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

Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Astronomy Pad

Wednesday, October 28, the concrete trucks arrived and the astronomy pad was poured. Everything went smoothly and it's ready for the next show. The clouds came later in the day and we may have to wait a few days for a clear night. It feels good to have this stage of the astronomy program in place before
Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Dinner in Denver

October 9 we held the dinner at the Radisson in southeast Denver. There were about a 115 people in attendance and we raised nearly $20,000 with more pledges yet to arrive. Kirk Navo and Jay Sims both had informative presentations. Doug Bishop showed some pictures of the programs that OLT has been conducting. This event gave us a chance to say a great big "Thank You!" to all the generous…
Spaces are still left for the OLT Annual Fundraising Dinner on Fri, Oct 9th at the Raddison in south Denver. . Dinner is $35.00 per person and it's a fundraiser to pay off the Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrades. The state-mandated WWTP upgrade involved a long process that included initial study costs, recommendations, designs, permits, and then finally, construction. The accumulating expense began with preliminary studies over six years ago.…
Saturday, September 26th, 2015

Apple Tree Bridge

There is a new bridge to the heated pools. Thanks to metalworker, Jim Melcher, architect and machinist who designed and installed the bridge with the help of Mike Blevins, his able volunteer. After Jim did the welding and positioning, the staff poured the concrete, in which pipes containing flowing hot springs water are embedded. This will keep the bridge free of ice and snow even on cold January nights. The…
Remember to RSVP for the Second Annual Dinner in South Denver. Dinner is $35.00 per person. We are raising money to pay off the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Thank You for all your help! The system cost $180,000, which is what we were asking for last year. We only had to borrow $100,000 and we made the first payment of $30,754.84 in September. That means there is only $69,245.16 left…
Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Member Appreciation Weekend

Thanks to all for the successful weekend! On staff, we were a little anxious about what the weekend would bring. On this special occasion, we waive the capacity limits and open the gate to all members. It's a little intimidating. However, our members are terrific! We had a grand weekend and hope you did too. Thank You Members!
Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Colorado College Volunteers

Thanks to the Colorado College Freshmen work groups! Orient Land Trust hosted two work groups again this August 20 through 23. The students built more picnic tables for the campsites, spent two days weeding the leach field acre, and built a quarter mile of fence on the Valley View parcel west boundary. The groups camped at the Orient mine. They split into smaller sub-groups for several opportunities to soak in…

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

Jul
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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.