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

Antelope on GG
Monday, May 16th, 2016

Walk Gently and Leave No Trace!

Use less paper! We recognize that we are a conservation organization with the intention of being conscientious stewards of this revered land. In the spirit of making Every Day an Earth Day, we would like to encourage everyone to bring their own dish cloths, dish towels, and clean-up supplies. Using less paper products will take some fresh thinking and willingness to put in a little effort.. Here are some suggestions:…
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Shiny Ranch Truck
Monday, May 16th, 2016

Truck!

Orient Land Trust has a new-to-us vehicle in the fleet (if that's not too optimistic a word). It's a 2002 Dodge 3500 (1 ton, dual rear wheels) with a Cummins Diesel engine. We'll be using it as the workhorse for all the hauling chores. It's a flatbed so it will be nice to use as a work truck. Many thanks to Mike O'Donal, the ranch manager, for letting us beat…
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Tree Ecosystem
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

Healthy Soil, Healthy Climate

Soil health is at your feet. Carbon sequestration to many people means trees. Another way to sequester atmospheric carbon and improve soil fertility as well as improve absorption of water is by increasing the carbon content of soil. As carbon content in the soil increases there are many benefits. Carbon depleted soils don't absorb much rainfall. The ground crusts over and the rain runs off and causes flooding in low…
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Volunteer hanging owl habitat
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

Volunteerism At Orient Land Trust

The tasks at hand that are needed to run OLT smoothly are myriad. Though the Staff here is ever capable, there is just so much that we can accomplish in a day. Orient Land Trust relies on a long standing tradition of volunteerism. Through the years, many noble souls have come forward and brought their many talents to bear on improving our systems, grounds and infrastructures. I have found that…
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Houndstongue Invasive Weed
Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

Fighting Houndstongue - June 23 - 24

Help Protect Valley View Hot Springs! Do you love the wildlife of Valley View Hot Springs? Please help prevent this special place from being taken over by houndstongue. We are continuing our fight to prevent houndstongue, an invasive and toxic weed, from taking over here. This plant does not provide food for wildlife and will displace native vegetation. By pulling houndstongue in the early summer we prevent it from spreading.…
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Evette & Robin
Saturday, March 5th, 2016

A Few Thoughts from Housekeeping

Recognition, Respect, Responsibility -- Neil and Terry Seitz (Founders of Valley View Hot Springs & Orient Land Trust) Welcome! Now that you have discovered and enjoyed a little "Heaven on Earth", you are also a steward of Valley View Hot Springs, and Orient Land Trust. Recognize where you are and how your presence affects the place and the people here with you. Act respectfully to the water, the land, and…
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Volunteer at the Ranch
Friday, March 4th, 2016

Volunteer at OLT!

Volunteers are very important to our organization and help us throughout the year. We are currently accepting applications for volunteers May through October.We are looking for individuals who love this special place and have time, energy and expertise to share. A positive attitude, understanding of our unique culture and the ability to work well with others is required. We want to match our volunteers up with a job they will…
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Oct
28

Sat 10/28/23 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jan
27

Sat 1/27/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Apr
20

Sat 4/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jul
20

Sat 7/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

  • 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.