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

Deer Social Distancing
Monday, May 4th, 2020

Ice-O-Lation Social

What? Can one be social in isolation? We so want to socialize during this time of physical distancing. A couple of weeks ago, we launched a fundraising campaign to help OLT during this closure necessitated by the Covid-19 virus. Under usual circumstances, we would be greeting people, taking phone calls, and scheduling your reservations. Alas, as everyone knows, this is not a “normal” spring. We value our guests and our…
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Board of Directors
Monday, April 6th, 2020

Call to Action

Today, we extend our unwavering love and appreciation to each of you as we navigate the new COVID-19 reality. OLT does not conduct many fundraisers because everyone is always very generous. The present epidemic everyone is grappling with has us asking for your help once again. Now more than ever, we miss your smiles, and the sights and sounds of visitors along the paths, the music jams in the Oak…
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Mitigating a Pandemic
Friday, March 13th, 2020

Closed to Guests Due to COVID-19

Beginning noon Friday, March 13, 2020, Orient Land Trust—Valley View Hot Springs has closed to the public due to the COVID-19 virus. We are being proactive to protect our community and staff. Relevant details: Our hot springs water sources are natural springs. The pools and ponds have no added chemical disinfection. Our kitchens and bathrooms are communal spaces. The Governor of Colorado has declared a state of emergency and cases…
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Last Year's Science Camp
Monday, March 9th, 2020

Kids Science Camp and Youth Conservation Corps 2020

Kids Science Camp is scheduled for July 26 - 30 this year! We are trying a new process to register your child, a lottery! Camp is for kids ages 6 - 11! Camp is limited to 30 kids. New this year, Youth Conservation Corps! We are expanding our program for youth ages 12 through 15. They will be participating in three in-depth workshops: 1) Solar Car Race, 2) Bats and…
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Winter at the Reservoir
Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Winter on the Ranch

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." – John Steinbeck Winter provides us with a new set of challenges and is often the hardest time on the ranch. 365 days a year, the animals must be kept warm and fed. When the pastures are covered in snow, the animals are hand fed in order to make sure they're getting enough food…
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Welcome Center
Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Remember, Rate Increase Begins March 1

There will be rate increases in 2020. Admission fees are going up. Guests will be charged taxes directly. Rate increases will go into effect March 1, 2020. Admission Fees: Day Pass Admissions will go up $2.00. Overnight Admissions will increase $4.00. May through September, a day pass admission is going to be $17.00 per adult. Overnight admission will be $34.00 per adult. October through April, Day Pass Admission will be…
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Campers at Member's Weekend
Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Member Appreciation Weekend! Aug 28-29

Save the date! Member Appreciation Weekend this year will be August 28 and 29. This is a week or two later than we have done in the past but the best choice for moonlight and the rest of the summer's activities. We have not yet selected the entertainment but wanted to let you all know the weekend we have chosen. As all Member Appreciation Weekends, members only will be able…
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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.