Valley View Hot Springs is Open with Limited Capacity and COVID Restrictions

Reservations are required. No walk-ins! Pool access may be limited.

Reduced Office Hours - Check-in times - Departure time.

Limited capacity. Reservations, for day use and overnight admissions, require payment in advance.

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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

Ranch haul
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Ranch Volunteers

Do you want to get away from urban life, live in the country and live on a ranch helping with ranch and garden chores? Orient Land Trust is asking for end of season ranch volunteers. Available soon! We offer a remote, peaceful setting on the 150 year old Everson Ranch. The garden and ranch buildings are only four miles from the base of the Sangre de Cristos and the views…
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A beehive box at Everson Ranch
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Beehive Workshop

Free workshop at the Everson Ranch: How to Assemble a Beehive Box September 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am Learn from Don Baker, our local beekeeper, who brings 50 years of hands-on experience of beekeeping in the San Luis Valley. The art of beekeeping has been in the family for 100 years. This will partly be a hands-on experience. Maybe this might spark your interest in a lifelong hobby or…
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Executive Director, Doug Bishop gives a Hydro Tour for 2019 Science Camp
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Looking Ahead

OLT Is looking to the future! The OLT Board of Directors is excited to announce that we are beginning our advertising to find a candidate to fill a newly created managerial position. This new position is titled Deputy Director. Salary range: $38,000 to $45,000 Status: Exempt, Salary Closing Date: November 30, 2021 Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month…
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Rosie & Kelley
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Rosie to Retire

Rosie, OLT's Visitor Service Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will retire this September! Some of Rosie's accomplishments were expanding our Kids Science Camp, Volunteer Program and Educational Activities. She is also responsible for the beautiful flowers planted around the swimming pool and throughout the village. Kelley Michelle from our front desk staff will be the new VSM. Kelley has worked in visitor services since 2014 and is excited to take on…
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Sunflowers at Valley View
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Board Musings - July 2021

From July 2021 Board Meeting I am starting this report the week that the CDC has issued new pandemic guidelines for Americans. Welcome news to many, being able to recognize one another outside again is a real treat. There are those of us who are still very cautious, understandably. Variants, fewer than 50% of Americans vaccinated, and politics rather than public health concerns drive much of the dialog. Personally, being…
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Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure

Full closure on US 285 over South Fork of South Platte bridge replacement to begin soon! If you are traveling from the front range to Orient Land Trust, please note that there will be a full road closure of US 285 just south of Fairplay. The detour will take you on CO 9 to Hartsel where you will turn right onto HWY 24 which takes you back to 285. Estimated…
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Protective Decking at the Meadow Pond
Sunday, July 11th, 2021

Local Day Passes

With the recent changes in CDC and the SLV Health Administrator Covid-19 recommendations, we are updating our guidelines. Though physical distancing and mask wearing are still recommended for non-vaccinated guests indoors, they are no longer required at the pools and ponds. This makes it possible for us to consider day pass admission. We will start out slowly, by adding a small number of day passes each day and see what…
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Oct
16

Sat 10/16/21 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jan
22

Sat 1/22/22 9:00 am - 2:00 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.