What makes this place special

Valley View combines several experiences that are rarely found in one stargazing stop: hot springs, overnight lodging, a dedicated astronomy-host program and access to a 20-inch telescope under the San Luis Valley sky. It works less like a quick roadside viewpoint and more like a place where the night sky can be part of an entire overnight stay.

Before you go: clothing-optional property

Valley View Hot Springs is clothing-optional throughout the entire property, not just in the hot springs. Orient Land Trust describes the property as family-friendly and clothing-optional, and its shared bathhouses are co-ed. Visitors should know this before deciding whether the stop is a good fit for them or their group.[2]

Orient Land Trust

Orient Land Trust says Valley View's “high altitude and minimal light pollution provide some of the best stargazing opportunities available.”[3]

The nonprofit says its Astronomy Hosts share the science and wonder of the cosmos with guests. Its current activities page says the astronomy program uses a 20-inch telescope for views that can include distant galaxies, stars, planets, rings and moons.[3]

Lodging and late-night access

Valley View offers camping, cabins and other overnight accommodations. The accommodation page describes the Aspen Cabin's loft skylight as intended for nighttime stargazing.[4]

Sources

  1. [1]

    Photo: Orient Land Trust — Educational Programs: Astronomy

  2. [2]

    Orient Land Trust, Planning Your Visit — olt.org/valley-view-hot-springs-guidelines

  3. [3]

    Orient Land Trust, Activities — Astronomy — olt.org/activities

  4. [4]

    Orient Land Trust, Rates and Accommodations — olt.org/valley-view-hot-springs-guidelines/accommodation

  5. [5]

    Light Pollution Map — NASA Black Marble / VIIRS sky brightness