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

Old Outhouses
Monday, June 1st, 2015

The Wastewater Treatment Plant

Everyone has heard about the WWTP and the long process involved; including recommendations, designs, permits, and the construction process. What may have been lost in the tale is the accumulating cost of the thing. Construction costs were about $180,000. We also paid the design firm and we paid the State of Colorado for permits. Altogether, the WWTP has cost more than $300.000. The good news is that we only borrowed…
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Board Members 2014
Monday, June 1st, 2015

We Can Use Your Help

If you have considered working on a committee supporting the OLT Board, now is the time to volunteer. If you are considering applying to be on the OLT Board, please send a letter of interest, a resume and references to the Governance Committee ChairsemailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_9361e29f", 1); by June 15th. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Breakfast at Member's Weekend 2014
Monday, June 1st, 2015

Member’s Appreciation Weekend

Fri Jul 31 – Sun Aug 2, 2015 Each year, OLT opens its gates to celebrate its devoted members and all their support. Anyone can become a member and no members are turned away. With so many fun-lovin' folks, we ask everyone to park off-site 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.Enjoy…
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Weaver's Level Best, the crew that completed Valley View's new waste water treatment system
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Waste Water Plant Finished!

Friday, April 10, in the late afternoon, the crew of Weaver’s Level Best, connected the waste water pipe from the Valley View bathrooms, showers, and sinks to the new system. After more than six years of planning, permits, engineering, and coordinating, the new waste water treatment plan is now operational. The engineer has been here for his final inspection, the contractors pulled all their equipment out and peace and quiet…
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OLT Booth at Denver Art Society
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Denver Art Society Party

Friday night, April 24, 2015, there was a party at the Denver Art Society at Seventh and Sante Fe in Denver. The space that we had was big, had scuffed hardwood floors, and high ceilings with old tin panels. The walls were covered with the works of the artists whose studios are at the Denver Art Society. There was beer on tap, generously provided by Renegade Brewery of Denver. My…
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Exploring the Fault Scarp, Science Camp 2014
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Science Camp, July 19-24

Kids! Science Camp is coming. This year the dates will be July 19 – 24. Bring your curiosity, your scientific method, and your sunblock. Monday – Friday half the day will be spent learning from the 4 scientists: geologist / hydrologist; plant and animal specialist at the ranch; biologist; and bat specialist. The other half will be day-camp type experiences for discovery, fun, and relationship building with the organizer of…
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John Standish & Mark Allen
Wednesday, May 6th, 2015

Jammin’ with John, Colorado Springs, June 7th

Join OLT at Poor Richard’s Back Patio in Colorado Springs, June 7, 2015 from 4 – 9 pm when musician and OLT board member John Standish will be playing the piano with accompaniment by OLT volunteer Mark Allen and others. Advance tickets on sale now, please RSVP to emailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_06782a55", 1); or call 719-298-2289. Tickets are $10 and we are suggesting a donation of $40 per person to support all of…
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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.