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

Gardens at Everson Ranch
Tuesday, September 5th, 2017

Everson Ranch: Past, Present, and Future

The next time you're rumbling up County Road GG after a long drive, your eyes fixed on paradise, clothes already starting to come off, slow down and take a look around. That ranch off to the south is the Everson Ranch and the hot springs you love wouldn't exist as it is if not for the Everson family. Thanks to the efforts of the Orient Land Trust, its employees and…
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Providing drinking water
Sunday, July 30th, 2017

Update: Drinking Water Alert!

We were informed on 7/27/17 that our monthly drinking water test has come back positive for E.Coli and Total Coliform Bacteria. Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source. The state of Colorado has ordered a boil order. July has been a very wet month here and we believe this is what is causing the problem. This affects our drinking water spring only, not the pools…
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"Cosmic" Mark and OLT's New Telescope
Sunday, July 30th, 2017

New Telescope: See for Yourself [Video]

Introducing the New Telescope at Orient Land Trust. See the video below. The rain clouds have blocked the night skies the past two weeks. We are glad for the rain even as we lament the blocked view of the stars. The thirsty mountains are drinking it in and clear nights will return. When they do, take time on a clear evening to look through the eyepiece.
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Night sky over the Meadow Pond
Sunday, July 30th, 2017

Quiet Hours

There are guests that wait for 10:00 pm and the quiet hours. All day long people are playing in the water, meeting friends and family for conversation and laughter. Some people come to celebrate and make music. All day long, those activities are welcome and expected. At 10:00 pm the time begins for listening to the flow of the water, watching the sky and stars as the warm water relaxes…
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Member's Weekend 2014 at Main Pond
Sunday, July 30th, 2017

Member Appreciation Weekend: Aug 4-5

August 4 and 5 are the dates for this year's Member Appreciation Weekend. Orient Land Trust would like to make this time to thank all members for their support and contributions. OLT members communicate the values of OLT, help keep the community alive, and provide the funding for enduring land conservation work. Members are vital to OLT's continuing to function. To extend our gratitude, we offer some special events during…
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Beehive at the Ranch
Friday, July 28th, 2017

The Latest Buzz About Everson Ranch

Some of the most exciting new additions at Everson Ranch this summer are the new honey bee hives. We have two hives with the Italian Strain and one hive of the Carniolan Strain. During the 1st year the colonies will build up their troops along with enough honey to get them through the winter, Next year we should be collecting honey and other products that the hives produce (including beeswax,…
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White Water Ramble and Guests
Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Bands for Member Appreciation Weekend August 4-5, 2017

Thank you Members! Each year, OLT celebrates and gives thanks for our members during Member Appreciation Weekend. Anyone can become a member and no members are turned away. With so many fun-lovin' folks, we ask everyone to park down the road from the Welcome Center and be especially mindful of one another and our delicate space. Our supply of ice is limited and we encourage sharing tent spaces whenever possible.…
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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.