The bats are gone. The last time we took a group up, Saturday, there were only a handful (eight) bats spotted. We didn't take a group last night and we won't be scheduling a tour guide until next year. 

Orient Land Trust is proud to present a Ranch Celebration Event on October 1, 2016. We invite you to join us at the Historic Everson Ranch for our open house tours and special Harvest Dinner Concert & Dance. Register now online. Tickets for the dinner and concert are $50 per adult, $25 for minors aged 13-17 and there is no extra charge for kids under 12. All kids and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

This has been such a great year at the ranch with many long term projects being completed and new facilities and gardens opening for use. It’s time to celebrate! Everyone’s invited. Let’s enjoy a fun social time together with good food, music and dance.

Ranch tours will be available throughout the day, visit the animals, the community garden and hike to the Everson Reservoir.

Farm to Table Harvest Dinner will be catered by RustingRam Catering!  Menu to include a variety of our free range grass-fed beef, pig and goat meat along with our farm raised organic salad greens, rosemary roasted potatoes, roasted beets, garden veggies and grilled squash medley, and from the valley, quiona salad.  Beer from our new local brewer, Crestone Brewing Company & Elevation Brewery and wine from Vino Salida included as well.

The Concert and Dance promises a special treat featuring a wonderful trio led by Sandra Wong playing violin and the Swedish stringed instrument the nyckelharpa, multi-instrumentalist Andy Reiner and tabla hand drum player Steve Bross providing a variety of bluegrass, old time tunes and other special musical sounds for our listening and dancing enjoyment.  We'll be gathering for dinner around 3:45 pm,  with drinks and musical entertainment by the valley's own Sweet Radish. Plan on arriving early.

A beautiful early fall afternoon/evening at the ranch. What could be better? We invite you to join us for this special celebration. See you there.

All proceeds go to support Orient Land Trust.  Thank you to our sponsors: RustingRam Catering, J&J Rentals and Crestone Brewing Co, Vino Salida and Elevation Brewery.

Buy Your Tickets Now

EVENT DETAILS

Gathering and Drinks with Music by Sweet Radish 3:45 pm
Dinner Begins At 4 PM
Main Concert and Dance with Sandra Wong and Friends 
4:45 to 6:30
RANCH TOURS All DAY!

This year we received a record number of complaints about dogs and an increase in dog bites. We walk a fine line between our members who love to bring their pets and those who wish dogs were not allowed at the hot springs. Our desire is not to discourage dog-owners from visiting, rather it is to encourage dog-owners to manage their pets responsibly.

Please consider if your dog is a "good-fit" with the environment here. Dogs who are high strung, excitable or easily stimulated do not do well and are best left at home. We encourage first time visitors to come without their dogs so they can see if it is a good environment for their pet. We have specific pet guidelines to which dog owners must adhere.

These guidelines are simple: Pets must be quiet, peaceful, always attended, picked up after and leashed. Pets may not be tied so they block a pathway or obstruct entrance to a pool or pond. Tie them to a tree, well away from the spring. Barking, aggression, impacts to other guests, or damages are not tolerated. Please tell us when you make your reservations that you wish to bring your dog. All pets must be vaccinated and registered with the front desk. There is a small fee to bring your dog; $5 day, $10 camping, $15 if staying in a cabin. As the weather gets colder, remember that we have five dog friendly cabins. Dogs are not allowed in the water. The Oak Lodge, Sunset House, Spruce House, Sauna, bathhouses and Welcome Center are dog free buildings. If you have questions about your dog visiting or if you are bringing a service dog, please give us a call! We would love to help you in planning your trip with your pet so that everyone has a positive experience.

This year, late August has offered the boon of some significant rainfall. The northern valley had become parched and dusty. The Hayden Pass Fire had lasted for weeks and smoldered along with frequent bursts of activity sending plumes of smoke into the air to the east. The hot springs was not affected very much by the fire. We did have a few afternoons of some smoke drifting into the valley but we were really fortunate that the impact of the fire was not felt here. The rains have dampened the spirits of a few tent campers yet the gift of moisture was much needed and appreciated!

Orient Land Trust had the contributions of twenty-two Colorado College volunteers from August 24 to August 28. The students worked in two groups. One group put a new coat of wood stain/preservative on the Spruce Lodge. The second group worked at the ranch building fence. This annual help has been beneficial for us and we hope the students enjoy their time here as much as we enjoy having them here. In addition to the work they did, they got to tour the hydroelectric generator and learn about the inter-related aspects of the OLT systems. The group camped at the Orient Mine and with some afternoon rains had the opportunity to have campfires at their camp site. Many thanks to Colorado College for this opportunity and a big Thank You to the volunteers!