chair
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Notes from the Chair

I am honored to welcome three new members to the OLT board. Many of you may recognize John Lorenz. John lived at Valley View and was on the staff from 2005 to 2010. John brings an intimate experience with various spheres of Valley View. Myron Hulen, a retired professor from Colorado State University, has extensive experience with nonprofits. He has worked to raise funds and served as Treasurer for Larimer…
Read more...
Summer Hay from the Everson Ranch
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

What's Happening at the Everson Ranch

This year brought numerous land revitalization projects to OLT's Everson Ranch. Pastures that were almost barren, this year produced a harvestable crop of hay. Sixty large bales were gleaned from the north pasture with a "street value" of about $3500 to $5000 (though this initial batch will remain with us for our animals). Still, a very good beginning! "Our animals" are five horses, five pigs, a dozen chickens and a…
Read more...

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.