For those that would like to boost their donation amount with what is added through the proportional match that is available through Colorado Gives, see their website for more details.

Colorado Gives

Just as we have done for many years, we are closing the hot springs to guests for the 4 weeks of December 1 through December 28. We will be open again on December 29. This December we plan on implementing the new database and reservation system. Therefore, we will not be answering the phones for one week, December 4 through 11. Please don't call during this week and wait until after that time frame to call for reservations.

Everyone here has an obligation to communicate their expectations and extend the inclusive sense of community. If someone in the pool with you asks you to speak more softly, that is the person directly impacted by your behavior. OLT has deliberately avoided a long list of specific rules and regulations; we don't want to be that kind of place and we don't enjoy the role of enforcer. Simply stated, the main rule is the good old Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." There are instances that have been brought to our attention in which someone has tried to make polite requests of others and been told that it is none of their business. We are all together in this and what happens around me is my business. The best solutions are those that involve people communicating respectfully and working out the conflicts quickly and at the moment. Most of the confrontations involve noise level, smoke, pets, and alcohol. A few are more serious trespasses into another person's physical space through unwanted advances and boundary crossing. OLT staff responds quickly when people come to us to communicate their discomfort. Please tell us in the moment rather than waiting for a few days to go by to let us know there was a problem. In a social utopia, the behaviors and mis-steps would be self-regulated; folks simply let their affronts be known and the ones doing that affronting work it out with those whose experience is disrupted. Are we reasonable people and half-way decent human beings? Is this too much to ask?

"The Pumpkin is a uniquely American plant, widely regarded as one of the most magical plants in all the world." -Seth Adams, Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern.

Plenty of pumpkins from the garden are still available for purchase. Only $2 each!!

Also, fresh from the ranch kitchen and sold in the welcome center throughout the cold months- A variety of yummy pumpkin foods including baked goods and hummus!

Recently, the following review appeared on the OLT Facebook page.

I had been coming here for over 10 years. My wife has accompanied me ever since we met, 5 years ago. It is a beautiful place, the bats are amazing, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It was such a special place that I chose to propose to her here two years ago. Important word in that sentence is 'was.' It is no longer a place we can go to relax. The people who now pack in here no longer respect some level of peace and quiet, or personal space. We often feel pushed out of already crowded pools by people who think they can squeeze in just one more, or that join a very serene soak only to spark up a loud conversation. If you expect every moment to be full of socialization, then this is your place. If you want peace and serenity, unfortunately it's not.

This is discouraging. We have long promoted the ideas of Respect, Recognition, and Responsibility. Respect other people and their experience, respect the pools, respect the water, respect the ecosystem. Recognize that not everyone wants the same thing, Recognize the differences. Recognize that some come for quiet, reflection, peace while others come to socialize and make friends. Obviously, the two are not always compatible and it takes some willingness to be sensitive and thoughtful. Be responsible in how you behave and how response-able you are in a variety of situations. Do the dishes - even if they're not your own, pick up the trash - even if you didn't put it there, share the best spots, be aware. Smoking of any substance is allowed only at the Smoke Hut or in your vehicle. Don't force people that don't like smoke to remind you that the pools are smoke free. If you have a beverage, be responsible and careful. Thanks for being considerate and helping create a space in which we all can flourish.

This years Harvest Dinner was a wonderful event with great food & music. The Flying W Wranglers performed their traditional cowboy music to an appreciative crowd. RustingRam Catering served an incredible farm to table dinner showing off the bounty of the ranch garden, greenhouse and fields. Thank you to all our Everson Ranch Staff and Volunteers who worked throughout the year taking care of the animals, tilling the soil, planting the seeds, weeding and harvesting the garden, and giving tours to our visitors. If you haven't experienced the ranch yet, be sure to check it out on your next visit!

Orient Land Trust is a unique place of peace, community and soothing waters that nourish the environment and inspire us to preserve it. Our goal is to create awareness of environmental issues, resource sustainability, land and habitat conservation. We provide our youth with the opportunity to experience this unique environment, to expand their knowledge of the natural world through our educational programs and to instill a sense of stewardship and personal responsibility. This September we hosted directors and youth from Conejos Clean Water's (CCW) Adventure Program. They participated in several of our educational programs including a Bat Tour, Hydro-electric Tour, Astronomy Tour and Everson Ranch Tour. The group camped over at the ranch, helped in the garden and hiked to the reservoir. Thank you to our volunteer tour guides and to CCW for a wonderful experience. OLT is very happy to sponsor your Adventure Program!

It has been an exciting summer for bodyworkers and the tipi offers a calm relaxation. As the weather cools we will offer sessions in the small Amish Cabin.

You will find details on our website 

A variety of therapies are offered to include various massage techniques, aquatic therapy and reflexology

Happy Autumn Equinox and blessings of joy and inspiration.from our dedicated team of therapists.

Cynthia L Nielsen LMT RYT
OLT Bodywork Coordinator

719.298.0360 text

The next time you're rumbling up County Road GG after a long drive, your eyes fixed on paradise, clothes already starting to come off, slow down and take a look around. That ranch off to the south is the Everson Ranch and the hot springs you love wouldn't exist as it is if not for the Everson family.

Thanks to the efforts of the Orient Land Trust, its employees and volunteers, the Everson family's historic ranch – you see it off to right at the junction with County Road 61 about halfway up from the highway – is being restored to a working farm and ranch; a living, breathing example of sustainable agriculture and environmental practices.

August 4 and 5 are the dates for this year's Member Appreciation Weekend. Orient Land Trust would like to make this time to thank all members for their support and contributions. OLT members communicate the values of OLT, help keep the community alive, and provide the funding for enduring land conservation work. Members are vital to OLT's continuing to function. To extend our gratitude, we offer some special events during the weekend. There will be two bands; Friday night, Whitewater Ramble and Saturday night, Tumbleweed. Potluck supper Saturday afternoon. Sunday morning, breakfast is provided by OLT and served by staff and volunteers. Remember that this weekend is member's only - no guests. Our capacity limits will be waived and all members will be admitted. This usually means more people than normal so share the space gracefully. We also ask that, after you unload your supplies, you park along the road, which will make more room for people.