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

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

From the Treasurer

It is autumn at the springs. The warm water still bubbles up, the mountains tower above the valley, and the leaves are blowing around. The summer was busy. Rains finally arrived and rinsed the air and settled the dust. I'm feeling grateful for the springs, the people that hold us up, and the strength of the natural world. One friend reminded me that this is one of the most beautiful…
When visitors come to Valley View, most are surprised to learn that we operate entirely "off-grid". All the heat and electricity they enjoy is generated here, onsite and with little environmental impact. Without realizing it, guests soak in and camp along the flowing, warm water that produces our power. It's just one of the many ways OLT connects people to our natural world. Our flow of water varies constantly as…
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

2013 Annual Appeal

GOAL OF $150,000 FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY UPGRADE Please donate today! OLT members are the greatest people in the world! They believe in and have made a commitment to keeping Orient Land Trust and its holdings, among them our crown jewel – Valley View Hot Springs – the special place that it is forever. From the soaking ponds, the wildlife, the landscapes and pristine environment at the hot springs village,…
Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

Volunteering is Fun!

Hey all you hot spring loving dudes and dudettes! We want to tell you about the wonderful experience my three friends and I had volunteering with the Orient Land Trust during our short vacation from school. We helped rid the area of an invasive species, which was a rewarding learning experience. We also helped with some fire mitigation and dug a ditch to the collection box to bury a cable…
Thursday, August 29th, 2013

Change of Management

August 28th, 2013 We have made changes in our organization today that will build a foundation for the future while honoring the past. This will be a future that emphasizes the profound vision of our founders, Neil & Terry, and is rooted in their original intention and purpose. We will be working with them to continue to develop the organization they established to preserve and protect OLT lands and the…
Thursday, August 15th, 2013

Rain: Keeping it in Perspective

"On a positive note...all of the rain of late has been beneficial for most areas at helping to ease the short term meteorological drought. But...it is important to remember that not everyone has been the recipient of significant rainfall nor has the drought eased at all in the deeper sense of the word. It took us years to get into the drought and it will take us years to get…
Saturday, May 11th, 2013

Financial Sustainability

This year we have had to make a priority out of doing some long due upgrading. We have had to build another employee cabin to house Mike and Cherrye, who will help to fill the huge void left by Neil and Terry's retirement. We are completely revamping the electrical system to allow us to continue to operate under drought conditions, which look like they are here to stay for the…

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.