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

Beehive Residence at the Ranch
Sunday, March 14th, 2021

Volunteer Opportunity!

Do you want to get away, live in the country, maybe write that book, meditate, and live on a ranch while helping out with ranch chores? Volunteer opportunity at the Everson Ranch in Colorado Available immediately, 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…
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Reservation Window going to Three Months
Sunday, March 14th, 2021

Reservation Window going to Three Months

Saguache County is currently at level Blue-Caution. At this level we are capacity limited to 50 people, physical distancing required. On March first we opened up our reservation window to Supporter level members reserving for two months out. The first day we received a tsunami wave of phone calls, then things calmed down and returned to normal. This is not an April Fool's Day prank. On April first we will…
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Baby goats
Monday, February 22nd, 2021

New Life at the Ranch

Last fall we sold most of the animals at the ranch. We kept the flock of chickens and eggs are in plentiful supply. We also kept Jimi, the llama, and our ranch dog, Gummy Bear. We kept two goats. One was still milking and the other had an injured foot. Toward the end of January, the nanny with the injured foot had two little billy goat kids. Seeing the new…
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Signing up to use the Apple Tree Pools during the pandemic
Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Coronavirus Update

January was a beautiful month here, peaceful and cold. We averaged 27 people per day, rarely reaching our nightly capacity. We've kept our rates the same while reducing our numbers to about a third of normal. One positive outcome is that there are less people here and it feels more quiet and less crowded. We will continue to operate at 30% capacity, up to 42 adult visitors per day, selling…
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Looking Through History (Orient Mine)
Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Extending Reservation Window

As the days get longer and spring is on the horizon, we are feeling optimistic! Starting March 1, we will start taking reservations for two months in advance. For those of you who have been generous donors, your generosity once again has a benefit. If you have been wanting to reserve further in advance, we are adding another month. Members at the Friendship level will have a one month reservation…
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Monday, February 22nd, 2021

Valley View Hot Springs is Open with Limited Capacity and COVID Restrictions

This News Article is Outdated. See correct information here. Office Hours: Our office is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm for reservations. Guest check-in time is: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, accommodations are guaranteed by 4:00 pm Guests check out from accommodation and hot springs at 12:00 noon. Gates are locked at 8:00 pm and there is no admittance until 1:00 pm the following day. Valley View Hot…
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Deer visiting the Meadow Pond
Friday, December 11th, 2020

Sister Deer

I do not usually set my alarm at Valley View Hot Springs but one time I did to accomplish a soaking cycle before leaving. I left my clothes in my tent and my towel at the Meadow Pool walkway. I walked to the swimming pool for an invigorating morning swim. Then I stopped at each pool, Lower and Upper Apple Tree pools, Main Pond, Waterfall Pool, and the Meadow pool.…
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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.