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

View from the Top Ponds
Friday, March 11th, 2022

Douglas County Residents

Attention residents of Douglas County. Do you value Valley View Hot Springs and Orient Land Trust? Do you question and challenge the Renewable Water Resources (RWR) proposal to take water from the San Luis Valley and pipe it to provide water for growth in your county? Your voice matters. The Douglas County commissioners want to hear from YOU in regards to the Renewable Water Resources (RWR) proposal. People across the…
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Sunset near Orient Mine
Monday, March 7th, 2022

Imagine Yourself As A OLT Board Member

Orient Land Trust's current board is doing an awesome job ensuring that the vision and mission of OLT is met. The current and past board members work closely with OLT staff to keep things spinning like a smooth-running hydro generator creating energy that electrifies all visitors. We believe OLT's influence joins other similar tribes in the international arena of love as being guardians of our future world. Perhaps this season…
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Valley View's Top Spring
Wednesday, January 19th, 2022

Saguache County Water at Risk

The Douglas County Commissioners will be holding a series of town hall meetings to discuss buying water from the northern San Luis Valley. We do not yet have the date of the next town hall but it is estimated to be in early February. The proposal to export water from the confined aquifer in the San Luis Valley is a scheme that puts Valley View Hot Springs water at risk.…
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Happy New Year 2022
Tuesday, January 18th, 2022

Happy New Year 2022

May this year begin and end in health and well being for all. We continue to encourage everyone who comes to be considerate and not arrive with any signs of illness. Our staff and guests have maintained a great track record for the past 2 years, may that continue. Our limited capacity allows for healthy distancing and a relaxed stay. While we were closed in December our sauna was completely…
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RWR Water Export Proposal vs NE SLV
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Stop RWR Water Exports: Urgent Call to Action

Renewable Water Resources (RWR) is seeking "a $20 million investment of COVID refund money" from Douglas County. They intend to pump, redistribute, and sell San Luis Valley's deeper groundwater as a cheaper alternative for south Denver and Pueblo's growth. At risk is the continued existence of Valley View's geothermally heated spring water which could be drastically altered or eliminated! Our balance of agriculture and wildlife would be impacted as well.…
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Neil Seitz, 1954 - 2021
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

Neil F. Seitz, 1954-2021

Neil Seitz, age 67, achieved freedom from a long illness on November 17, 2021. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at his home at Valley View Hot Springs, Moffat, CO. Neil was born on August 12th, 1954 in Winona, Minnesota, to Doris May (Hoffman) Seitz and Ferdinand aka Vernon Seitz both of whom pre-deceased him. He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years…
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Neil and others, rebuilding the Swimming Pool, circa 1980
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

Neil F. Seitz, Founder

Neil Seitz died November 17, 2021 in his home. For those of us who have been around for a while, Neil was well known and recognized for many remarkable achievements. The hot springs was once owned and operated by the Everson family and, in the early years of Neil's stewardship, he spent many days helping Roy Everson at the Everson Ranch in addition to overseeing daily activity at the hot…
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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.