The Orient Mine, active from 1880 through 1932, was the largest producer of iron ore in Colorado, having produced about two million tons of limonite. It is believed that the name Orient came from the Old French word meaning east (rising sun), since the mine is located on the eastern side of the San Luis Valley. (There is no evidence of Chinese or other Asian miners working in the mine.) The Orient Mine had two associated town sites - one in the upper area in the early years and the lower town site which was active in the early 1900's. Today nothing remains of the towns except stories and a few foundations.

At its peak, the town of Orient had a population of more than 400, supporting a library, barber shop, school, 2 restaurants, a boarding house for 300, a saloon, a milling company and other small businesses including a supplier of work clothing.

Today, the Orient Mine is significant because for the last forty years or so it has been home to nearly 250,000 migratory bats. Bats were first documented at the Orient Mine in 1967 and have played a vital role in the chemical- and pesticide-free agriculture of the Valley. The Orient Mine is a designated Colorado Natural Area and Colorado Division of Wildlife Watchable Wildlife site.

Access to the interior of the Orient mine is currently prohibited due to White Nose Syndrome, a fungus that severely disrupts the sleeping pattern of hibernating bats to the point of colony collapse. White Nose Syndrome has not been found in Orient Mine as it doesn't, so far, affect migratory bats, but the Orient Mine is also home to five or six populations of hibernating bats. OLT's voluntary closure of the mine is part of similar closures throughout the American West to prevent the spread of this disease.

The mine is also a glimpse into the geologic history of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the San Luis Valley, a glimpse into a past that begins over 1 billion years ago. Its more recent history as an iron mine, starting in the late 1800s, has connections to Colorado mining history. 

It's a unique place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature while connecting personally with OLT's cycle of sustainability. Through their stewardship and contributions, they help preserve the natural resources they so enjoy. Families can learn about and share this delicate eco-sanctuary with their children and pets. The property is entirely clothing optional and exists completely "off the grid", self-sustaining its amazing variety of features including...

• a diverse ecosystem rich with wildlife, birds, bats, and plant life
• a series of all natural, body temperature soaking ponds along wilderness trails
• geothermally and hydroelectrically heated hot tub, sauna, and village
• pure, natural spring fed swimming pool and showers
• all-season camping and rustic accommodations

Safe, Family-Friendly, Clothing-Optional Naturism
OLT promotes a vibrant, safe, family-oriented naturism. Naturism, or the option to choose whether or not to wear clothing, is a natural, personal choice that is appropriate for people of any age or setting, most especially pristine natural spaces like Valley View Hot Springs. Nudity is simply a state of nature, and at OLT it is promoted in an environment of non-sexual, child and family safety. Naturism allows each of us to be one layer closer to nature, to discover ourselves as we are without the expectations and pressures of the greater culture. There is no shame, no expectation, nothing but the natural state of being. Read more...

Admission is limited! Valley View Hot Springs is owned and operated by Orient Land Trust, a charitable non-profit organization. To preserve this delicate and peaceful ecosystem, visitation is managed through a guest quota for day and overnight use. Even when accommodations are available, we frequently must turn people away, especially on weekends when our capacities are reached. Reservations are highly recommended.

An OLT Membership is quick and easy, allowing earlier advance reservations for each donor level ($35+). Rest assured, 100% of your unrestricted donations will be applied toward mission accomplishment. With your continued support, OLT will preserve this amazing space and experience to inspire stewardship among ourselves, our children, grandchildren and generations to come.

Most visitors find the familiar smiles as remarkably welcoming as the warm waters and unspoiled vistas. Even those who come to get away with __ acres all to themselves appreciate the respect and kindness of the few people they may encounter.