The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

The Orient Mine is located approximately 2 miles north of the the Welcome Center and Valley View Hot Springs. Free guided tours hike there from the Welcome Center a couple hours or so before dusk.  Bat outflight times vary so call the Welcome Center with correct times for that day so you arrive with plenty of time to make the hike.

Orient Mine and Bat Caves at the Orient Land Trust
via OLT Welcome Center
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Directions

Nearest Towns, Facilities, and Attractions

View Larger Map

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

Please check in at Welcome Center before visiting the Everson Ranch and Reservoir. Be careful to close all cattle gates behind you. Do not enter the historic structures without a guide.

Everson Ranch at the Orient Land Trust
29398 County Road 61
Moffat, CO 81143
719-256-4315

Directions

Nearest Towns, Facilities, and Attractions

View Larger Map

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

The gate closes at 10:00pm each night after which no one is allowed entry. Reservations are highly recommended without which admission cannot be guaranteed. Please plan accordingly. We sincerely regret having to turn visitors away. If delayed, please call as soon as possible to coordinate other arrangements. We will assist however we can.

Valley View Hot Springs at the Orient Land Trust
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Directions

Nearest Towns, Facilities, and Attractions

View Larger Map

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

Everson Ranch

Valley View Hot Springs

Orient Mine and Bat Cave

Orient Land Trust
Home of Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine, and Everson Ranch
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Directions

Nearest Towns, Facilities, and Attractions

View Larger Map

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

Everson Ranch

Valley View Hot Springs

Orient Mine and Bat Cave

Orient Land Trust
Home of Valley View Hot Springs, Orient Mine, and Everson Ranch
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Map and Directions (Google)

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

The Orient Mine is located approximately 2 miles north of the the Welcome Center and Valley View Hot Springs. Free guided tours hike there from the Welcome Center a couple hours or so before dusk.  Bat outflight times vary so call the Welcome Center with correct times for that day so you arrive with plenty of time to make the hike.

Orient Mine and Bat Caves at the Orient Land Trust
via OLT Welcome Center
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Map and Directions (Google)

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

Please check in at Welcome Center before visiting the Everson Ranch and Reservoir. Be careful to close all cattle gates behind you. Do not enter the historic structures without a guide.

Everson Ranch at the Orient Land Trust
29398 County Road 61
Moffat, CO 81143
719-256-4315

Map and Directions (Google)

The Orient Land Trust protects and shares 2,200 acres of open space located 4-1/2 miles south of Villa Grove, Colorado and 7 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 17 on Saguache County Road GG (a gravel road). This high-mountain, rural oasis is far removed from gas stations, grocery, and other services. OLT stocks a small selection of local foods and snacks. It is a 175 mile drive from Denver (over 3-1/2 hours), 146 miles from Colorado Springs (over 3 hours), 198 miles from Santa Fe (over 3-1/2 hours) and 260 miles from Albuquerque (4-1/2 hours). The closest towns with services are shown on the maps below.

The gate closes at 9 pm each night after which no one is allowed entry. Reservations are highly recommended without which admission cannot be guaranteed. Please plan accordingly. We sincerely regret having to turn visitors away. If delayed, please call as soon as possible to coordinate other arrangements. We will assist however we can.

Valley View Hot Springs at the Orient Land Trust
64393 County Road GG
Moffat, CO 81143-9723
719-256-4315

Map and Directions (Google)

Upon arriving, each visitor is charged with the responsibility to help preserve the unique nature of this space and our shared experience together. Our guidelines are detailed below and help clarify where and why each is important. Our full, formal policies can be found online including OLT's Terms of Admission, Privacy Policy, and Registration Form.

Overall, guests simply need to keep three concepts in mind:

Responsibility ...for yourself, your children, others in your group, and your pets.

Respect ...the environment, facilities, staff, others, their privacy, and the simple peace and quiet.

Recognition ...of what you can learn about yourself, how we work together to protect this special place, and the world we live in.

• 

  At Your Own Risk

• 

  Clothing Optional

• 

  Don't Shoot Strangers

• 
  

  No (re)entry 9pm - 11am

• 

  Honor Diversity

• 

  Kids with Parents

• 

  Learn and Share

• 

  Manage Pets

• 

  No Glass or Ceramic

• 

  No Overt Sexuality

• 

  No Smoking / No Fires

• 

  Peace and Quiet

• 

  Play Nice

• 

  Respect Wildlife

• 

  Tread Gently

• 

  At Your Own Risk

• 

  Clothing Optional

• 

  Don't Shoot Strangers

• 

  Honor Diversity

• 

  Kids with Parents

• 

  Learn and Share

• 

  Manage Pets

• 

  No Glass or Ceramic

• 

  No Overt Sexuality

• 

  No Smoking / No Fires

• 

  Peace and Quiet

• 

  Play Nice

• 

  Respect Wildlife

• 

  Tread Gently

At Your Own Risk

No lifeguard on duty. Natural wilderness area. 8,700' elevation. Beware loose rocks and slippery surfaces. Emergency call stations at Sauna and Welcome Center.

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Clothing Optional

We invite healthy, family-friendly naturism throughout the entire property and open space.
Eco-friendly sun protection available. *

Read more...

Don't Shoot Strangers

For everyone's comfort, cap and pack any camera device
away around others. Focus on landscape, wildlife, consenting friends and family only.

Read more...

Honor Diversity

Help others feel welcome and comfortable. Respect differences. Discover commonality. Share space, find balance, and let others steer conversations

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Kids with Parents

Safety and behavior of children is the sole responsibility of their parent or legal guardian. Never leave others to watch them. Infant's must use swim diapers, available. *

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Learn and Share

Take time to notice your surroundings, yourself, and those around you. Share stories and inspiration. Always listen... especially when sharing.

