Orient Land Trust and Museum

​The Orient Mine @ Orient Land Trust
The Orient Mine, located north of Crestone, operated as Colorado's largest iron mine from the 1880s to 1932. Visitors can see foundations at the old Orient town site, a tipple, railroad bed and mine workings. During summer months, the mine is home to a colony of 250,000 Mexican Freetailed bats, and the outflight at dusk is a thrilling sight.
 
​64393 County Road GG 
Villa Grove,  CO  8115
5719-256-4315

Hours of Operation
Orient Land Trust is open 9 AM to 10 PM daily, December 29 through November 30. Closed December 1-28.

Directions
From intersection of Hwy 285 and Hwy 17 (4 miles south of Villa Grove) take County Road GG east 7.5 miles to Orient Land Trust.

Visitor Services
Parking
Restrooms
Visitor Information

Travel Tips
Call for information about the bat colony re: when the bats are on site, expected outflight time, etc. Guided tours to see mine and outflight are available most evenings during the summer months.
Entrance Fees

No charge for visiting the Orient Mine. However, you must obtain permission at the Orient Land Trust Welcome Center to visit the mine. (Fees charged for use of Valley View Hot Springs.)