Anyone else spent time in this beautiful place in Colorado? Spent a few days there, could have easily spent many more, such a nice place to visit.
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- MEMemberJan 28, 2009
The wife and I visited back in 2005, we loved it, except for all the creepy guys hanging around the main pool because the place is clothing optional. I went all the way to the top pool and worked my way down, definately worth the hike. Maybe someday we can go back again.
Thanks
JerryReactReply - MEMemberOriginal PosterJan 28, 2009[quote]I definitely want to go back there again, I could so see myself staying there a week. Met some great people there, it can be such a community environment, in people sharing food and drink too, and having great conversations around the pool and hot springs.[/quote] While some may not like the new campfire rules, it does kinda bring people together in the evening around the pavillion fire area. Hopefully May or August, I can come for a week.ReactReply
- MEMemberOriginal PosterMay 21, 2009
I will be out there this weekend, and hopefully members weekend too.
ReactReply - MEMemberAug 1, 2009
Wife and I visited there in late May or early June. The minute we got to VVHS we knew we'd found a special place. We stayed in an Oak House room. The atmosphere from management to members and visitors is relaxed and friendly. No pretense about not being able to enjoy all there is to be enjoyed about nudism. There are people of all ages and attitudes. Lots of younger Boulder-types when we were there, great for the ambience. Great possibilities for hiking, and for finding that secluded spot. Photography is okay as long as you're not photographing anyone without their permission. As it should be - what a beautiful place.
ReactReply - NUnudelacplSep 9, 2009
Great hot springs. Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys being mellow in hot springs setting.
ReactReply - NA
NakedBadgerSep 29, 2011Wow, I'm surprised this thread has been here as long as it has and I haven't responded to it!
VVHS/OLT is great. I was there first in 1987, and have been there for a week at a time for three out of the last four years. Clothing is optional all over the property, and there's a lot of space for long naked hikes.
The "option" for clothes includes all of the pools, so while most users are naked, there's nothing that says that you're required to be naked: it actually gives a greater sense of freedom than a "nude" requirement.
No restaurants, so you have to bring all your groceries in, and you have to pack your garbage out: but there are a couple of community kitchens, which means also that most people are willing to share meals. It's not plush by any means, but that's part of the allure of the place.
Go and enjoy!
BadgerReactReply - CH
CharlesMar 13, 2012I hope to visit when I am out in Colorado this fall; is it really far from the Denver area? (I will have a car)
ReactReply - MEMemberMar 27, 2012[quote]I hope to visit when I am out in Colorado this fall; is it really far from the Denver area? (I will have a car)[/quote]BX, it's a 140 mile drive from Denver and worth the trip. You'll love the place. My wife and I have been there twice.ReactReply
- CHCharlesAug 26, 2013
Headed back out to OLT September 27-29... anyone else headed out there?
ReactReply - JO
JohnAug 26, 2013Sadly, I did not make it out this year (It's been a few years now). For anyone that's going to be in the general area, it is well worth the trip. It is indeed a very special place.
On the down side, it is slowly loosing it's charm. VVHS started out as a very rustic, bare bones place (Which i liked). Over the years, it has slowly become more commercialized. Due to the restrictions Neil and Terry very wisely put in place when forming OLT, it will never become a Cypress Cove type of place, but it seems the rustic charm is slowly fading away and the price (To pay for the upgrades) continues to climb. It's still cheaper (and more relaxing) than a hotel though, and the view can't be beat. Just my two cents.
I will continue to make the occasional journey (It's about a 1000 miles one way for me now), but not as often as I would like.
John aka cobeachbumReactReply - MEMemberFeb 23, 2015This is my favorite spot in Colorado. When I got there I took off my clothes right after checking in at the office and was nude for the next three days. The nude hike to the batcave was pretty nice and I highly recommend it.ReactReply
- CH
ChrisMay 3, 2016It's one of my favorite places in the world. I'm a single gay man and met wonderful singles and couples across lines of gender and sexuality. The setting could not be more beautiful and the whole experience is so restful. I just wish I didn't live half the continent away,
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romhikerSep 24, 2016The comments I've read, make Valley View sound great! Where in Colorado is it?ReactReply - JOJohnSep 25, 2016[quote]The comments I've read, make Valley View sound great! Where in Colorado is it?[/quote] VVHS is located just off highway 285 just south of Villa Grove on route GG. DO NOT JUST SHOW UP if you are driving a long distance. VVHS has very strict daily quotas on the number of visitors each day and each over-night stay (and they run near 100% of these quotas, even during the winter off-season). You must either make reservations in advance or call them to make sure they have space for you. All the details can be found at olt.org
John aka cobeachbumReactReply - MEMemberSep 25, 2016
2200 acres---and all of it is C/O?
