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, January 25th, 2016

Founders Seeking Assistance

Do you dream of a chance to live at Valley View Hot Springs? The Seitz’s are looking for someone to live in their home and help care for Neil who has a neurological condition and dementia. Duties will be part-time providing companionship and personal care for Neil, as well as assisting in case of a fall or other emergency. This is a paid position, and would evolve as Neil’s condition…
Sunday, January 24th, 2016

Traction

It's winter and the snow and ice are accumulating. Look for improvements around the swimming pool. We have laid out some mats and are installing a hot springs water heated system to prevent icy surfaces around the swimming pool. We'll save some shoveling time and cut down on slippery surfaces!
Friday, January 22nd, 2016

Wastewater Campaign

You might have noticed that the progress bar for the WWTP campaign has been removed. We first want to thank all of those generous people who donated to the campaign. Your support and donations helped us immensely. The total costs of this necessary infrastructure upgrade was around $300,000. The exploration of different designs, the design fees and the permitting fees were paid by visitation and operations income. The construction phase…
Monday, January 11th, 2016

December Projects

The idea was to take it easy this year and not try to do so much in December. Oh well, it was a good idea. Some of the projects that we worked on this December: install geothermally heated floor in Cottonwood cabin, flagstone path to heated pools, tile the Pool Bath showers, fix, replace, and refinish some of the well worn parts of Main Bath, prepare Spruce House (across the…
Monday, January 11th, 2016

Board Meeting

The January Board Meeting is Saturday, January 16, 2016 beginning at 9:00 am. This time we are gathering at the Spruce House for the meeting. (Spruce House is the house across the road from the Welcome Center.) We are finally letting Neil and Terry keep their house on board meetings trusting that they will still attend and provide the meaningful feedback that keeps us on track. Many thanks to the…
Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

Colorado Gives Day - Dec 8th

This is our second year of participating in the Colorado Gives Day. Your generosity this year has been amazing. Orient Land Trust has strong support from many people. If you want to take advantage of one last charitable donation for 2015, the Colorado Gives Day is an excellent time. While I’m thinking of it, let me, again, extend my gratitude to everyone that helped make this a memorable year.
Monday, November 30th, 2015

Closed for Four Weeks!

December 1 through December 28, the hot springs will be closed. We open the gate again December 29th. We will be responding to phone messages throughout the time out. Things are different when we’re closed and we enjoy the change of pace. Enjoy your time with friends and family through the holiday. This may be the right time for us to wish you a Happy New Year! Thank you for…

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.