You can become a member of Orient Land Trust and get the benefit of advance reservations. The membership structure allows us to keep our rates lower.

Why are advance reservations important? Admission is limited. Daily admission is available until the limit is reached. In the winter, space is usually available on short notice, except for weekends. During the warmer months, we often reach capacity weeks ahead of time.

How does the membership structure work? There are several "levels" of membership. The more money that a person contributes, the higher the level of membership. Advance reservation benefits start at one month and higher levels of membership offer two and three months of advance reservations.

When you support Orient Land Trust by becoming an Annual Contributor, you become part of a community working to preserve land, history, ecology, and a unique niche as a naturist experience. You also benefit by being eligible for increased reservation windows and discounts. Other benefits, such as access to special programs and events, may also be offered in the future. The table below lists the benefits you are entitled to receive for one full year at each donation level.

You may become a member at any time, donations are tax-deductible, and benefits are good for one year from the date of your donation. 

Four easy ways to contribute!

• Check - print the annual contributor form and mail it back to us
• Credit Card via our secure online donation site.
• Credit Card by calling Orient Land Trust at 719-256-4315
• Donate in person on your next visit to Orient Land Trust / Valley View Hot Springs

Thank you for your support!

The tiers of membership: Friend level is the basic level and starts at $35.00 and is valid for one year. Advance reservations can be made one month in advance at this level. The next level is the Supporter level and advance reservations can be made up to two months in advance. The Supporter level starts at $85.00 and is also valid for one year. The Patron level is next with up to three months advance reservation benefit. The Patron level starts at $175.00 and is valid for one year. Additional levels of membership are available with some additional benefits but advance reservations are not made beyond three months.

On occasion, Orient Land Trust has engaged in fundraising to accomplish special projects by accepting additional donations outside of the Memberships. Two such projects include the Wastewater Treatment Plant and The Telescope and Astronomy Pad. In 2004 through 2008, we were able to pay off the amount needed to purchase the Everson Ranch. There will be ongoing opportunities to contribute as we get our Everson Ranch restoration project underway.  

Save the date for a concert and educational event at the Ranch on May 26, 2023

We were approached by long-time OLT guest and member Jon Sousa about hosting a concert performance. We are pleased that we have a date and a general format for the event with music performances between 7 pm-9 pm and an astronomy program at 9 pm.

About the Musicians: 
Jonathan Sousa 
Lisa Lestander 

Jon solo guitar [YouTube] 
Jon's recording with Andy Reiner of Rustic Roots Music Camp (renting the ranch July 12-18) [Spotify] 
Lisa's acapella group from Sweden [YouTube] 

We'll pass the hat to support the musicians and we have comped their stay at the hot springs.

More information to follow and we'll be putting this in the newsletter and on Facebook when we confirm the astronomy details.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Reminder of the annual event Saturday, May 6th. 2023 at the Everson Ranch

Open at 9:00am. Start work at 9:30am and continue as long as people like to help that day.

This event is free. We are intending a fun, lighthearted, and liberating day in the garden. Gardeners and non gardeners of all ages are welcome.

Every year, gardeners all over the world get together to shed some or all their clothes to attend to their gardens and connect with the natural world. This year OLT is again joining the annual celebration at the Everson Ranch on May 6, 2023 and we invite you to participate with gardening in the open. We might use your help in the greenhouses, the garden and grounds keeping.

Dress in layers since the weather in early May at the ranch is unpredictable. It could be mild and comfortable but it could also be windy and cool. Precipitation, rain or snow, is also a possibility.

Please bring: Solid shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses, water bottle, and gardening gloves. If you like, bring your lunch to enjoy after gardening. After lunch there will be a tour of the ranch for those that are interested. If you are thinking of trying naked gardening or just would like to experience working in the garden at the Everson Ranch, please come and join us!

Sabine Borchers, Garden Manager

The Everson Ranch in Colorado is looking for volunteers for the season of 2023!

Can you commit for a minimum of 2 weeks between May and December and enjoy a physical lifestyle outdoors in the San Luis Valley, then this might be for you.

As on any ranch there are lots of things that need to be done daily, ranging from animal care, working in the garden (lots of weeding), general clean up, clearing debris from downed trees, lawn mowing, cleaning bathhouse kitchen facility, irrigation chores, welcoming visitors and supporting hosting events. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers that like to join these work projects as they come up. Basic gardening and carpentry skills are a plus but are not a must.

We offer:

The setting is a remote, quiet, peaceful 150 year old ranch on 760 acres with endless hiking possibilities. Two hot springs nearby; one, part of OLT (Valley View Hot Springs) and the other is Joyful Journey Hot Springs and Spa. Fresh vegetables from the garden in the summer. Majestic view of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. For pictures and background information, see to olt.org website or watch the Historical Everson Ranch, Orient Land Trust on YouTube. Depending on availability you could stay in our small cabin rent free, small, solar heated cottage (no running water, good heating, refrigerator), non-attached shower, bathroom and fully equipped kitchen in a nearby structure. Bringing your camper , RV or tent camping are also a possibility.

Use of Valley View Hot Springs as availability permits (in the range of 1-3 times per week).

