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

Sharing the Party Pool
Monday, November 15th, 2021

Recognition, Respect, and Responsibility

These 3 qualities, Recognition, Respect and Responsibility, were coined by Neil and Terry Seitz, the Founders of Orient Land Trust and developers of Valley View Hot Springs, as a reminder to everyone who visits to Recognize the beauty, uniqueness and sacredness of this place. Be respectful and kind to yourself and others. Respect the natural environment and wildlife that share their home with all of us. Take Responsibility for yourself…
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Ranch haul
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Ranch Volunteers

Do you want to get away from urban life, live in the country and live on a ranch helping with ranch and garden chores? Orient Land Trust is asking for end of season ranch volunteers. Available soon! We offer a remote, peaceful setting on the 150 year old Everson Ranch. The garden and ranch buildings are only four miles from the base of the Sangre de Cristos and the views…
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A beehive box at Everson Ranch
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Beehive Workshop

Free workshop at the Everson Ranch: How to Assemble a Beehive Box September 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am Learn from Don Baker, our local beekeeper, who brings 50 years of hands-on experience of beekeeping in the San Luis Valley. The art of beekeeping has been in the family for 100 years. This will partly be a hands-on experience. Maybe this might spark your interest in a lifelong hobby or…
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Executive Director, Doug Bishop gives a Hydro Tour for 2019 Science Camp
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Looking Ahead

OLT Is looking to the future! The OLT Board of Directors is excited to announce that we are beginning our advertising to find a candidate to fill a newly created managerial position. This new position is titled Deputy Director. Salary range: $38,000 to $45,000 Status: Exempt, Salary Closing Date: November 30, 2021 Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month…
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Rosie & Kelley
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Rosie to Retire

Rosie, OLT's Visitor Service Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will retire this September! Some of Rosie's accomplishments were expanding our Kids Science Camp, Volunteer Program and Educational Activities. She is also responsible for the beautiful flowers planted around the swimming pool and throughout the village. Kelley Michelle from our front desk staff will be the new VSM. Kelley has worked in visitor services since 2014 and is excited to take on…
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Sunflowers at Valley View
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Board Musings - July 2021

From July 2021 Board Meeting I am starting this report the week that the CDC has issued new pandemic guidelines for Americans. Welcome news to many, being able to recognize one another outside again is a real treat. There are those of us who are still very cautious, understandably. Variants, fewer than 50% of Americans vaccinated, and politics rather than public health concerns drive much of the dialog. Personally, being…
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Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure

Full closure on US 285 over South Fork of South Platte bridge replacement to begin soon! If you are traveling from the front range to Orient Land Trust, please note that there will be a full road closure of US 285 just south of Fairplay. The detour will take you on CO 9 to Hartsel where you will turn right onto HWY 24 which takes you back to 285. Estimated…
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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.