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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- JO
JohnJul 31, 2018[quote]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?[/quote]
Just left, so I can't join. Make sure you make the trip to the Bat Cave. The numbers have increased again (Closer to 300,000 now), and they are leaving the cave earlier than usual. More around 730PMish than their usual 830PMish. Sometimes all coming out at 730, sometimes a second, smaller launch at 830. This video is from 26 July, when they all came out at 730. For awhile you can see the two streams, but the wind kept blowing them together.
https://www.facebook.com/colorado.beach.5/videos/a.2052491481442447.1073741825.100000448441684/2052491521442443/?type=3
John aka cobeachbumReactReply - NK
nkhikerMar 26, 2019OLT/Valley View season is almost upon us. Of course there are hardy souls that will do the winter thing, but hiking naked is a big part of my experience there. The earliest I have been is last week of April, and it has been warm enough in the day to be comfortable. It is still a roll of the dice weather-wise until late May. I am planning a few trips down there this year. Who else?
ReactReply - JOJohnMar 27, 2019
I will be there either the last week of June or first week of July. Not sure if I'm going to get a cabin or not. In the past few years, I had a tent that attached to the back of my minivan, but both the tent and the van have had their last season. It worked out well, as all the "stuff" went in the tent, and I had a fairly nice bed set up in the van. Considering acquiring a camper trailer to replace, but haven't made the plunge yet.
John aka cobeachbum
ReactReply - MEMemberApr 4, 2019
Decided to explore the forums and found this thread. Been to OLT a few times and just became a member last year when I returned to CO after a few years away. Usually go camping there by myself so would love to meet other people there.
ReactReply - NKnkhikerApr 5, 2019
There is a Valley View group. I will likely post there when ever headed down.
ReactReply - JOJohnApr 17, 2019[quote]I will be there either the last week of June or first week of July. Not sure if I'm going to get a cabin or not. In the past few years, I had a tent that attached to the back of my minivan, but both the tent and the van have had their last season. It worked out well, as all the "stuff" went in the tent, and I had a fairly nice bed set up in the van. Considering acquiring a camper trailer to replace, but haven't made the plunge yet.John aka cobeachbum[/quote]
This years trip is scheduled. I will be there June 25 - 30th. Wanted to get a cabin, but screwed around too long deciding on dates. I will be staying in the Oak House. Come say "Hi".
John aka cobeachbum
Here's an picture of my old accommodations:ReactReply - JA
Jeremy aka JayroeJun 8, 2019Im excited to return to VVHS June 20-23.
Ill be in site L, not K as I had posted in error previously
Definitely looking for new acquaintances and friends.
Feel free to say hi
JayroeReactReply - JOJohnJun 8, 2019[quote]Im excited to return to VVHS June 20-23.Ill be in site KDefinitely looking for new acquaintances and friends.Feel free to say hiJayroe[/quote]
I won't arrive until the 25th, but a friend will be there at the same time as you. If you run into Steve, say "Hi". He's a semi-professional photographer and is likely to be taking pictures of a model or two, usually in or around "Old Town".
John aka cobeachbumReactReply - JAJeremy aka JayroeJun 8, 2019[quote]Im excited to return to VVHS June 20-23.Ill be in site KDefinitely looking for new acquaintances and friends.Feel free to say hiJayroe I won't arrive until the 25th, but a friend will be there at the same time as you. If you run into Steve, say "Hi". He's a semi-professional photographer and is likely to be taking pictures of a model or two, usually in or around "Old Town". John aka cobeachbum[/quote] Hey John, Thank you for the info. If I run into Steve, Ill say hi for sure ! Is Old Town the hike out to the north?ReactReply
- JB
jbeegoodeAug 5, 2019I recommend visiting before the mosquitoes and after the bats arrive. We were driven by the mosquitoes. There is a nearby town which bears the name mosquito in Spanish. They cease to be a problem after the bats migrate there. The bats are an incredible sight in themselves. It is a wonderful facility with free hiking for miles. The views are magnificent the pools natural and friendly.
You are invited to visit our story of Orient Land Trust at TheFreeRangeNaturist.org . There are many pictures and a whole experience described.
ReactReply - MC
McdcvsAug 7, 2019The mosquito s can be bad in the summer.
ReactReply - JOJohnAug 7, 2019[quote]The mosquito s can be bad in the summer.[/quote] Only in May and June The migratory bats are usually all there by early to mid June. Takes them a week or so to get the bugs under control. They were a little late this year. The first wave arrived 24th of June, so the bugs were in charge until about 1 July. I usually don't go until mid July, and the bugs are almost non-existent by then. John aka cobeachbumReactReply
- MCMcdcvsAug 7, 2019
That was our first time in June. We are usually there in October and the bugs are much lighter then.
ReactReply - NKnkhikerAug 7, 2019
I suspect it is a pretty narrow window if you are a bug at Valley View. Fortunately, we have missed them every time we have visited. Last week was our third time this year. We'll make it down again the second week of September. At least that is the plan now.