ReactReply - JOJohnSep 26, 2016[quote]2200 acres---and all of it is C/O?[/quote] Yes and even more. The property backs up to the Sangre De Cristo mountain range which is completely undeveloped. There are miles and miles of land to hike.
John aka cobeachbumReactReply - AZ
AZ_Sun_LuvrsMar 6, 2017Now that we've moved to the "boonies" Valley View is a day trip for us. It's about 60 miles. We're very close to Mt. Princeton and Cottonwood Hot Springs, nut they are clothing only. (Swimming suits required)
ReactReply - NK
nkhikerJul 6, 2017Just was touting Valley View in response to another post. My personal favorite, in part because of all the naked hiking opportunities.
ReactReply - MC
McdcvsNov 25, 2017We went to VVHS on the recommendation of a friend when she found out we were going to Mt Prinston that is about an hour away from VVHS. We wanted to see what Clothing Optional was about. We liked it so much that we cut our Mt Prinston stay short so that we could spend a few more hours there. We have not spent the night yet but plan to soon.
ReactReply - NU
nudeprewdFeb 23, 2018Altitude is 8,600 ft @ VVHS village.
I volunteered there for 2 weeks in mid-Oct. 2017, and it was warmer than normal for that time of year, but I was nude all day if the sun was out, and then layered up from dusk on. The weather varies of course, and can be windy at times. I was told it is generally 5-10 deg F warmer at the village than down on the valley floor of the San Luis Valley (where Everson Ranch is). Check the OLT website, they have a link to local weather station displayed. Search Weather Underground for Villa Grove and Moffat stations to give you current data.
The San Luis Valley/Villa Grove area weather can be very different than the Salida/Arkansas River valley (which is known as the "Banana Belt of Colorado") just to the north, and very different than the Front Range area. There are times when the VVHS area is WARMER than those areas north or east due to the barrier effect of the Sangre De Cristo Mts.
But fear not, the hot Appletree pools are about 104 & 105 F (heated by hydroelectric power), and the other pools run about body temp. Don't forget the sauna. And there is a fire in the Pavilion nearly every night! - Nudeprewd 2/23/2018ReactReply - NUnudeprewdFeb 23, 2018[quote]anyone know what altitude it at ? we live ( according to google maps ) 123 miles from there but i was always afraid it would be rather chilly there According to their website, from about 8600' to 9000', ...................... John aka cobeachbum[/quote] To John/cobeachbum ----- My apologizes man, I did not see your thorough and excellent reply to the OP question at the time I began my reply. I know you are the go-to guy for intel on this wonderful place! It's always great to get a broader perspective that covers the long period you have visited. My recent visits account for less than 3 weeks total, but I have been just thoroughly impressed with how hard Doug B. and the current team have worked to make refinements where absolutely necessary to meet critical needs while be very intentional in maintaining Neil and Terry intent and vision and the VVHS community culture. It was very insightful for me to get a behind-the-scenes look as a Camp Host, and working with many of the staff on maintenance projects, re-doing the teepee, front office operations, giving Discovery tours, helping with Astronomy Tour . Take care - Nudeprewd 2/23/2018ReactReply
- JOJohnFeb 24, 2018
No problem. It's always nice to get multiple viewpoints from multiple people. I don't get there nearly often enough anymore. I now live ~1000 miles away. I started going back when Neil and Terry were still running it (prior to OLT being formed). Up until 2001, I was there 8-10 times a year. Now it's usually every other year or so. Missed last year due to the less than desirable weather (rainy and chilly). I plan on being there late July this year (No specific dates yet). It would be nice to meet a fellow TN'r. It is heaven on earth.
John aka cobeachbum
ReactReply - MCMcdcvsFeb 24, 2018
Great information. We are planning a trip there in the next few months, no dates yet but cant wait to get back there.
ReactReply - MEMemberJul 30, 2018
One of the most relaxing places in America, I was there with my ex girlfriend 2 years ago. I'm going back next week and will be camping there for 4 nights while I fish and explore the area. I'm going alone, so I hope that doesn't seem super weird to others that will be there.
Thoughts?
Anyone want to meet me there?
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