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

Hayden Pass Wildfire 2016
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Rain!

This year, late August has offered the boon of some significant rainfall. The northern valley had become parched and dusty. The Hayden Pass Fire had lasted for weeks and smoldered along with frequent bursts of activity sending plumes of smoke into the air to the east. The hot springs was not affected very much by the fire. We did have a few afternoons of some smoke drifting into the valley…
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Colorado College Volunteers Refinishing Spruce House 2016
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Colorado College

Orient Land Trust had the contributions of twenty-two Colorado College volunteers from August 24 to August 28. The students worked in two groups. One group put a new coat of wood stain/preservative on the Spruce Lodge. The second group worked at the ranch building fence. This annual help has been beneficial for us and we hope the students enjoy their time here as much as we enjoy having them here.…
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Camping at Member's Weekend
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Member Appreciation Weekend

This is our chance to say Thank You! to all OLT members. Members only, no capacity limit. No member turned away. Expect lots of people. Don't bring non-member friends, unless they want to become a member, this is the only weekend that is members only. Music, food, pools, and summer. Member Appreciation Weekend is August 12 and 13 this year. The band on Friday night is Todd Johnson & Breaking…
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Bat Host Michael answering questions, Science Camp 2016
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

Science Camp Recap

Science Camp 2016! was July 24th through July 28th. We had 18 kids, ages 4 through 13 who camped with us for the week-long program. Our goal was to create awareness of environmental issues, resource sustainability, land and habitat conservation. To give our youth the opportunity to experience this unique environment, to expand their knowledge of the natural world through our educational programs and to instill a sense of stewardship…
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The Nature Conservancy
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016

The Nature Conservancy

Our partners in conservation, the Nature Conservancy, did their annual monitoring July 28 and 29. The experience of walking around the ranch, meanders, and hot springs is interesting and enlightening. The meanders this year look especially healthy. We were able to get more water to the riparian area by installing a by-pass around the hydroelectric plant. Thanks to volunteer Jim for the design and welding! The informal, unofficial report is…
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Ranch Meadows
Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Ranch Celebration Event October 1, 2016

Orient Land Trust is proud to present a Ranch Celebration Event on October 1, 2016. Hosted by OLT staff, External Affairs Committee members and volunteers we invite you to join us at the Historic Everson Ranch for our open house tours and special Harvest Dinner Concert & Dance. Register now online. Tickets for the dinner and concert are $50 per adult, $25 for minors aged 13-17 and there is no…
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Annual Outreach Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Board Outreach Meeting - This Saturday

The annual outreach meeting of the OLT Board of Directors is Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend in-person or online. The meeting will be held at the hot springs Pavilion once again this year and lunch will be provided. Come and join the meeting and meet the board members! Download the Agenda and Information Packet Follow this and all our Board…
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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.