Desert Reef Hot Springs: Florence, Colorado Visitor Guide 2026
Desert Reef Hot Springs sits five miles east of downtown Florence, Colorado, in Fremont County, inside Royal Gorge Country. This clothing-optional mineral hot spring resort has operated since 1986, drawing visitors with warm 96-108F pool water fed by a natural artesian well.
Weekday passes cost $25, weekend passes cost $35, and reservations are strongly recommended before arrival. Surrounded by high desert scenery and mountain views, Desert Reef Hot Springs offers a quiet alternative to larger resorts featured on CATravelTimes. Full directions, pricing, and seasonal tips for readers follow directly below.
What is Desert Reef Hot Springs? Quick Details
Desert Reef Hot Springs traces back to the 1940s, when oil exploration company Conaco drilled in the area and struck a stream of hot mineral water instead of oil. The site opened as a soaking resort in 1986 and has operated since.
It sits at 1194 County Rd. 110, Florence, CO 81226, with entry priced at $25 for weekdays and $35 for weekends. Water temperature ranges from 96°F in summer to 104°F in winter. Ultimate Hot Springs Guide rates it 3 out of 5 stars. Weekday mornings see the fewest visitors. The next section covers how to get there.
Desert Reef Hot Springs: Directions & Map
Desert Reef Hot Springs is located at 38.368596, -105.049001, off County Road 110. From Penrose, take Colorado Highway 115 toward Florence, then go east on CO-120 for 1 mile, watching for the Tall Cactus sign, then south on County Road 110 for 1 mile, following the blue and yellow markers. From Pueblo, take I-25 N and US-50 W to Penrose (26 miles), then CO-120 to CR-110 (7.5 miles). The final stretch is a well-marked gravel road. Photos of the property follow next.
Desert Reef Hot Springs Photos – Scenic Views
Visitors can photograph the 36-by-50-foot main pool against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the sun deck at sunrise, the greenhouse lounge, and the vintage Airstream row at dusk. Evening light over the foothills is especially photogenic.
The next section covers rules, access, and facilities in detail.
Everything You Need to know about Desert Reef Hot Springs
Is Desert Reef Hot Springs Clothing Optional?
Desert Reef Hot Springs is suits-optional during all open hours, with one exception: swimsuits are required on Fridays from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. This policy applies to the main pool and all 4 additional soaking pools on the property.
What are Desert Reef Hot Springs ‘ hours?
Hours vary by day: Monday 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (members and Splash Pass only) then 4–9:30 p.m., Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Tuesday is closed except for overnight guests.
Does Desert Reef Hot Springs Offer Memberships?
Desert Reef Hot Springs offers memberships to regular guests recommended by existing members. New visitors typically start with a Splash Pass, which covers 6 soaks for one person or 3 soaks for two people, before inquiring about membership.
What Is the Group and Age Policy?
Desert Reef Hot Springs is limited to guests 18 and older during standard hours, similar to the adults-focused soaking culture at Harbin Hot Springs in California. Reservations are capped at 6 people per booking; larger groups need a full facility rental.
For a broader look at soaking destinations across the region, the Hot Springs Destinations covers additional options.
Water temperature and seasonal planning are covered next.
What’s the Water Temperature & Best Time to Visit Desert Reef Hot Springs?
Water surfaces from the artesian well at 125–135°F, then cools through air and geothermal exchange before reaching the pools. Summer water measures 96–108°F, while winter water holds steady at 100–104°F. Weekday mornings offer the smallest crowds year-round.
Packing tips for a visit are listed below.
Things to Do at Desert Reef Hot Springs
Most visitors combine a soak with a stop in Florence or a day trip to Cañon City’s canyon attractions, similar to a day spent near Deep Creek Hot Springs in Southern California.
Soak in the Main Pool
The 36-by-50-foot main pool at Desert Reef Hot Springs holds 40,400 gallons of naturally heated mineral water. Entry runs $25–$35 per person, and the pool is drained and cleaned weekly for cleanliness.
