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

Hydroelectric Kilowatts Meter in Welcome Center
Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Winter and Hot Water

This winter, the Sangre de Cristo range is providing less water bubbling up from the springs. Reduced water, resulting from drought, means less electricity produced by our hydroelectric plant. The amount of power we can produce is based on the volume of water as well as the vertical drop. While our vertical drop is constant, the volume of water varies. The heated pools are built to help us regulate the…
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Nantucket Pie Pumpkin
Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Flowers, Pumpkins and Corn

We had plenty of Marigolds in the garden this year. In addition to the cheery flowers they brought to the garden and in vases for the welcome center, they helped protect the vegetables from certain pest and attracted valuable insects as well. Mexican Marigolds are said to offend a host of destructive insects and wild rabbits as well. The abundance of Calendula in the garden also discouraged in soil borne…
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Wildlife
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018

Wildlife

The deer population at the hot springs is not "ours." They are wild deer even though they act tame. A few of the deer in our area have realized that the hot springs is a safe haven from hunters. From a wildlife management perspective, the deer have overpopulated the Sangre de Cristo range and the hot springs shares in that problem. The best solution would be to thin the herd…
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Garden
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018

Everson Ranch - Season of Gratitude

We Give Thanks: To the land trust founders and their vision to protect and preserve this amazing piece of earth. To the board of directors who serve with collective experience, skills, knowledge and wise counsel that moves our organization plan forward. To the dedicated staff motivated by their passion to support OLT's mission and who have helped co-create the ranch component of our educational program. To the volunteers who have…
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Colorado Gives Day 2018 logo
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018

Colorado Gives Day - Dec 4, 2018

Colorado Gives Day is an annual fundraising opportunity that adds to your donation to your favorite non-profit. There is a partial match when donations are made through Colorado Gives to listed participating organizations. To see our profile, search the Colorado Gives site and look for Orient Land Trust
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Snowy North Mth
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018

Valley View Closed Dec 1st - 28th

Valley View Hot Springs will be closed from December 1 through the 28, reopening on December 29. A tradition here at the hot springs, it's a time for staff to work on maintenance projects that are difficult to do while guests use the facility. It's also a time for rejuvenation, peace and quiet for the springs, the wildlife and the land. This is the one time it is OK to…
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Volunteer Appreciation Weekend 2017
Wednesday, November 7th, 2018

Volunteer Appreciation Weekend!

To all of the wonderful volunteers who donated time to Orient Land Trust this season: Our Volunteer Appreciation Weekend is scheduled for December 7 & 8. If you are a volunteer in good standing and have participated in our program for 2018 you are invited! Invitations will be mailed next week so please keep a lookout! If you have moved, changed your address or do not receive your invitation, please…
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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.

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.

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.