For more information, send inquiries to: 

As part of our educational outreach, Orient Land Trust has partnered with a photographer on a project focused on people. It is a long standing practice of OLT to discourage snapshots of people around the hot springs for several reasons - some are concerned about privacy, some just would rather not have to be concerned with a photographer present in our natural and scenic environment. For this project, we are taking steps to keep the location confidential and only photograph people who give their express consent to participate. We have a few samples from the photographer demonstrating the quality and artistry that recommends this idea. We believe that these photographs will be treasured and admired. We can see the possibility of a gallery exhibition and maybe a collectible book. Our intention for this project is to contribute to the education of clothing optional choices and the benefits available as well as record some of the people that support and value this place. There was once a photo montage in the living room at Oak House that members and guests enjoyed and gave people a glimpse of good times and familiar faces in and around the hot springs. This project might have similar appeal to many of us.

The photographer is a talented and professional imagemaker who is taking time during small breaks from their consistent work to photograph at Valley View. Just as we value your privacy and hold it to the utmost standard, the identity of the photographer will remain anonymous until serious photo or donor applicants are in place.

The artist's writes:

"There is a hidden but beloved retreat nestled in the remote mountains of the American West. Its waters are a magnet for those searching for retreat, renewal, respite and redemption. The individual that seeks out a hot spring is a certain type. Adventurous, uninhibited, open. They are drawn by a search for a place that affords them the external expression of an internal quest for freedom. Freedom of self-expression. Freedom from judgment. This photo essay is a visual representation of the human spirit coming as close as it can to leaving the body. Casting off stifling societal vestments in favor of garments composed of their royal humanity. They choose instead to walk in the Emperor's Clothes."

If you are interested in this project, either as a subject for the photographer or in helping support the cost of pursuing this creation, please contact: Doug Bishop, email address .

Saturday, May 6th. 2023 at the Everson Ranch

The ranch will open at 9:00am. We start to work at 9:30am and continue as long as people like to help that day.

This is a free, fun, lighthearted and liberating event. Gardeners and non gardeners of all ages are welcome.

On 5.6.2023 gardeners all over the world are getting together to shed some or all their clothes to attend to the gardens and connect with the natural world. This year OLT again is joining this annual event at the Everson Ranch and we are inviting you to celebrate with us gardening in the open. We might use your help in the greenhouses, the garden and grounds keeping. Weeding and planting gladiolus bulbs might be on the menu as well.

You might want to dress in layers since the weather in early May at the ranch is unpredictable. It could be mild and comfortable but it could also be windy and cool. Precipitation, rain or snow, is also a possibility.

Please bring: Solid shoes, sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses, water bottle, and gardening gloves. You might like to bring your lunch to enjoy after gardening. After lunch there will be a tour of the ranch for those that are interested. If you are thinking of trying naked gardening or just would like to experience working in the garden at the Everson Ranch, please come and join us!

Sabine Borchers, Garden Manager

The daylight hours are increasing, the sun is moving toward spring. OLT is getting ready for the warmer weather. We anticipate increased visitation. We are hiring! The positions available will be in the Reservations/front desk registration department and in the Housekeeping department. We operate seven days a week and different shifts are available.

Pay Range: $14.00 to $16.00 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience.

FLSA Status: Nonexempt.

Benefits may include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage after 60 depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.

If you are interested, contact Kelley at 719-256-4315 or email to request an application or for more information.

Link to full Front Desk Job Description

Link to full Housekeeping Job Description

Link to Job Application

We are looking to fill two positions in our Maintenance Department. Tasks include, but are not limited to, hydro-electric power system operation, understanding of electrical (DC systems as well as AC systems), mechanical systems, heating and cooling systems, building upkeep, building renovation, general building skills, masonry, plumbing, drinking water and sanitation systems, geothermal heating systems, groundskeeping, forest mitigation, potential firefighting and first responder, open water management, electric cart, gas and diesel vehicles and generator systems, and hydraulics.

Beyond this we are needing the skills of problem solving, diplomacy, patience, crew coordination, flexibility, inspiration and innovation.

This is a facility that is open to the public and is clothing optional. Consistent, respectful, positive and smooth interactions with guests and other employees is a prerequisite.

Pay Range: $16.00 to $20.00 per hour starting wage based on qualifications and experience. FLSA Status: Non Exempt Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month after 60 days of employment depending on the hours worked and for Paid Time Off (PTO) benefits after 120 days of employment depending on the hours worked.

Please send all serious inquiries to Mark Jacobi, .

Link to full Facilities job description 

Link to Job Application

Members are invited to the return of our Member Appreciation Weekend on July 28-30, 2023. 

We'll have live music on Friday and Saturday nights and more.

Stay tuned for more details.

Valley View Hot Springs will be closed December 1, 2022 through December 28, 2022. We will re-open December 29, 2022. This is an annual closure, which allows us to do some maintenance that would be difficult to do while we are open. It is also an opportunity for staff to get a holiday break. Thank you for understanding. If you are a member, or want to become a member, and make a reservation for a visit or stay after the 28th please call between 11 am and 3 pm Monday thru Friday, from December 1st thru the 16th. We will not make reservations or return calls between the 17th and 27th. We will answer the phone and return calls until December 16, 2022 and resume phone business December 28, 2022. We will reopen the gate at 11:00 AM December 29, 2022. Thank you for your support throughout the year and enjoy your holidays!