Clear
Humidity: 37%
Wind: NNE at 13 mph
58.1°F (Station details)
Sunday

47°F - 77°F
Monday

52°F - 83°F
Tuesday

56°F - 88°F
Wednesday

57°F - 89°F
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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

Breakfast at Member's Weekend 2014
Thursday, 14 June 2018

Member’s Appreciation Weekend

Members Only! June 22, 23 is Member Appreciation Weekend. The celebration is coming up soon. No members will be turned away but non-members will not be admitted. Don't bring a guest unless they are a member. The Friday night band is The Groove Farmers from Salida, Colorado. The Saturday night band is Reviva from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Remember to bring a delicious contribution to the Saturday afternoon potluck. Breakfast Sunday…
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Meadow Pond
Thursday, 14 June 2018

Call Ahead

Yep. Here we are in the good ol' summertime. Valley View is a refreshing spot. We will reach capacity every day through September so, call ahead!
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Top Ponds
Thursday, 14 June 2018

Granting Wishes

What do you love about Valley View? Thank you Artful Dancer for this beautiful poem which describes how so many of us feel and to Scott Rappold who captures the light, energy and colors in his beautiful photographs. Granting Wishes The way the mist rises over the pools in the early morning. The serenity. The way burdens fall off there. The grace of the oaks. The view of course. The…
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Overlooking the San Luis Valley
Thursday, 14 June 2018

Ranching in the San Luis Valley

The problem with holistic management is it's so profoundly simple, but it's not easy. And it's profoundly simple. You're almost insulting people's intelligence to explain it twice, just about making better decisions of where you want to go in your life, bringing in environmental, social, economic issues simultaneously.- Allan Savory There's no denying the negative impacts our current agricultural systems are creating on our environment. Land degradation, loss of natural…
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Breakfast served at Member's Weekend 2014
Tuesday, 08 May 2018

Members Appreciation Weekend: Jun 22-23

Member Appreciation Weekend is June 22 and June 23. This is earlier than the past couple of years. It will come up quickly so make your plans now. This weekend is for members only, no non-member guests will be admitted. We will waive the capacity limits for this weekend so all members are welcome. For those of you who haven't attended a member appreciation weekend, be aware that there will…
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Hayden Pass Wildfire 2016
Tuesday, 08 May 2018

Fire Ban

The Saguache County Sheriff's Department has all of eastern Saguache County under a fire ban. No campfires anywhere, including the usual evening fire at the Pavilion. Also being enforced is the no smoking outside stipulation. As usual, smoking is allowed only inside your vehicle or at the Smoke Hut. In late April, there was a grass wildfire along County Road GG. Luckily, the wind was mild that day and the…
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Garden Volunteers, Brian, Dru and Brook
Tuesday, 08 May 2018

Springing Ahead at the Everson Ranch

"The first supermarket supposedly appeared on the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard."― Joel Salatin, Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People, and a Better…
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Jun
22

12:00 pm 06/22/2018 - 12:00 pm 06/24/2018

Jul
21

07/21/2018 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

Oct
20

10/20/2018 9:00 am - 3:45 pm

Jan
26

01/26/2019 9:00 am - 3:45 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.

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.