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

Monday, April 17th, 2017

Kids Science Camp 2017

Kids Science Camp 2017 is scheduled for July 23rd through the 27th. Our goals are to create awareness of environmental issues, resource sustainability, land and habitat conservation. Our program provides the opportunity to experience this unique environment, to expand knowledge of natural world and to instill a sense of stewardship and personal responsibility. We have reached full enrollment as of April 14th. Interested families may still add their names to…
Monday, April 17th, 2017

Bird Watching Workshop

Bird watching workshop scheduled for Saturday afternoon, May 20th and Sunday morning, May 21st. Explore Orient Land Trust with nature photographer and bird watcher Jim Welch. There is no charge for this workshop. Bird Fun Photography & Identification Workshop MAY 20TH & 21ST Saturday Afternoon 4:00 – 7:00 pm Sunday Morning 7:30 – 10:30 am Jim Welch, Wildlife Photographer Identify and record the different birds at Orient Land Trust by…
Monday, April 17th, 2017

Please Welcome Our New Staff

Next time you check into the Welcome Center, you may notice a few new faces! We'd like to welcome Zoe and Tina to the front desk staff and Jamie to our housekeeping staff. Also welcome Kim, Haven and Sarah who started in housekeeping this fall. Please say hello when you stop in.
Monday, April 17th, 2017

Last Chance to Apply

Time is running out if you want to be considered for the Orient Land Trust Board of Directors. The Governance Committee, the group responsible for reviewing applicants for the OLT board, would like to begin interviewing soon. If you have an interest, act soon to get your name in front of the committee. Preferred are people who have been to board meetings, have served on a committee, or have been…
Orient Land Trust is a great place to work! We have a dedicated and friendly staff who work year round to promote the mission of the land trust, maintain this beautiful property and assist guests with their visit.We are looking to fill several seasonal front desk positions starting in April. These positions are part time, approximately 21 to 28 hours (3 to 4 days) per week. A commitment to work…
In conjunction with the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, (our local public lands advocate organization), Orient Land Trust is participating in the public comments process as the U.S. Forest Service determines their management plan for the Rio Grande National Forest for the next 20 years. OLT has already submitted a comment package and the OLT Board of Directors is in the process of submitting their perspective. We are inviting any…
Friday, March 10th, 2017

Down on the Ranch

March madness is in effect at Everson Ranch! The weather is a month of transition with a split personality. It's typically the snowiest month and can be interlaced with early tastes of spring and everything in between. We have new baby animals and thoughts of this years projects and programs are getting some attention. March is also the time of year that Nancy Roberts, of Arrowpoint Beef Company, will bring…

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.