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

Thursday, February 9th, 2017

More Daylight!

The days are getting longer, the sun is stronger. We're glad that we are getting a respite from the cold temperatures we had for much of January. There will no doubt be more cold and snow. The aquifer can use whatever we get and we will rejoice instead of complaining when more snow comes. However, the past few days have been nice, if a bit hazy. We are technically midway…
Thursday, February 9th, 2017

Goat Population Explosion

A lot has changed over the last few years at the Everson Ranch. The hay fields have been restored and improved. A strawbale bathhouse was built for ranch volunteers and interns. New fences put up, old ones taken out and a gated irrigation pipe system installed to keep it all going. Along with these changes, the ranch animals have been brought back! Nancy Roberts, owner of Arrowpoint Beef, runs her…
Friday, January 13th, 2017

Electricity

The electricity generated by OLT's hydroelectric plant is finite. Grid power is miles away. We can make about 62 kilowatts of continuous power. When people turn up their cabin baseboard heaters, that uses electricity. When people cook on the stoves, that uses electricity. When the dryers in the laundry room are spinning, that uses electricity. Vehicle campers that plug into those sites with electricity use electricity. When the air temperature…
Friday, January 13th, 2017

Winter Visits

Plan ahead - be prepared. The night time temperatures are cold. Indoor accommodations are typically reserved in advance. Winter campers have many choices and there is no tent site fee for tent camping October through April. Most winters, for most of the winter, there is snow on the ground. Winter campers should be prepared to clear the snow from their tent site to suit their needs. All visitors should bring…
Friday, January 13th, 2017

Visitor Center Remodel!

This December we remodeled the kitchenette and bathroom in the Visitor Center! The kitchenette has a new commercial refrigerator which required a wall being removed and refinished. The new fridge has a glass front and meat freezer which makes shopping more convenient. Cabinets were rehung and the kitchenette looks great! The bathroom walls, ceiling and floor were redone, including a beautiful mural! The remodel work was donated by Volunteer Adam…
Saturday, December 10th, 2016

Thank You!

The year is almost over. The staff of Orient Land Trust would like to take this moment to say, "Thank You!" to everyone that helped make 2016 a memorable year. We are grateful for the support of so many: members, volunteers, visitors, and all those interested in bats, hydroelectricity, geology, and the conservation work for the fish, replenishing the soils, and gardening. Your cheerfulness, generosity, and appreciation makes every day…
Thursday, December 8th, 2016

Board Meeting - Saturday, January 21st

The next meeting of the OLT Board of Directors is Saturday, January 21, 2016 from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. All are welcome to attend in-person or online. The meeting will be held onsite and a basic breakfast will be provided. Come and join the meeting and meet the board members! The Agenda and Information Packet will be available for download.
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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.