Desert Reef Hot Springs

What to expect

Desert Reef Hot Springs sits on 77.5 acres of dry, open country east of Florence, in the Arkansas River valley between Cañon City and Pueblo. The setting is high desert: cactus, low hills and long views toward the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is not a family water park. It is an adults-only soaking resort with a quiet, low-tech feel, and most of the week it is suits optional.

The water comes from a well, not a natural pool. According to the operator, it rises from well over 1,000 feet down at about 125-135°F52-57°C and is cooled by air before it reaches the pools. Uncover Colorado puts the well depth at 1,096 feet and says it was drilled in the 1940s by oil explorers who found hot water instead of oil. Travertine in the water gives the main pool a blue tint.

The operator’s own history is short and personal. A group of friends built a wood-walled pool here in the 1980s, and in the 2000s it ran as a members-only club. It closed in 2021 for renovations and reopened with more pools, a new bathhouse, overnight accommodations and paved, accessible paths.

The pools

• Main pool: 36 by 50 feet, holding 40,400 gallons. The operator says it averages 100-104°F38-40°C in winter and 96-108°F36-42°C in summer, and the water is kept cooler in hot weather.
• Four other pools are spread around the property, some of them private.
• Tiny home tubs: every tiny home has its own two-person hot spring pool.

Almost all of the pools are flow-through. The operator says about 98% of the water now returns to the Arkansas River. Every pool is drained and cleaned weekly on Tuesday, and water samples go to the public health department monthly. There are shade structures and parasols; ask at the front desk.

Changing rooms have toilets, sinks and showers. There are no lockers.

Getting there

Desert Reef is at 1194 County Road 110, Florence, CO 81226.

• From Penrose: Take CO-115 toward Florence, then turn east on CO-120 for about 1 mile. Look for the tall cactus sign, turn south on County Road 110 and follow the blue and yellow signs for about 1 mile.
• From Florence: about 5 miles by road, under 15 minutes.
• From Colorado Springs: about 40 miles via CO-115, roughly an hour.
• From Pueblo: about 31 miles, roughly 50 minutes.

The last stretch is a county road. Any car can manage it in dry weather. Dakota Hot Springs in Penrose is about 6.5 miles away if you want a second soak.

When to go

The resort is open year-round but closed to day visitors on Tuesdays, when only overnight guests can soak and the pools are cleaned. Wednesday mornings, 10am to 4pm, are for members and Splash Pass holders only.

Check for the fall closure. As of October 18, 2026, the operator’s site says day soaks are temporarily closed from October 19 to November 10 and overnight stays from October 1 to November 15. The pages do not state a year, and one section gives December 15 for overnight stays. Call (719) 784-6134 before you plan a trip in late fall.

Winter is the best season for soaking. The main pool is held above 100°F38°C, and the valley stays milder than the mountains. Summer days are hot, so the water is kept cooler. Book ahead on Friday nights and weekends.

Prices and booking

Book your soak on the operator’s site. Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are taken only if space is left, and the operator says calling will not open extra spots.

Ticket	Price
Weekday soak (Mon to Thu, Fri 10am and 1pm)	$25
Weekend soak (Fri 4pm and 7pm, Sat, Sun)	$35
Splash Pass (6 soaks for 1, or 3 soaks for 2)	$135

• Military: active and retired military get 20% off day soaks.
• Group size: up to 6 people per reservation. Larger groups need a facility rental request.
• Cancellations: the reservation page says at least 24 hours ahead; the FAQ also mentions a 2-hour cut-off, so read the terms on your booking.
• Events: standard reservations are not offered on event nights. Buy an event ticket instead.
• Memberships: offered to regulars or people a member recommends. Start with a Splash Pass.

Rules and etiquette

• 18 and over only.
• Clothing: suits optional except Fridays until 6:30pm. Suits or cover-ups are required in marked areas.
• No phones or cameras in the main pool area. That includes smart glasses. Leave devices in the car or at the front desk.
• Single men or groups of men must be accompanied by a partner or a woman, according to the posted policies.
• Alcohol: two drinks per person, no glass of any kind. Visibly drunk guests are turned away.
• Quiet pools: no jumping, diving or splashing, keep voices low, and no intimate touching.
• No fires or grilling anywhere on the property, and no pets except documented service dogs.
• Day guests must leave at closing. No overnight parking without a booking.

Where to stay nearby

• On site: Airstreams with a queen bed and private powder room (three have kitchenettes), tiny homes with kitchenettes and private tubs, and a few sites for vans, truck campers and Class B rigs with no hookups or generators. Van sites include soaking from 6pm to 10pm and 8am to noon the next morning. Guests walk in from the parking area. Check-out is 11am. Lodging cancellations are free up to 72 hours ahead. Tent and car camping are not allowed.
• Florence and Cañon City have motels and restaurants within 15 miles.

Safety notes

• Sun and heat: The valley is sunny and dry. Use the shade structures, bring a hat, water and sunscreen for before you arrive, and take breaks out of the water.
• Alcohol: The two-drink limit is there for a reason. Warm water and alcohol together dehydrate you fast.
• No lifeguard: There is no lifeguard on duty. Soak with a friend.
• Footing: Bring flip-flops or Crocs for wet paths and decks.