Hydroelectric Power

Every modern comfort our visitors enjoy, from our sauna to our cooking facilities, are entirely “off-grid”. 

Most are powered using a highly efficient hydroelectric power plant. The same spring waters our guests soak in also warms our cabins, nourishes the plants and wildlife, and generates a moderate amount of electrical power. We dispense this limited electricity as wisely as possible, off-loading these demands as need be to compensate for drought seasons. 

The hot springs facility operates entirely off-grid and is profoundly affected by precipitation and visitor usage. As part of our educational mission, we've shared this and other natural resources with 27,000 visitors annually for decades. All energy conserved by guests is directed through our governor and into extra hot water for the soaking they so enjoy. Visitor's interest is further developed with guided Hydro tours, active research, and educational campaigns. These direct connections have inspired sustainable living practices for generations forming a wide-spread community of tourists, locals, and environmental enthusiasts. We've cultivated long-standing partnerships with schools, government, local, and environmental organizations including an engineering school who's freshman class created sustainable energy designs for our newest property, a historic ranch and campus. Simply put, the possibilities are tremendous!

Sustainable Energy Tour

Interested visitors should inquire about our in-depth geothermal and hydroelectric tours. Hosts show them the entire cycle, visiting the springs, collection box, down to the hydroelectric power plant, following the current back up to the governor, and finally to experience the benefits first hand.

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.