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

Rosie & Kelley
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Rosie to Retire

Rosie, OLT's Visitor Service Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will retire this September! Some of Rosie's accomplishments were expanding our Kids Science Camp, Volunteer Program and Educational Activities. She is also responsible for the beautiful flowers planted around the swimming pool and throughout the village. Kelley Michelle from our front desk staff will be the new VSM. Kelley has worked in visitor services since 2014 and is excited to take on…
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Sunflowers at Valley View
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Board Musings - July 2021

From July 2021 Board Meeting I am starting this report the week that the CDC has issued new pandemic guidelines for Americans. Welcome news to many, being able to recognize one another outside again is a real treat. There are those of us who are still very cautious, understandably. Variants, fewer than 50% of Americans vaccinated, and politics rather than public health concerns drive much of the dialog. Personally, being…
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Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Travel Advisory - US 285 Closure

Full closure on US 285 over South Fork of South Platte bridge replacement to begin soon! If you are traveling from the front range to Orient Land Trust, please note that there will be a full road closure of US 285 just south of Fairplay. The detour will take you on CO 9 to Hartsel where you will turn right onto HWY 24 which takes you back to 285. Estimated…
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Protective Decking at the Meadow Pond
Sunday, July 11th, 2021

Local Day Passes

With the recent changes in CDC and the SLV Health Administrator Covid-19 recommendations, we are updating our guidelines. Though physical distancing and mask wearing are still recommended for non-vaccinated guests indoors, they are no longer required at the pools and ponds. This makes it possible for us to consider day pass admission. We will start out slowly, by adding a small number of day passes each day and see what…
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Beehive at the Ranch
Sunday, July 11th, 2021

Bees!

You are invited to conversations about bees and tea at the Everson Ranch. The Everson Ranch has been "on pause" during the last months of Covid. Many visitors and volunteers have missed not being able to enjoy the ranch and the garden during this time. While the ranch continues to be closed for now, we are opening it up on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25 for two presentations.…
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Family enjoying the Main Soaking Pond 2014
Friday, May 28th, 2021

Sharing Pools and Ponds

OLT's Response to the Latest CDC, Colorado State and Local Health Department Guidelines, Effective May 28, 2021 Office Hours: Our office is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm for reservations. Guest check-in time is: 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, accommodations are guaranteed by 4:00 pm. Guests check out from accommodation and hot springs at 12:00 noon. Gates are closed at 9:00 pm and there is no admittance until…
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Looking Out to the Historic Everson Ranch
Friday, May 28th, 2021

Warmer Weather!

Even though we had a little snow in the morning this week, the weather is getting warmer. Pleasant soaking temperatures and summer are coming! More and more people are getting vaccinated and though it is still early, we may be seeing the pandemic start to fade. In the meantime, please continue to be vigilant, wear your masks around other people, and maintain some physical distance when in the pools. We…
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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.