Wildflower Identification and Useful Wild Plants of OLT and the Southern Sangres

July 15th and 1 pm

Join Naturalist/Environmental Interpreter Bob Kennemer for this class on the slopes of Valley View Hot Springs  and OLT land. Participants will learn how to identify wildflowers along with useful wild plants. Ethical and environmentally sound practices will be utilized as we learn about traditional uses of wildflowers and plants from medicines to meals to arts and crafts. Dangerous, noxious, and poisonous plants will also be discussed.

Dear Members, 

First and foremost, all of us within the organization deeply appreciate your dedication and support of Orient Land Trust (OLT), which includes Valley View Hot Springs, Everson Ranch, and so much more. 

Secondly, we are writing to inform you that, due to rising operational costs, we find it necessary to adjust our pricing, effective July 1, 2025 (see rate table below). The adjustments will apply only to accommodations and admission rates. All levels of the Annual Membership Dues will remain unchanged, and accompanied children under 16 will continue to enjoy free admission.

For many years, OLT has maintained exceptionally low rates. In fact, while admission rates saw a modest increase in 2019—the first in 12 years—our accommodation rates have remained unchanged since 2013. With these adjustments, we believe OLT continues to remain competitively priced compared to similar hot springs organizations and U.S. Forest Service-developed campgrounds. 

We understand that changes like this may be concerning, and we want to assure you that this decision was not made lightly. The process was challenging and involved careful consideration by many within the organization. This included the Executive Director, the Internal Affairs Committee, which is composed of a number of experienced members with deep historical and organizational knowledge, and all nine members of the Board of Directors.

The number one mission-critical need for these adjustments is recruiting and retaining talented team staff members by honoring our commitment to offering competitive wages in the San Luis Valley. OLT’s team members play a vital role in providing successful guest experiences, which directly affects the overall health of the organization. We are proud to note that almost six years ago, we began to provide health insurance to the OLT team, a valuable benefit to our staff. We are also exploring additional ways to enhance the appeal of joining the OLT employment team.

Other mission-critical needs with rising costs include the maintenance and upgrades necessary to sustain the facilities and amenities you are accustomed to enjoying. This extensive infrastructure includes roads, waterways, pools, and ponds, as well as essential facilities such as our wastewater treatment center and hydroelectric powerhouses. It also includes the 700+ acres at the historical Everson Ranch, a year-round astronomy program that welcomes thousands of visitors annually using state-of-the-art technology, and the ongoing preservation of our historic 100-year-old cabins. Additionally, in 2024, OLT expanded by acquiring 160 more acres in its viewshed. Your support helps protect this land, preserving open spaces, dark skies, and the natural habitat that provides sanctuary for wildlife in the San Luis Valley.

OLT is a unique place of peace, community, and soothing waters that nourish the environment and the people. Those unique qualities inspire us all to preserve it. We are committed to remaining an affordable, peaceful, and family friendly clothing optional experience, and we are deeply grateful for your support. That support directly contributes to preserving this natural wonder and ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and tranquility. 

Thank you again, and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

In Gratitude,

OLT Board of Directors & Crystal England, OLT Executive Director

[email protected] / [email protected] / (719) 256-4315

Admission Rates:

Accommodations (per night):

*Adjusted rates will be applied for all seasons beginning July 2025.

Join us on June 16th for the annual community weed pull event.

We’ll join forces in the morning and combat noxious weeds across the property. Our goal is to stop their spread, and you can help us make it happen! Enjoy two nights of camping under the stars and a few hours of getting your hands dirty while building community.

Camp with us on Sunday, the 15th, and begin at 9 am on the 16th.

Email [email protected] to sign up or for more information.