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

Neil and others, rebuilding the Swimming Pool, circa 1980
Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

Neil F. Seitz, Founder

Neil Seitz died November 17, 2021 in his home. For those of us who have been around for a while, Neil was well known and recognized for many remarkable achievements. The hot springs was once owned and operated by the Everson family and, in the early years of Neil's stewardship, he spent many days helping Roy Everson at the Everson Ranch in addition to overseeing daily activity at the hot…
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Snow covered pool
Monday, November 15th, 2021

Holidays!

December is a time when many people plan to spend time with family and celebrate holidays. Last year, Valley View was open for most of December because we were closed for more than four months due to Covid-19. This year, we will return to our normal December schedule. We will be closed from December 1st - 28th. For the first 2 weeks (December 1st through the 16th), members can call…
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Sharing the Party Pool
Monday, November 15th, 2021

Recognition, Respect, and Responsibility

These 3 qualities, Recognition, Respect and Responsibility, were coined by Neil and Terry Seitz, the Founders of Orient Land Trust and developers of Valley View Hot Springs, as a reminder to everyone who visits to Recognize the beauty, uniqueness and sacredness of this place. Be respectful and kind to yourself and others. Respect the natural environment and wildlife that share their home with all of us. Take Responsibility for yourself…
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Ranch haul
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Ranch Volunteers

Do you want to get away from urban life, live in the country and live on a ranch helping with ranch and garden chores? Orient Land Trust is asking for end of season ranch volunteers. Available soon! We offer a remote, peaceful setting on the 150 year old Everson Ranch. The garden and ranch buildings are only four miles from the base of the Sangre de Cristos and the views…
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A beehive box at Everson Ranch
Tuesday, August 31st, 2021

Beehive Workshop

Free workshop at the Everson Ranch: How to Assemble a Beehive Box September 19th, 10:00 am - 11:30 am Learn from Don Baker, our local beekeeper, who brings 50 years of hands-on experience of beekeeping in the San Luis Valley. The art of beekeeping has been in the family for 100 years. This will partly be a hands-on experience. Maybe this might spark your interest in a lifelong hobby or…
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Executive Director, Doug Bishop gives a Hydro Tour for 2019 Science Camp
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Looking Ahead

OLT Is looking to the future! The OLT Board of Directors is excited to announce that we are beginning our advertising to find a candidate to fill a newly created managerial position. This new position is titled Deputy Director. Salary range: $38,000 to $45,000 Status: Exempt, Salary Closing Date: November 30, 2021 Benefits include: An employee may be eligible for OLT group health plan coverage the first of the month…
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Rosie & Kelley
Friday, August 6th, 2021

Rosie to Retire

Rosie, OLT's Visitor Service Manager and Volunteer Coordinator will retire this September! Some of Rosie's accomplishments were expanding our Kids Science Camp, Volunteer Program and Educational Activities. She is also responsible for the beautiful flowers planted around the swimming pool and throughout the village. Kelley Michelle from our front desk staff will be the new VSM. Kelley has worked in visitor services since 2014 and is excited to take on…
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Jan
27

Sat 1/27/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Apr
20

Sat 4/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jul
20

Sat 7/20/24 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

  • 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.