Quick FactsOverview
About Desert Reef Hot Springs
Desert Reef Hot Springs, Colorado is a paid clothing-optional mineral hot spring resort near Florence in Fremont County, fed by an artesian well drawing water from 1,096 feet underground. The water surfaces at around 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled before entering the pools. The resort sits on ten acres with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Reservations are required for all visits.
The springs originated by accident when oil prospectors drilled here in the 1940s, found only hot water, and moved on. The resort was established in 1986 and last substantially renovated in 2022. The mineral water has a bluish tint from travertine and flows continuously through the pools, with about 98 percent returned to the Arkansas River. The main pool is drained weekly for cleaning.
Day use of the main pool is available on most operating days. Airstream rentals and tiny homes with private smaller pools are available for overnight stays. The resort is adults-only during standard clothing-optional hours, with children welcome on specific family days. Desert Reef is among the better-known clothing-optional hot springs in Colorado, about 45 minutes from Colorado Springs.
Location & Access
Getting to Desert Reef Hot Springs
Desert Reef Hot Springs is at 1194 County Road 110, Florence, CO 81226, approximately 5 miles east of downtown Florence and about 10 miles east of Canon City. From Penrose, take CO-115 south toward Florence, then head east on CO-120 for one mile until you see a Tall Cactus sign. Turn south onto County Road 110 and continue one mile following blue and yellow signs to the hot springs. From Canon City, head east on CO-120 and follow the same signs from Penrose.
From Colorado Springs, the drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Head south on CO-115 through Penrose, then pick up CO-120 east as described above. From Pueblo, head west on US-50 to Florence, then follow local signage to County Road 110. From Denver, plan roughly one and a half hours via US-285 south to CO-9 and then west to Penrose, or via CO-115 south from Colorado Springs. The property is on flat rural terrain and accessible in a standard vehicle year-round.
There is no public transit to the property. A personal vehicle is required. Parking is available on site. Because reservations are required for all visits, no walk-in access is available at any time. The resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for overnight guests. For visitors looking for hot springs near Canon City with a clothing-optional policy, Desert Reef is the primary destination in the Royal Gorge region and draws visitors from across central Colorado.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Desert Reef Hot Springs Suits
Desert Reef Hot Springs suits adults who are comfortable in or specifically seeking a clothing-optional soaking environment. Standard hours are adults-only. The resort uses a semi-private reservation model: couples and female-identifying guests are welcome, while single males or all-male groups must be accompanied by a female guest during clothing-optional sessions. Fridays require swimwear during daytime hours with different admission rules. Visitors should check the current access policy on the official website before booking.
Children are welcomed on designated family days as noted on the property website. The property is not suited to families with children on standard clothing-optional days. Wheelchair accessibility is not formally documented; the terrain is flat and the artesian pool is at ground level, which may be more accessible than other Colorado spring facilities. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the property directly before visiting.
The atmosphere is quiet and informal, with a sun deck and greenhouse lounge. It suits visitors who want a relaxed soak away from the crowds of larger resort facilities. Overnight guests in Airstreams and tiny homes get private smaller pools at their units. For visitors seeking clothing-optional hot springs in Colorado, Desert Reef has operated continuously since 1986 and is one of the few established facilities of this type in the state.
Safety & Etiquette
Desert Reef Hot Springs Safety Tips
Desert Reef Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking, but the high source temperature of the artesian water requires awareness. The water rises from underground at 125 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and is cooled before entering the pools, but temperatures can vary seasonally: warmer months see the main pool kept below body temperature, while winter temperatures run between 100 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Always test the water on entry and ask staff about current pool temperature before getting in.
People with cardiovascular conditions, high or low blood pressure, pregnancy, or other medical conditions should consult a physician before using high-temperature mineral pools. The artesian water contains dissolved minerals and no added chemicals. The pool is drained and refilled weekly to maintain water quality. Showering before entering helps maintain the shared environment for all guests.
Alcohol is permitted on site but glass containers are prohibited. The clothing-optional policy means guests will be in a state of undress around others; the resort enforces a respectful and non-predatory atmosphere and has access rules in place for this purpose. Photography and phone use are prohibited on site to protect all guests. Guests who do not respect these boundaries will be asked to leave.
The property is in Fremont County at relatively low elevation, so altitude is not a significant concern here compared to other Colorado springs. The surrounding terrain is flat and exposed. Summer temperatures in the area can be high, and the open pool area has limited shade. Drinking plenty of water throughout your visit, particularly during warmer months, is important. The resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; visiting without a reservation will result in denied entry.
