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

Colorado camping, year round
Friday, January 13th, 2017

Winter Visits

Plan ahead - be prepared. The night time temperatures are cold. Indoor accommodations are typically reserved in advance. Winter campers have many choices and there is no tent site fee for tent camping October through April. Most winters, for most of the winter, there is snow on the ground. Winter campers should be prepared to clear the snow from their tent site to suit their needs. All visitors should bring…
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Remodeled bathroom with ceiling mural by Adam Richards
Friday, January 13th, 2017

Visitor Center Remodel!

This December we remodeled the kitchenette and bathroom in the Visitor Center! The kitchenette has a new commercial refrigerator which required a wall being removed and refinished. The new fridge has a glass front and meat freezer which makes shopping more convenient. Cabinets were rehung and the kitchenette looks great! The bathroom walls, ceiling and floor were redone, including a beautiful mural! The remodel work was donated by Volunteer Adam…
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Winter tressle at Orient Mine
Saturday, December 10th, 2016

Thank You!

The year is almost over. The staff of Orient Land Trust would like to take this moment to say, "Thank You!" to everyone that helped make 2016 a memorable year. We are grateful for the support of so many: members, volunteers, visitors, and all those interested in bats, hydroelectricity, geology, and the conservation work for the fish, replenishing the soils, and gardening. Your cheerfulness, generosity, and appreciation makes every day…
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2016 Board Members
Thursday, December 8th, 2016

Board Meeting - Saturday, January 21st

The next meeting of the OLT Board of Directors is Saturday, January 21, 2016 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend in-person or online. The meeting will be held onsite and a basic breakfast will be provided. Come and join the meeting and meet the board members! The Agenda and Information Packet will be available for download.
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How can I help?
Saturday, November 19th, 2016

How can I help?

Every day people arrive who have never been here before. Trying to bring first timers up to speed is a large and important task. The days of darkness before electricity are gone. Campfires no longer smolder in the park. Outhouses are a dim memory, except on the bat hike. I met a couple one morning as they were basking on the rocks below Oak House. They first came to the…
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Closed December 1 through December 28
Saturday, November 19th, 2016

Closed December 1 through December 28

Once again, Valley View Hot Springs will be closed from December 1, 2016 through December 28, 2016. We will be open again on December 29, 2016. We will be available limited hours in the office for those people wanting to make reservations. If you don't get an actual staff member, leave a message and we will call you back. Enjoy the holiday!
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Harvest Celebration 2016
Thursday, October 13th, 2016

Harvest Celebration

The October 1 event at the Everson Ranch was well attended. The weather was great; blue skies, warm temperatures, and golden sunshine. The food was delicious. Many thanks to RustingRam caterers for taking the raw material of our ranch produce and creating a feast. Two musical groups - Sweet Radish getting things warmed up and Sandra Wong and friends keeping things humming - provided the music. Ranch Tours of the…
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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.