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

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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Young Animals at the Ranch
Friday, May 28th, 2021

Job Opportunity

Orient Land Trust is considering hiring a seasonal employee for the Everson Ranch. If you are interested, call to receive a job description. Applications are available. Briefly, this is a seasonal, part time position of 10 to 15 hours per week. Tasks are related to animal care, gardening, fencing, and other ranch chores. olt.org/jobs
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Volunteers on World Naked Gardening Day
Friday, May 28th, 2021

Naked Gardening

Nothing could stop these fearless gardeners from participating in the fun and light hearted activity of naked gardening at the Everson Ranch this year. In 2019 we had about 25-30 eager gardeners, last year the event was canceled due to Covid. This year we had 8 participants that contributed with their muscles, humor and laughter while being accompanied by live music (thank you Mark) and teaming up to plant bulbs,…
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World Naked Gardening Day
Wednesday, April 21st, 2021

World Naked Gardening Day

Saturday May 1st 9:30am- 11:30am and/or 4pm - 6pm at the Everson Ranch. This is an invitation to participate in an international, annual event where gardeners and non gardeners come together to celebrate gardening in the open. Usually it is a fun, lighthearted and a liberating experience.You can wear as much or as little clothing as you wish. You might want to dress in layers since the weather in early…
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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.