We are Closed Due to COVID-19 and Public Health Orders. We Will Keep you Posted on When We Will Be Able to Reopen.

On March 13th, 2020, Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs decided to close to the public as a precaution to mitigate spread of the new coronavirus virus. Then on March 25th, the State of Colorado issued a statewide Stay at Home order. Watch for updates.

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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

1970s Sharing the Main Pond
Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Pond Etiquette

There are many people that enjoy a beverage as they soak. Sometimes, those beverages contain alcohol. There are also people that object to alcoholic beverages at the pool. We've all seen someone get a little laissez faire about their behavior when consuming alcohol. We've also all seen people consuming alcohol become belligerent and argumentative. No one enjoys these behaviors, not even the person who is sloppy or defensive. It is…
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Main Pool
Thursday, December 14th, 2017

Member Appreciation Weekend 2018, June 22, 23

Mark your calendars! Member Appreciation Weekend will be June 22 and 23. Every year we invite all members, and only members, to a summer celebration. We have a band on Friday night with dancing and music under the Pavilion and the waxing moon. Saturday, there is a potluck dinner in the afternoon. Saturday night, another band. Sunday morning, OLT provides breakfast. This year, the weekend is earlier than recently because…
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Volunteer Appreciation Weekend 2016
Saturday, November 18th, 2017

2016 Annual Report

Annual Report to Audited Financials and IRS 990 We've streamlined our presentation of the Annual Report for 2016 and included links to the full Audit Report with graphs and the IRS Form 990 for the first time This provides the most detailed information about OLT's financial health and well being for 2016. We have been sending regular monthly email newsletter updates (archived on the website) which include information and highlights…
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Colorado Gives Logo
Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Colorado Gives Day: December 5

For those that would like to boost their donation amount with what is added through the proportional match that is available through Colorado Gives, see their website for more details. Colorado Gives
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Valley View Closed December 1st - 28th
Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Valley View Closed December 1st - 28th

Just as we have done for many years, we are closing the hot springs to guests for the 4 weeks of December 1 through December 28. We will be open again on December 29. This December we plan on implementing the new database and reservation system. Therefore, we will not be answering the phones for one week, December 4 through 11. Please don't call during this week and wait until…
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Self Regulating Soaking, Cooking, Socializing
Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Self Regulating Soaking, Cooking, Socializing

Everyone here has an obligation to communicate their expectations and extend the inclusive sense of community. If someone in the pool with you asks you to speak more softly, that is the person directly impacted by your behavior. OLT has deliberately avoided a long list of specific rules and regulations; we don't want to be that kind of place and we don't enjoy the role of enforcer. Simply stated, the…
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Pumpkins at Everson Ranch
Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Pumpkin Goodness from Everson Ranch

"The Pumpkin is a uniquely American plant, widely regarded as one of the most magical plants in all the world." -Seth Adams, Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern. Plenty of pumpkins from the garden are still available for purchase. Only $2 each!! Also, fresh from the ranch kitchen and sold in the welcome center throughout the cold months- A variety of yummy pumpkin foods including baked goods and hummus!
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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.