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

The construction crew installing the new wastewater treatment plant arrived yesterday and started digging. Some people may be annoyed by the noise and activity and we want to give everyone notice. We would have told you sooner had we known the exact start date. This project is weather dependent and the contractor had to find their own window. Some people might want to come and see the progress. If you…
Friday, February 27th, 2015

A Valley View Story

Soaking in the water and floating under the stars can help. A regular, long time visitor came in the other afternoon with her 16 year old daughter. I remembered the daughter from a time 12 years ago. She was four years old then and liked to hang out in the construction zone. Her mom told me the background of how she was able, twelve years ago, to donate $5,000 with…
Monday, February 2nd, 2015

Seeking Committee Volunteers

How would you like to join a like-minded community of compassionate souls who care deeply about topics like conservation, sustainability, and the future of the Northern San Luis Valley? Would you like to learn more about the history and inner works of Valley View Hot Springs and the Orient Land Trust while sharing your skill, passion, and energy with our community? The Board of Directors of Orient Land Trust is…
Sunday, January 11th, 2015

New Year, New Look!

There is a new look to match the new year at the Welcome Center! With the hardwood floor we have also changed the configuration of the front desk and rearranged the library and history rooms. The project was a big job and it was interesting to go through all the accumulations. Our gratitude goes to the volunteers that worked so diligently doing the installation of the floor. Thanks Adam, Scott,…
Sunday, January 11th, 2015

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the bath/kitchen facility is progressing nicely and OLT received a grant from Saguache County to defray some of the costs toward building a methane digester sewage treatment system instead of a conventional septic system. In the next several years, the plan is to restore hayfields and improve dry-land pasture for cattle. The hayfields need tending and water. The initial investment will largely be in straight…
Wednesday, November 12th, 2014

Colorado Gives Day - Dec 9th

If you love Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs as a unique place of peace, community and soothing waters that nourish the environment and the soul, now is the time to give. Support OLT in the spirit of Colorado Gives Day from now until December 9th when your gift to OLT will be matched proportionally. Colorado Gives Day is more than a day of giving, it’s a movement…
Wednesday, November 12th, 2014

Need Holiday Gift Ideas?

OLT has a variety of new T-shirts, hoodies and winter beanies (hats) just in time for your holiday shopping. Order by Dec 15th to receive in time for the holidays. A great selection of colors and styles are available! Especially popular have been the "Advice from a bat...advice from the moon, earth, night sky, etc" series of T-shirts and bookmarks! Orders can be placed by calling or emailing 719-256-4315/ emailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_7ae0c1c2",…

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
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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.