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Join GARNA for a trip to see the Orient Mine bats. We will drive to and then hike to the opening of the Orient Mine Cave via the Black Canyon trail head. The Orient Mine Cave is located on the Orient Land Trust (OLT) and Valley View Hot Springs property, approximately 11 miles southeast of Villa Grove. The closed Orient Mine has been the home to nearly 250,000 migratory bats for the last 40 years.
The hike is approximately 1 mile to the bat cave opening called The Glory Hole. There, we’ll witness the mass flight exodus of the bats at dusk over the San Luis Valley. The 2 mile total hike is on fairly level ground for the first section but the last half mile is steep and somewhat rough.
Ecologist, educator, outdoor enthusiast and GARNA program committee member Max Keller will lead the group. Additional information such as carpooling will be provided to those who register.
The cost of the program is $5 for GARNA members, $7 for non-members. Online registration is available below via our secure, pay pal site. Please note: you do not need a pay pal account, only a credit card. Fees support coordination and promotion of GARNA programs.
Many GARNA programs require a Liability Release Form be filled out each calendar year.
Your registration is secured upon receipt of payment, as long as there space is still available in a program. If you prefer not to register online (recommended), you may mail a check, made out to “GARNA” to the address below or stop by the office. Please include a note with the program you are registering for. Be aware, some programs sell out quickly, and we cannot confirm your spot with a mailed registration.
PO Box 1522
Salida CO 81201
Cancellation policy:
If we are notified of your need to cancel by 24 hours of program date, your program fee will be refunded except for a $3.00 administrative fee. No refunds within 24 hours or after the event (but most events are transferable). If minimum enrollment has not been met 2 days before program date, programs will be cancelled and we will refund the full amount.
