Limited Reopening - August 3rd

Reservations required. No walk-ins! Capacity and pool access is limited.

New office hours, departure time, and gate entry hours.

Staff and phone lines will be very busy. Thank you for your patience.

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The 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

New front porch on the ranch bunkhouse
Sunday, April 8th, 2018

New faces in old spaces

Join us in welcoming some new faces at Everson Ranch! We couldn't be anymore excited for this season's community garden under the management of the newest faces on our team, Brian, Dru and Brook. Brian's enthusiasm for the garden is contagious! His plans for the year include creating a genetically diverse garden with a focus on open pollinated seeds, companion planting, and experimentation. He plans on having three garden plots,…
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Wolf Springs Oil and Gas Proposal area map
Monday, March 26th, 2018

Oil and Gas Leasing Proposal

Dear Friend of San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, As you may or may not know, there is a proposed lease for oil and gas development near the Great National Sand Dunes Park and other important conservation areas in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. Please read the attached letter and see attached maps of the area involved. Public comments are needed by Friday, April 6th, 2018. Thank you! Kay Crowder
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Young Goats
Friday, March 9th, 2018

March at the Ranch, 2018

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.—Ruth Stout Snow may be falling but March brings the promise of Spring and the planning for our community garden has begun. With another season quickly approaching, we're picking out seeds in anticipation of an abundant fall harvest. Employing permaculture designs, our garden goods are always grown in a sustainable manner and we strive…
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Board Members Group Photo, 2016
Friday, March 9th, 2018

Apply to be a Member of the Board of Directors

The Governance Committee accepts applications for new board members all year long. With terms expiring every July, we are always keeping a lookout for interested, committed people to serve on the board. The commitment is for a three year term that involves four board meetings a year, intermittent work sessions, serving on a committee or two, available by email to address concerns that arise between board meetings, and the ability…
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Robin Cleaning the Oak House
Friday, March 9th, 2018

Part Time Seasonal Help Wanted!

We are currently accepting applications for part time seasonal help for front desk and housekeeping staff. Front desk requires a friendly personality, love to interact with people, good computer skills, and the ability to multitask in a very busy, sometimes noisy office. Housekeeping is physical, laundry, cleaning of accommodations, welcome center and bathhouses. A commitment from April through September as well as a flexible weekly schedule is necessary. OLT does…
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Happy Kids and Goat
Friday, March 9th, 2018

Register for Science Camp 2018!

Science Camp 2018 is scheduled for July 29th through August 2nd. Our goals are to create awareness of environmental issues, resource sustainability, land and habitat conservation. Our program provides the opportunity to experience this unique environment, to expand knowledge of the natural world and to instill a sense of stewardship and personal responsibility. Camp begins with orientation on Sunday evening, July 29th. There are three workshops offered daily, Monday through…
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Mild January 2018
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

Mild Weather Continues

January weather was much warmer and drier than normal. There is very little snow in the mountains and the daytime temperatures are mild. While this may cause drought problems in the months to come, it makes for pleasant conditions at the hot springs. The month of January saw a noticeable increase in the number of guests at the hot springs compared to past years. We've enjoyed seeing old friends and…
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  • 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.

Orient Land Trust is a nonprofit land trust 
dedicated to the preservation of Valley View Hot Springs (VVHS) and its viewshed—
including natural and biologic resources, agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, 
open space, and historic and geologic features of the northern San Luis Valley—
for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

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.