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

Blackheaded Grosbeak, Appletree Pools
Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Bird & Photography Workshops, May 18-19

The songbirds are starting to arrive at Valley View Hot Springs and Everson Ranch! If you love birds and are interested in photography, don't miss this rare opportunity to spend some time with Bird Photographer Dr. Daniel Flemming. We have three workshops planned! Valley View Hot Springs Saturday, May 18th, 6 am to 8 am; Meet at the Welcome Center (an overnight pass for Friday May 17th is required because…
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John Eiseman at Ranch BBQ
Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Summer at the Ranch

Summer 2019 Events at Everson Ranch Ever wondered where all the water goes after you soak in it at the hot springs? Well, this is the summer you can see for yourself! The Everson Ranch, part of the Orient Land Trust, is a working ranch just a few miles downhill from Valley View and it is here that we can show you. Summer is the best time of year for…
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Update on the Drinking Water
Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Update on the Drinking Water

You will notice some postings about the drinking water. Orient Land Trust has revised our application for pre-treatment of the drinking water. We were directed by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to install filters at the beginning of each of our five treatment systems. They required that those be installed by the end of March. We are still waiting for approval of our revised application and have…
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Volunteer for our Annual Weed Pull! Jun 5-6
Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Volunteer for our Annual Weed Pull! Jun 5-6

Every year a devoted group of hardworking volunteers participate in our annual Weed Pull! Volunteers arrive on Tuesday, June 4th to set up camp and enjoy a day of relaxation at Valley View Hot Springs. Workshop begins early on Wednesday, June 5th, meeting at 8 am in front of the main bath house. Volunteers are trained on what invasive weeds we are targeting (Houndstongue, Bull Thistle, and Horehound) and how…
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View from the Top Ponds
Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Spring

The Sangre de Cristo mountain range received well above average snowfall this past winter. That could mean increased water flow from the springs. In late March, the volume of water from all the springs was significantly less than normal and far below what we enjoyed last year. We are eagerly anticipating the recharge from this winter's snowfall. While it will probably cool down the top ponds, a pattern we have…
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World Naked Gardening Day
Tuesday, 16 April 2019

World Naked Gardening Day, May 4th

The first Saturday in May is World Naked Gardening Day. This year It falls on May 4, 2019, and if you're thinking of celebrating, make sure you consider joining us at Everson Ranch for a day filled with special activities, gardening fun and delicious food! According to Wikipedia, World Naked Gardening Day (WNGD) was introduced in 2005 as a nudist movement to discourage body shaming and encourage acceptance of all…
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Houndstongue Invasive Weed
Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Weed Mitigation, June 5-6

We are calling for volunteers for the annual weed pull. We are again asking for help to pull several species of invasive weeds at the hot springs. The weed species we are targeting are: Houndstongue, Bull Thistle, and Horehound. The two days will be June 5 and 6. Contact Rosie at
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Jul
12

5:00 pm 07/12/2019 - 12:00 pm 07/14/2019

Jul
20

07/20/2019 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Oct
19

10/19/2019 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

Jan
25

01/25/2020 9:00 am - 3:30 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.