History

In 2004, with generous donations from its members and other local stakeholders, OLT purchased 760 acres of the historic Everson Ranch from developers to protect the open space and agricultural heritage forever. OLT has since purchased several other parcels to secure the view scape from small scale development and securing it for agriculture, a historic and cultural mainstay of the San Luis Valley.

Ongoing Tours

• Bat Hikes
• Astronomy Shows
• Naturist Hikes
• Alternative Energy
• Fault Scarp Geology
• Plant and Wildlife Hikes

Campfire Talks

informal

Weekend Workshops

formal

[calendar listing including who's offering each]

"Never thought of ourselves as owners so much as stewards. It just made sense to share..." - Terry

Minimal cost and development

Non-profit and noncommercial approach 

Free to children under 16

Free tours

Supporting local government (unrequired taxes?)

Supported by your donations

The Orient Land Trust is perhaps best known for protecting its spectacular views. With 2,200 acres over a variety of terrain and surrounded by __ miles of public lands, visitors share a powerful and unique perspective of the world. The viewshed highlights the natural, historic, and agricultural heritage of the northern San Luis Valley, its rural communities, and their gentle pace of life. The skies are wide and open, with dramatic and beautiful weather. Come nightfall, the high altitude and lack of light pollution make provide some of the best stargazing to be found.

Astronomy Program

OLT's location and geography are extremely favorable for great celestial viewing. Several great telescopes were donated for visitors to view the skies in great detail. Our Astronomy Hosts share the science and wonder of the night sky with visitors. With our 8" telescope, guests can spot distant galaxies, fascinating stars, as well the rings and moons surrounding nearby planets.

Heavens Above, Site 1792105 (OLT) - astronomy and satellite events, localized to Valley View Hot Springs
Space Weather - meteor showers, solar weather, and aurora sightings

All Night Soaking

Year round, our overnight guests can soak comfortably under the stars all night. All areas remain open to all guests throughout the night. We maintain minimal artificial light and recommend having a flashlight ready well before dusk. Most visitors are surprised how comfortably they can soak for hours.

Please be mindful when using flashlights near others and keep a low voice out of respect for those sleeping nearby in tents and cabins.

Spectacular Weather

Vision Statement

Orient Land Trust (OLT) is a unique place of peace, community, and soothing waters
that nourish the environment and inspire us to preserve it.

Mission Statement

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.

Objectives, Goals and Strategies

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.

• Maintain rustic lodging and camping opportunities for all visitors.
• Maintain capacity and group size limits to mitigate the impact of human use the the environment
• Provide a welcoming family-friendly environment.
• Promote naturism along with social and environmental awareness.

Conservation and Preservation: Follow the highest possible standards for land preservation, agricultural practices, and energy and water conservation.

• In Orient Land Trust’s geographical area of concern, protect the view, wildlife corridors, dark skies and open space by utilizing appropriate conservation tools.
• Promote land stewardship with an emphasis on conservation, preservation and education over revenue priorities
• Strive for off-grid energy use and a small carbon footprint for all components of OLT. 
• Protect water resources.

Research and Education: Facilitate scientific research around OLT resources, and promote educational programs and activities suitable for adults and children.

• Encourage collaboration with scientists, universities, government agencies and others for scientific studies of OLT resources including geology, biology, hydrology and energy.
• Develop and demonstrate conservation models and programs that teach thoughtful use of limited resources, including energy, water, material goods and land, to reduce each individual’s impact on these resources and to adjust for environmental changes such as drought.
• Provide regular educational programs and activities for guests of all ages.

Staff Development and Community Relations: Maintain OLT as a responsible citizen of the San Luis Valley.

• Maintain a professional staff with expertise in conservation practices, agriculture, energy, finance and accounting, fundraising, and resort management.
• Provide an organizational structure that facilitates accomplishment of OLT’s mission and objectives.
• Follow sound fiscal and project development practices that facilitate accomplishment of OLT's mission and objectives.

Complete Strategic Plan