ReactReply - JOJohnApr 9, 2020OLT has committed to continue to pay staff salaries and health insurance, but as a non-profit, they are strapped. You can help by making a donation. If you are not already a donor, this will make you eligible for membership benefits (earlier reservations being the big one). If you are already a donor, this will bump you to a higher category. All donations are tax deductible if you itemize. [url][link]/link/d4695f070be6dc10/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5vbHQub3JnL25ld3MvaXRlbS81ODQtY2FsbC10by1hY3Rpb24tMDQyMDIwYw%3D%3D[/link]http://www.olt.org/news/item/584-call-to-action-042020c[/url] John aka cobeachbumReactReply
- JOJohnAug 22, 2020Since this has post has been revived, I thought it would be wise to bring some things up to date about Valley View in the age of COVID: While it was never wise to just "Show up" without reservations, it would be a huge mistake now. No reservation, you ain't getting in. Their normal quota's have been severely restricted (Just pure number, not by gender). There are no day pass or quick dip admissions, only overnight reservations. Tent area is closed, though you can pitch a tent in one of the vehicle sites. You must bring all your own stuff (Food, linens, cookware, everything) even if staying in one of the cabins, SunSet, The Spruce House, & the Oak House. Oak House kitchen is for Oak House only. Oak House upstairs bunks are closed. Each pond has a limit of number of people at any given time, as well as the sauna and pool. Reservations are restricted to 30 days out. Do not call any sooner, you will just be told to call back at the 30 day mark. If they don't answer the phone, leave a message. They will call you back. For more details see this [url][link]/link/40570eef34247f7d/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub2x0Lm9yZy9uZXdzL2l0ZW0vNjAwLXJlb3BlbmluZy1hdWctM3Jk[/link]notice [/url]on their web pageReactReply
- JOJohnSep 5, 2020
From Rosie:
Phone update: Thanks everyone for your patience! We continue to have difficulty with the phone lines. For several days now we have been struggling with calls dropping and difficulty calling out. After much evaluation, we have had to order a new phone base station which will come in next Tuesday. That's the good news! Until then, we have just one line coming in and going out. Answering the phone has some new challenges for us. When you call, if we don't answer and you want to make a reservation, leave just your name and phone number, we'll call you back in the order the message is received. Please listen carefully to the message, your questions may be answered there or check the web site! Thanks for helping us through these few days of technical difficulties, we appreciate your patience! Rosie
ReactReply - JOJohnDec 20, 2020
From the Facebook page:
Valley View Hot Springs is closed for the holidays! The offices at OLT will reopen on Tuesday, December 29th at 9:00 am. Please do not call the office to make reservations while we are closed, they will not be returned. To make reservations for January, give a call on the 29th! Current covid guidelines will apply and can be reviewed on our website https://www.olt.org/.../Additional_COVID19_Guidelines_Map...
Anyone wishing to make a tax deductible donation can donate on the website: https://www.olt.org/olt/get-involved/membership
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season! We look forward to hearing from you in the new year!John aka cobeachbum
ReactReply - PR
prickleyguyJun 7, 2022I just spent a couple of days at Valley View, had a wonderful time, good weather few bugs, the bats are a bit late. I can't wait to go back.
ReactReply - NKnkhikerAug 25, 2022
Just returned from my 3rd trip down there this year. The first day felt a little like this site; there seemed to be a large contingent of older men nudists, me included. However, by the second day, it was more what I am accustomed to there--a good mix of young and old, and men and women. It has been quite rainy down there, and at least one night, I wished for an extra blanket. On the opposite end, the upper Top Pond clocked in at 109 degrees. That is unusually hot for the Top Ponds. Probably has something to do with the low snowpack they had down there this winter. Also, they deepened the Waterfall Pond. It is a much nicer depth, but it will take a while for the silt to clear out. Finally, I have a couple of photos of me in the most recent newsletter associated with Naked Gardening Day at the Everson Ranch.
ReactReply - JOJohnAug 26, 2022[quote] On the opposite end, the upper Top Pond clocked in at 109 degrees. That is unusually hot for the Top Ponds. Probably has something to do with the low snowpack they had down there this winter. [/quote] The top ponds have been running rather toasty this summer. The lower one is the only one I could stand for any length of time. Come October, I think all the COVID changes will be gone (The Oak House bunks upstairs become available again 1 Oct). I suspect the reduced quotas (Mostly gone already - I think they're at 75% of normal now) will be completely gone by next summer if not sooner. John aka cobeachbumReactReply
- NKnkhikerAug 30, 2022[quote]Come October, I think all the COVID changes will be gone (The Oak House bunks upstairs become available again 1 Oct). I suspect the reduced quotas (Mostly gone already - I think they're at 75% of normal now) will be completely gone by next summer if not sooner.[/quote] It feels like the limits are already gone, but I guess it is still hard to get in on a day pass without reserving well in advance. The RV sites are close to 100% booked most of the time.ReactReply
- JOJohnAug 30, 2022
When I was there towards the end of July, the quota was 75% of normal. It still seemed like a lot less people than usual (which was kinda nice). I would say the RV spots were about 75%. All four of the Oak House rooms were taken most nights (I was in one of them), and it appeared all the cabins were in use. The Spruce house was in use at least some nights, but can't say if both rooms were being used. It appeared it was the tent camping that was mostly under-utilized.
John aka cobeachbum
ReactReply - BI
BillJan 23, 2023Awesome place. I went there in August 2022. I was a little disappointed by the amount of clothed people. Most were nude in the hot springs, but dressed everywhere else. I hiked to the bat cave nude and was the only nude person on the trail that evening. The coed bathrooms were kinda cool and unique too.
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