Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
ORIENT MINE & VALLEY VIEW HOT SPRINGS
This off-the-grid and little-known hot springs resort (
719-256-4315; www.olt.org ; 64393 County Rd GG;
day/overnight pass $15/30, children under 16yr free; 9am-10pm) is a magical place hidden in the foot-
hills of the Sangres, where geothermal waters cascade down the hillside through a series of natural ponds - cer-
tainly among the loveliest hot springs in Colorado. Set on the land of the former Orient Mine and Everson Ranch,
Valley View is an ideal spot to recharge the batteries over the course of a weekend.
Now a full-fledged conservation area, you can hike along several trails here (the longest, at 10 miles round-trip,
heads up to Garner Pass at 12,700ft), visit the abandoned mining town established in the 1870s or watch thou-
sands of bats exiting the Orient Mine on summer evenings: the former mine is today home to the largest bat
colony in Colorado (estimated at 100,000 to 250,000). Male Brazilian free-tailed bats spend each summer in the
mine, while females migrate to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The historic Everson homestead, also part of
the conservation area, is currently being renovated as a sustainable and educational ranch.
Lodging options (campsite/dm/cabin $10/15/60; ) range from campsites and inexpensive dorm
beds to private rooms and cabins that sleep from four to six. To get here, follow County Rd GG 7 miles west from
Hwy 17, where it intersects with Hwy 285; follow signs for the Orient Land Trust. Note that the entire area (not
just the hot springs) is clothing optional.
Eating & Entertainment
Sugar and Spice Mountain Bakery
(411 Main St; pastries from $2; 7am-5pm Tue-Sat) This Mennonite bakery has fresh-baked pies,
pastries (gluten-free too), bread and quiche. Delish!
BAKERY $
Sangrita
( 719-783-4054; www.sangritarestaurant.com ; 212 Main St; lunch $8-10, dinner $13-16; lunch Tue-Sun, dinner
Tue-Sat; ) Westcliffe's best restaurant is housed inside an adobe-style building. Expect a
wide selection of burgers for lunch and finer fare - pecan-crusted chicken, broiled mahi
over spinach - for dinner.
AMERICAN $$
BOWLING
Rancher's Roost & Cliff Lanes
( www.clifflanes.com ; 25 Main St; game $3.50, shoe rental $2.50; 7am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm Sat & Sun; )
At the west end of Main St, this bowling alley/diner is a good diversion if you're looking
for a little Big Lebowski action and reliable diner grub.
Information
Search WWH ::




Custom Search