First Time Visitor Info

                    Orient Land Trust
                                   Valley View Hot Springs
                                   Email: info@olt.org

Information for First-Time Visitors
Orient Land Trust is a 501(c)3 non-profit, currently protecting over 2,200 acres in the northern San Luis Valley. We count on the tax-deductible support
of our generous members to continue our land preservation work, and the ability to make advance reservations is based on your OLT Membership level.
Non-members can reserve up to two weeks in advance -
See Member Benefits to see how to reserve up to 3 months in advance!

See Rate Information for day visit, overnight and lodging rates
See Directions and Map if you are wondering how to get here
See Before You Call for advance reservation limits, cancellation policy and other information
See Accommodation Availability Calendar to see what overnight accommodations are available

Valley View Hot Springs lies at the foot of the spectacular Sangre de Cristo range
at the end of Saguache County Road GG, a 7 mile gravel road off Hwys 285 and 17.
The Everson Ranch, part of OLT, is centered in the trees at the far right of this photo.

	Our location is isolated and quiet. We are 12 miles from the nearest very small town of Villa Grove and 37 miles from Salida, the closest town with any significant amenities such as supermarkets, pharmacies, or larger retail stores. There are no restaurants here, so bring whatever food you will need. Important - the closest gas stations are 32 miles north (Hwy 285) in Poncha Springs, 22 miles southwest (Hwy 285) in Saguache, and 38 miles south (Hwy 17) in Hooper, so be sure to fill up on the way here!
	Our office hours are from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm every day. Day visitors (not staying overnight) must arrive no later than 8:30 pm and leave by 10:00 pm - the gate locks shortly after 10:00! Overnight guests may check in up until 10:00 pm - there is no admittance after 10:00. Pools and ponds are open 24/7 for overnight guests.
	We are clothing optional everywhere on the grounds. The great majority of guests tend to swim and soak without swimsuits, but there is no "pressure" either way.
	We welcome a diverse clientele of couples, singles, and families from all walks of life. Children are always welcome, though they must be supervised at all times. We strive to provide a safe environment for all, and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
	Our indoor lodging is rustic but not "primitive". All accommodations have heat and electricity, though there are no telephones, clocks, radios, or televisions in any of the rooms. None of the accommodations have private baths - there are two coed restrooms for all day and overnight guests. Overnight guests may arrive and start using the pools any time after 9:00 am but check-in time for all lodging is 4:00 pm. (Some rooms and cabin may be ready earlier.)
	Camping is available, with a variety of sites suitable for vehicles (cars, campers, smaller RVs) or tents. Campsites are reserved on weekends from May through mid-October but individual sites are always first-come, first-served. A shared kitchen is available for use by campers and day visitors.
	Our altitude ranges from 8,600 to 9,000 feet. If you are visiting from a significantly lower elevation, take it easy on your first day here. Also, at this altitude the sunlight can be intense at all times of year, so pay attention to avoid painful sunburns! Sunblocks and lotions degrade our water quality, so please use judiciously when soaking.
	Most cell phones do not work here! Alltel is the only service that consistently gets a strong signal. Many others - e.g., Verizon - will work about 4 miles away down County Road GG. There are two pay phones here; local calls are free and calling cards need to be used for long-distance (outside of the San Luis Valley).
	All our ponds and pools are outdoors - there are no private pools or hot tubs. There are four natural ponds with temperatures generally in the mid-90's, an 80 foot long spring-fed swimming pool (no chlorine!) in the high 80's, and a heated hot pool that's usually about 105 degrees.
	Pets are allowed, though we collect a $50 deposit which is refundable if there are no problems. Pets may stay in cabins but are not permitted in the Oak House, Sunset Rooms, or bathrooms.
	Bring your flashlights or headlamps. In order to maintain our peaceful, natural atmosphere, there is minimal outdoor lighting on the grounds and none near the four natural ponds.
	There is No Smoking within 25 feet of any building, pool, pond, or deck. All lodging is now non-smoking.
	Valley View Hot Springs is managed by Orient Land Trust, a nonprofit organization. We rely on the contributions of individuals to achieve our mission.