We are Closed Due to COVID-19 and Public Health Orders. We Will Keep you Posted on When We Will Be Able to Reopen.

On March 13th, 2020, Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs decided to close to the public as a precaution to mitigate spread of the new coronavirus virus. Then on March 25th, the State of Colorado issued a statewide Stay at Home order. Watch for updates.

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The 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

(Virtual) Oak House Jam
Saturday, May 23rd, 2020

(Virtual) Oak House Jam

What a treat! The May 22, Friday night virtual event with John Standish, Mark Allen, Edie Carey, and cameo appearance by Dylan Standish, was a joyful and heartwarming evening. It was nice to touch base with more than a hundred people. The music was wonderful and the nostalgia level was high. John included some video footage of past Oak House music jams and there were some brief scenes of the…
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Virtual Oak House Jam
Monday, May 4th, 2020

Save the Date: Oak House Jam - May 22

7:30 PM Friday, May 22: (Virtual) OAK HOUSE JAM with Mark and John. Join OLT Board Director John Standish and our good friend and accomplished vocalist/guitarist Mark Allen for a live streaming jam! The show will feature a special appearance by truly mesmerizing and amazing singer/songwriter, Edie Carey. Join us on YouTube and chat with us during the live show!
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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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  • 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.

Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust 
dedicated to the preservation of Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) and its viewshed—
including natural and biologic resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, 
open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley—
for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

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.