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

Chef shot Ta Lin
Monday, September 15th, 2014

Lunch and Learn - Oct 11th

Enjoy a Cooking Class with fellow OLT member and Master Chef, Scott Sharot, in the OLT pavilion at Valley View on Saturday Oct 11th at 12:30 pm. The cost is $25 and will benefit OLT's new Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrades. Chef Sharot will lead participants in a cooking demo of several delicious lunch dishes which they will get to enjoy and take home recipes from afterwards,
Read more...
Tom Bowes shows the old “two wire” control system.
Thursday, September 4th, 2014

OLT’s Hydroelectric is Under Control

Visitors to the OLT’s Valley View Hot Springs may not realize that the water that warms them in the Apple Tree Pools also heats cabins via radiant underfloor piping, and then is used to generate electricity, which in turn heats the pools and provides power to the campus. This remarkable system is one of the unique things about Valley View, and an integral part of the facility’s “recycle, reuse, reduce”…
Read more...
Paintings from photos of VVHS
Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Art Sale Benefit - Oct 4th, Salida

Long-time Orient Land Trust supporter, John Lorenz, will offer San Luis Valley and OLT inspired photographs for sale at The Fritz restaurant in Salida during the month of October. An opening reception with refreshments and a cash bar will happen Saturday, October 4th from 4 to 6 pm. Martin Jolley and other artists will also offer art for sale. A minimum of 30% of sales has been promised for the…
Read more...
Breakfast at Member's Weekend
Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Members Appreciation Weekend in Review

Another exciting Members Appreciation week-end was logged on August 9th-11th at Valley View Hot Springs when a record 245 OLT members came from far and wide to participate in a fun-filled slate of activities or just "chillax" in our soaking ponds, pool and sauna amidst the ever-stunning Valley View-sheds. More active enthusiasts embarked on OLT's trails, hiked to the bats at Orient Mine, visited our Everson ranch to feed the…
Read more...
Taos Garden Party hosted by Dan Jones
Thursday, September 4th, 2014

Garden Party in Taos, a Great Community Builder

About 28 people gathered at the beautiful Zero Energy home and gardens of former OLT Board President Dan Jones on Sunday August 17th to support OLT's Wastewater Treatment Plant Campaign. Fresh vegetables from Dan's garden and greenhouse, cookies from Matt's Bakery in Taos and local wine and beer samplings in abundance added to the festive afternoon! New Executive Director Doug Bishop, OLT founders Neil and Terry Seitz, and Board Members…
Read more...
Playa Sonrisa
Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

Contributor's Auction - this Saturday

While it may be hard to match the Members' Auction item described below, we invite you to dig into your basements, closets, garages and brains for items to bring to OLT Members' Weekend where bid sheets will abound for "stuff" that might be your unique "junk" but other people's treasure - think of professional services, artwork, or meals/catering for other OLT members to bid on. One highlighted auction item includes…
Read more...
Invitation to Garden Party
Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

Garden Party and Benefit Reception - Aug 17th, NM

  Sunday, August 17th, 3-6 pm1245 Cardenas Lane, El Prado, NM 87529 Support OLT’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Campaign, meet new Executive Director Doug Bishop,visit with Founders Neil & Terry Seitz, experience Board Member Dan Jones’ sustainable, Zero Energy home & gardens, enjoy food from Matts Bakery Taos  as well as Dan's garden and greenhouse and sample local wine & beer.
Read more...

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.