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

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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Frozen 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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Bat Outflight
Thursday, February 6th, 2020

New Membership Upgrade Process

Your support of the land trust through your donation is much appreciated. Not only do members get advance reservations benefits and an invitation to the annual Member Appreciation Weekend, your donation supports the efforts OLT makes to preserve and restore natural and biological resources. For-profit hot springs often become crowded as there is little effort made to limit attendance to a reasonable capacity. OLT has limits on how many people…
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Board Outreach Meeting 2016
Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Imagine Being an OLT Board Member

Orient Land Trust's current board is doing an awesome job ensuring that the vision and mission of OLT is met. The current and past board members work closely with OLT staff to keep things spinning like a smooth running hydro generator creating energy that electrifies all visitors. I believe OLT's influence join other tribes in being guardians of our world. Perhaps the season of longer nights may lead to your…
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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.