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

Wyoming Worm Wrangler
Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Worm Farm Workshop - May 22

Monday, May 22, 2023 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm At this educational, hands on workshop you will learn how to set up a worm bed, how to maintain the worm bed, and how to sort out the worms from their castings. Both indoor and outdoor vermicomposting systems will be discussed. Bring your questions and ask the Worm Wrangler! If you wish to purchase worms or worm castings to be…
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Complementary dusk baths?
Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Volunteer at the Ranch

We are still looking to round out the schedule of hardy Everson Ranch volunteers for this season. The Everson Ranch in Colorado is looking for volunteers for the season of 2023! Some details: Minimum of 2 weeks between May and December Physical, outdoor environment in the San Luis Valley Daily chores ranging from animal care, working in the garden, general clean up, clearing downed trees, lawn mowing, cleaning bathhouse kitchen…
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Jon & Lisa
Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Music and Stars - May 26

Join us May 26th for live music from the front porch at the Everson Ranch! Jon Sousa and Kroja will kick off the evening at 7pm with an acoustic set that will have us dancing until dark. We'll pass the hat to support the musicians. Astronomy is one of our most popular educational programs, and we're excited to bring the telescope to the Everson Ranch! Stay after dark for a…
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Rebuilding the Ranch
Thursday, May 4th, 2023

Rebuilding the Ranch

Work Event June 10-11 Participate in the revitalization of the historic Everson Ranch at OLT! Be the first to stay and camp at the ranch this season for our Rebuilding the Ranch event June 10-11. Enjoy great food, entertainment and campfire on Saturday night, and a Sunday picnic at the reservoir while helping with ranch clean-up projects each day. Arrive Saturday morning to settle in and join us for lunch.…
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Doug Bishop explaining OLT's Hydroelectic Plant
Friday, March 31st, 2023

Electricity at OLT

Orient Land Trust maintains a micro-hydroelectric power generating system that has been in operation in its present form since about 2000. All of the waters on the Valley View property converge at a filtration Collection Box before entering a 9000 ft. long, 12" diameter pipeline that drops 540 ft. in elevation to a Power House near the Valley floor. This delivers a pressure of about 232 PSI to the (Pelton)…
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Membership
Friday, March 31st, 2023

Membership

You can become a member of Orient Land Trust and get the benefit of advance reservations. The membership structure allows us to keep our rates lower. Why are advance reservations important? Admission is limited. Daily admission is available until the limit is reached. In the winter, space is usually available on short notice, except for weekends. During the warmer months, we often reach capacity weeks ahead of time. How does…
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Summers on the Porch: Music and Stars 5-26-2023
Friday, March 31st, 2023

Music and Stars at the Ranch

Save the date for a concert and educational event at the Ranch on May 26, 2023 We were approached by long-time OLT guest and member Jon Sousa about hosting a concert performance. We are pleased that we have a date and a general format for the event with music performances between 7 pm-9 pm and an astronomy program at 9 pm. About the Musicians: Jonathan Sousa Lisa Lestander Jon solo…
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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.