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

Drinking Water
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018

Drinking Water

Celebrate! Facilities staff has completed the installation of the state required drinking water disinfection system for all OLT facilities: Main Bath, Pool Bath, Welcome Center, Sunset Rooms, Spruce House, Pavilion, Oak House, Cottonwood, Elm, and Willow cabins. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has removed their boil order. The water is tested daily for the required chlorine residual and the filters that remove the disinfectant work well so…
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Summer is Almost Gone
Wednesday, September 19th, 2018

Summer is Almost Gone

Thanks to everyone for another enjoyable summer. This year, there were some challenges: County wide Fire Ban, dry weather, reduced volume of water from the springs, and skies that were sometimes smoky from the many fires throughout the region and the entire west. We've had some welcome rainfall in the past few weeks and the fire ban has been lifted. We are in a desert and fire is always a…
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Volunteer Appreciation Weekend 2017
Monday, September 10th, 2018

2017 Annual Report

Annual Report to Audited Financials and IRS 990 We've streamlined our presentation of the Annual Report for 2017 again and included links to the full Audit Report with graphs and the IRS Form 990 . This provides the most detailed information about OLT's financial health and well being for 2017. We have been sending regular monthly email newsletter updates (archived on the website) which include information and highlights that used…
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Overlooking the Everson Ranch
Thursday, August 23rd, 2018

Summer on the Ranch

Food is not just fuel. Food is about family, Food is about community, Food is about identity. And we nourish all those things when we eat well. -- Michael Pollan There's something magical about watching food grow. What starts as a tiny seed in the spring first emerges from the soil as a seedling and, by summertime, blossoms into a full, thriving plant. What appeared to be a barren field…
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Rainbow over the Orient Mine
Thursday, August 23rd, 2018

Rain!

We've been relishing the rain. Even brief showers help to ease the anxious tension from so many dry months. Saguache County has ended the fire ban. However, we ask that you use only propane or gas stoves and grills. No open fires or charcoal grills are permitted anywhere. As always, smoking is restricted to inside the Smoke Hut or inside your vehicle. This is for everyone's safety and to show…
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Trail Trash (Seen Elsewhere)
Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

Micro Trash

If you see a cigarette butt, a twist tie, a corner of a candy bar wrapper, a straw, a store receipt, a shiny bit of cellophane, or some other small bit of trash, pick it up and throw it in one of the new bear proof trash cans. If you notice it and walk by, it's like throwing it on the ground again. The Conservation Committee is targeting micro trash…
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Share and Increase the Fun
Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

Share and Increase the Fun

In the summertime, the pool deck is a favored spot. OLT provides the flat concrete near the pool and a few deck chairs. There is space for about a dozen chairs with nearly 140 people wanting those spots. (Odd that concrete is so desirable but that may just be a personal preference I haven't acquired.) Thank you for sharing the swimming pool deck space. If you aren't in a deck…
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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.