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

OLT Board of Directors. Not Pictured: Board Member Scott Hamilton. Pictured: Former Board Member Sarah Halliday Resigned 08/12/23 After This Picture Was Taken in July.
Saturday, November 11th, 2023

Join the OLT Board

WANT TO GIVE BACK? BECOME AN ORIENT LAND TRUST (OLT) BOARD MEMBER: OLT's current board of director's goal is to ensure that the vision and mission of OLT are met by working closely with OLT staff to keep things spinning like a smooth-running hydro generator creating energy that electrifies all visitors! Perhaps this season may include you applying to be on the Orient Land Trust executive board. It is our…
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Pool noodles left at Soaking Pool
Saturday, November 11th, 2023

Pack it In, Pack it Out

YOU BRING IT, YOU TAKE IT HOME We ask everyone to come pretty self-contained with food, drink, towels, robes; if you're camping, cookware and dishes. Hats are a great alternative to sunscreen. One particular item that people bring and tend to leave behind are pool toys and noodles. Please take them home with you. We do our best to manage and dispose of recyclable materials responsibly, but it requires a…
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Staff 2023
Saturday, November 11th, 2023

Welcome New Staff, Farewell to Others

One very familiar and welcoming face that is no longer going to be greeting guests is Cherrye's. She and husband Mike are relocating to Maine. They have both been an integral part of Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs. Those of you who know Cherrye may not be as familiar with Mike. You have surely enjoyed his contributions. He was a main builder of the Apple Tree ponds…
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Chart of Energy Use Showing Weekly Pool Cleaning
Saturday, November 11th, 2023

Valley View Electricity

All of the electricity at the hot springs is supplied by a hydroelectric plant that has limited production capability. Our kilowatts are over allocated. Many people would like hot water in the pools all winter and we do our best to maximize the available power. Electric cars are increasingly prevalent. These may be helpful in reducing carbon emissions and slowing climate change. We are investigating some possibilities for electric car…
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Welcome Center
Monday, August 7th, 2023

We are Hiring Front Desk and Housekeeping Staff

If you live close enough to Valley View to have considered working here this may be your dream opportunity. We have openings for 2 part time or possibly a full time Front Desk position starting immediately. Housekeeping also has openings. These links will take you to the job descriptions and an application.
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Volunteer enjoying the Everson Ranch
Sunday, August 6th, 2023

Everson Ranch News

The first Saturday in May we celebrated the international World Naked Gardening Day at the Everson Ranch. This now global event was started in 2005 and has become an annual tradition at the Everson Ranch. We had perfect weather to experience working in the great outdoors and in the greenhouse. For some participants it was an introduction to clothes freedom through gardening. Other free spirited proponents were seasoned, shedding their…
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Crystal England, Doug Bishoip, and Mark Jacobi at Ranch Methane Digester
Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Deputy Director Hired

Congratulations to Crystal England who was selected to become the Deputy Director of Orient Land Trust. After two years of review, the decision was made at the April 2023 board meeting. Crystal has been on the front desk staff for seven years and is familiar with many of the guests and much of the framework of Orient Land Trust. We will be utilizing her able assistance throughout the organization.
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Jan
27

Sat 1/27/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Apr
20

Sat 4/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jul
20

Sat 7/20/24 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.

For the education, enjoyment, and well-being of current and future generations, Orient Land Trust: 
promotes a positive clothing-optional experience at all properties including Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine and Everson Ranch;
preserves the viewshed, including land acquisition; 
protects natural, wild, agricultural, and historic resources, in the northern San Luis Valley.

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.