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

CC Volunteers help Stain the Spruce House
Thursday, October 13th, 2016

2016 Volunteers!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful and skilled volunteers who supported the Land Trust this summer! We had over 50 individuals who helped as Camp Hosts, Discovery Hosts, Bat and Astronomy Tour Guides, Geology, Hydro and Ranch Tours. Many others helped put in the community garden, were teachers and support staff for Kids Science Camp, maintained trails, stained cabins, chopped firewood, laid fence and…
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Dog Problems!
Thursday, October 13th, 2016

Dog Problems!

Dog issues have been our greatest challenge this summer. We've had half a dozen dog bites and many complaints of dogs off leash, at the pools and in the campground. There is about a 50/50 break in the folks who love to bring their dogs and those who wish dogs were not allowed at the hot springs. The position we have taken is to ask our dog owners to be…
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Bats at Sunset
Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

Bats Gone for the Winter

The bats are gone. The last time we took a group up, Saturday, there were only a handful (eight) bats spotted. We didn't take a group last night and we won't be scheduling a tour guide until next year. 
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Sunset
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Get your Tickets Now - Ranch Celebration Event October 1, 2016

Orient Land Trust is proud to present a Ranch Celebration Event on October 1, 2016. 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 extra charge for kids under 12. All kids and minors…
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Dog Guidelines
Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

Dog Guidelines

This year we received a record number of complaints about dogs and an increase in dog bites. We walk a fine line between our members who love to bring their pets and those who wish dogs were not allowed at the hot springs. Our desire is not to discourage dog-owners from visiting, rather it is to encourage dog-owners to manage their pets responsibly. Please consider if your dog is a…
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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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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.