Desert Reef Hot Springs – Florence, CO

Desert Reef Hot Springs is a clothing-optional hot spring resort situated in the “banana belt” of Colorado. Operating since 1986, the resort is semi-private, located on ten acres with gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

It’s located in Florence, between Cañon City and Pueblo. There are some overnight accommodations now on the property in the form of a tiny house or Airstream rentals. The resort is closed Monday and Tuesday and suits are optional at all times except on Friday from 10 am to 7 pm (subject to change, please check their official website). It’s adults-only during standard hours.

Mineral Hot Springs Pools

Overlooking the pools at Desert Reef hot Springs Colorado — Overlooking Desert Reef Hot Springs.

As part of the Florence oil exploration project, Conaco drilled for oil here in the 1940s. After coming up short and only finding hot water, they moved on. Desert Reef has been transformed into a remarkable hot springs swimming pool.

Water comes from a depth of 1,096 feet and is extremely hot, about 132 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s cooled by air convection and adjusted seasonally.

There is one large single pool filled with hot mineral water from an artesian well. It’s open for public use. During warmer months it’s kept below body temperature and in the winter just above 100°F. There are also several smaller pools available for private rental.

The mineral Travertine gives the water a bluish hue. The mineral water flows continuously thru all of the pools and they’ve managed to get 98% of back into the Arkansas River. The pool is completely drained once a week to ensure exceptional quality.

Sculpture in front of Desert Reef hot Springs Colorado — The largest main pool at Desert Reef Hot Springs.

There is a sun deck, greenhouse lounge, and plenty of seating and tables around the facility. An outdoor BBQ grill is available for use, as well as a microwave, water cooler, and refrigerator. There are also changing rooms with restrooms and showers.

Reservations are required and they do not accept walk-ins. Desert Reef hot springs are clothing optional for guests 18 and over during standard hours. Alcohol is permitted but no glass. The resort has great views of the Front Range.

Single males (or groups of males) must be accompanied by their partner or a female in order to visit during clothing optional times.

Tiny House and Airstream Rentals

Desert Reef hot Springs Colorado Airstreams — Stay the night in an Airstream at Desert Reef.

They offer renovated Airstream rentals, complete with queen bed, kitchen, and bathroom. Each comes with its own small private hot springs pool.

You can reserve a tiny house or Airstream rental via their website.

Desert Reef hot Springs Colorado Tiny House — Tiny house rental at Desert Reef.

Getting There

From Penrose – Take CO 115 toward Florence. Then go east on CO 120 for a mile. Watch for the Tall Cactus sign. Go south on County Road 110 for one mile, following the blue and yellow signs to the hot springs.