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

Saturday, June 15th, 2019

2018 Annual Report

Treasurer's Report - Patrick Comiskey At the April board meeting, Wall, Smith, Bateman Inc., the new auditors presented their report and reviewed the audited statements with the board. Previously, Doug Bishop-OLT Executive Director, Scott McCumber-OLT Bookkeeper and I participated in a conference call with the auditors to review the preliminary draft. The audit opinion was unqualified indicating that there were no material issues relative to generally accepted accounting principles. Net…
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Recycling

The recycler that OLT has relied on for the past several years has gone out of business. Recycling has become very difficult. Therefore, we are asking that you take your recyclables home and use your local recycling service providers. This is akin to the idea of pack-it-in/pack-it-out that characterizes camping in many areas. We are looking for a solution to the problem as recycling is a fundamental part of sound…
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Reminder for Summer

Winter was cold and snowy. The number of visitors during the cold weather months was less than in recent years. Now the weather is warming up. We expect to see more pressure on the use of the hot springs during the summer months. If people are trying to make up for the times that they didn't come this winter, then we will have more people at the gate this summer.…
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Everson Ranch

There is a new face at Everson Ranch this summer. Meet our new ranch hand, Jacob Marsh. Jacob's passion for working on the land started in his own backyard. After purchasing a home in Aurora in 2009, Jacob quickly began the process of urban homesteading. He made two garden plots for veggies and herbs, another bed in the front yard to grow strawberries and raspberries, another for mint around the…
Saturday, June 15th, 2019

Be a Gardener

Do you know that taste? When you snap a leaf of arugula off the plant. Fold it or crumple it or shovel it right in your mouth, whatever fits your style. That initial almost minty flavor, followed by a sweetness that leads quickly into a pleasant bitterness. The thickness of the greens that are still full of the mornings watering. The satisfaction of realizing there is so much more to…
The songbirds are starting to arrive at Valley View Hot Springs and Everson Ranch! If you love birds and are interested in photography, don't miss this rare opportunity to spend some time with Bird Photographer Dr. Daniel Flemming. We have three workshops planned! Valley View Hot Springs Saturday, May 18th, 6 am to 8 am; Meet at the Welcome Center (an overnight pass for Friday May 17th is required because…
Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

Summer at the Ranch

Summer 2019 Events at Everson Ranch Ever wondered where all the water goes after you soak in it at the hot springs? Well, this is the summer you can see for yourself! The Everson Ranch, part of the Orient Land Trust, is a working ranch just a few miles downhill from Valley View and it is here that we can show you. Summer is the best time of year for…
No events found
  • 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.