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Manage Pets

Pets must be quiet, peaceful, always attended, picked up after, and leashed well away from ponds. Barking, aggression, or damage cannot be tolerated.

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No Glass or Ceramic

Don't bring glass near water, hiking trails, or our bare feet. Shattered pieces are hard to recover and very dangerous. Metal bottles available.

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No Overt Sexuality

No private pools or sauna. Consensual adults must get a room or keep it in tents. All areas are to be kept kid-friendly, clean, and inviting at all hours.

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No Smoking / No Fires

Current restrictions posted in bathrooms. Share fresh, inviting air. Smoke inside vehicles only. Respect the high fire danger and remote location.

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Peace and Quiet

Silence phones, radios, and motors. Moderate alcohol, voices, music, and blinding lights. Quiet hours: 10pm (11pm on weekends) until 8am.

Read more...

Play Nice

Children of all ages discover, play, learn, and grow up here. As you do, be kind and mindful of others near and far and the experience you leave them with.

Read more...

Respect Wildlife

Keep food inside cars or cabins. Bears and other wild animals are drawn by scent endangering us and them. Although generally harmless, avoid contact.

Read more...

Tread Gently

Carefully avoid disturbing flagged areas, edges of ponds, water flow, historic sites, trees, and wildlife. Pack in / pack out food, trash, and 'noodles'.

Read more...

Planning Your Visit

• A Day Pass admission is from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Please check-in before 6:00 PM. Overnight guests may arrive to enjoy the hot springs as early as 11:00 AM, knowing that accommodations may not be available until 4:00 PM. On the day of departure, vacate accommodations and campsites by 12:00 noon, departing OLT property by 8:00 PM
• The Office (phones included) is staffed from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
• The emergency phone, for on-site guests is monitored 24/7.
• A Government Issued Photo ID is required to admit anyone age 18 or older.
• As a naturist open space, the entire property is clothing-optional and always family-friendly.
• Isolated Location: There are no nearby gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, grocery or general stores. (map)
• Flashlights: there is little or no artificial light
• Towel: Bring your own towel. We do not have loaner towels and only a limited number of towels to purchase.
• Family style restrooms are separate from accommodations. Only the Sunset Lodge contains a half bath.
• Wilderness: many of our ponds are scattered along short but rugged trails
• Children 18 and under arriving without their parents require a signed note giving permission for their guardian to bring them to OLT.
• Medication / Allergies: Inhalers.
• Eco-friendly sunscreen, lotions, and oils (always rinse off to protect our threatened species downstream). 
• Altitude: At 8,600 to 9,000 feet, guests from afar may need time to adjust to the elevation.
• Lodging: Bedding is not provided. Guests should bring their own bedding or sleeping bag.
• Cell Phones and Internet: Cell phones and free wifi may only be used near the Welcome Center. Cellular service is limited (AT&T, some T-Mobile, some Verizon). 
• Smoking and Fire Restrictions: Fire danger is often extremely high. Campfires are not permitted although grills are available for cooking. Smoking is only permitted in the Smoke Shelter or within vehicles.
• Seasons and Weather: Colorado weather can change dramatically. Check forecasts and come prepared for rain, wind, and snow.
• Closed each December 1st through the 28th.

OLT's historic Everson Ranch, located at the western edge of OLT's holdings, is a 150-year old ranch that is currently being renovated within its historical facades to create an educational and living agricultural facility showcasing sustainable agricultural processes.

OLT's Everson Ranch connects the past to the present; a symbol and example of a historic way of life in the San Luis Valley. It has been a working ranch since it was homesteaded in 1872, passed down from generation to generation. The vast ranch extended for miles and included the hot springs and its year-round water supply.

Everson Ranch was added to the Orient Land Trust in 2004. After being subdivided into residential lots in 2001, OLT took on the Ranch as its first capital campaign. Given its considerable development potential and the fact that the ranch bordered protected and public lands, the 760 acres was now valued at $850,000. Nonetheless by 2010, OLT members had raised the necessary donations to secure the land, reservoir, and several additional parcels. Their generous contributions saved the unspoiled views, wildlife corridor, dark skies, waters, and wetlands. Since that time hundreds more acres have been added, and more are planned. The Ranch is bordered on the north and south by Federal and State lands, parts of which are also stewarded by OLT.

Today, OLT is transforming the Everson Ranch into an Agriculture and Education Center in order to model sustainable agricultural and innovative energy production methods. If the Northern San Luis Valley is to be saved from further development, and thus open space preserved, the historic ranches of the valley need to be saved.

OLT is presently developing a natural resource management plan to guide land stewardship activities on the historic ranch, providing direction for the natural, cultural, agricultural and recreational resources there. Projects include holistic grazing, permaculture principles, riparian corridor and pasture restoration, innovative funding models for agricultural property owners, conservation educational programs for adults and youth, science research and camps, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Educational facilities will soon allow us to share the remarkable experience and bounty these lands offer us.

The northern San Luis Valley is in the throes of a historic drought. Water table levels are 40 feet below where they were ten years ago. While this is largely due to historic level drought, center pivot agriculture driven by subsurface pumping, as well as a governmental program to remove water from the San Luis Creek basin to pay for the Rio Grande Compact water debts, the reality is that this situation is likely to be permanent and future models of successful agriculture need to encompass that reality.

The Everson Ranch management plan includes holistic grazing methods (https://savory.global) and permaculture methods (www.hialtpc.org). We are developing and modeling economic viability models such as work vacations, low-water food production methods (greenhouses, drought resistant plants and animals, etc.), alternative energy production.