Walk in Florence River Park
Florence River Park (rated 4.5 on Google Maps) offers a half-mile loop trail along the Arkansas River, with picnic tables and shade, roughly 5 minutes from the hot spring.
Cross Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañon City (rated 4.5, 17,553 reviews) sits about 25 minutes away. Tickets run around $30–$36 and include the bridge walk and gondola ride.
Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad
This scenic train departs from Cañon City (rated 4.5, over 9,700 reviews) and runs along the canyon rim above the Arkansas River, with dining car options available.
Eat at Oak Creek Grill and Tavern
Located at 114 E Main St, Florence (rated 4.3), this tavern serves burgers and green chili in a small-town setting, about 10 minutes from the hot spring.
Browse Downtown Florence Antiques
Florence’s Main Street is known locally for its antique shops, walkable within a few blocks, and a short drive from Desert Reef Hot Springs.
Have Breakfast at Two Sisters
Two Sisters in nearby Penrose (rated 4.4, over 1,000 reviews) serves scratch-made breakfast and lunch, a common stop for visitors heading to or from the springs.
Lodging and dining options for an overnight stay follow next.
Where to Stay & Eat Near Desert Reef Hot Springs
Cañon City and Florence both work as a base, with Cañon City offering more lodging density about 20 minutes from the springs.
Hotels Near Desert Reef Hot Springs
Parkview Inn Motel
Located at 231 Royal Gorge Blvd, Cañon City, this motel offers clean, budget-friendly rooms roughly 25 minutes from the hot spring. Rated 4.6 on Google Maps, guests highlight the continental breakfast and walkable downtown location.
Quality Inn & Suites Cañon City
This hotel at 3075 US-50, Cañon City, sits about 25 minutes from Desert Reef Hot Springs. Rated 3.7 on Google Maps, it draws attention for its historic character and helpful front desk staff.
Florence Inn
Located at 4540 CO-67, Florence, roughly 10 minutes from the hot spring, this extended-stay inn is rated 3.6 on Google Maps and includes a community kitchen and on-site laundry.
Restaurants Near Desert Reef Hot Springs
Two Sisters
Address: 506 9th St, Penrose, CO 81240. This breakfast and American food spot is rated 4.4 with over 1,000 reviews, moderately priced, open 7 a.m.–3 p.m. most days, known for scratch-made pancakes.
Oak Creek Grill and Tavern
Address: 114 E Main St, Florence, CO 81226. This casual American tavern is rated 4.3, moderately priced, open 11 a.m. daily except Sunday, known for burgers and green chili.
The Patio Pub
Address: 4498 Bear Paw Dr, Florence, CO 81226. This bar and food-truck venue is rated 4.8, open Thursday through Saturday afternoons into the evening, known for smashburgers and Thursday trivia nights.
What Are People Saying About Desert Reef Hot Springs?
Google and Yelp Reviews for Desert Reef Hot Springs are largely positive, with 72 reviews on Yelp referencing the clean pools and desert scenery. Visitors describe the mountain views and relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere as standout features. Couples and solo travelers make up much of the visitor base, given the adults-only policy.
Final Thoughts on Desert Reef Hot Springs
Desert Reef Hot Springs suits travelers looking for a quiet, adults-only soak with genuine mineral water rather than a family water park. Reservations fill fast on weekends, so booking a weekday slot improves the odds of a quiet visit.
Families with children should look elsewhere, since the resort only admits guests 18 and older during standard hours. One detail worth remembering: Tuesdays are closed to day visitors entirely. For those wanting a soak surrounded by open desert sky, Desert Reef Hot Springs delivers a straightforward, well-run experience.
FAQs About Desert Reef Hot Springs
Q. How much does Desert Reef Hot Springs cost?
Weekday passes cost $25, and weekend passes (Friday evening through Sunday) cost $35. Active and retired military receive a 20% discount.
Q. Does Desert Reef Hot Springs require reservations?
Reservations are strongly recommended, though walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Cancellations require 2 hours’ notice for a refund.
Q. Is Desert Reef Hot Springs open for camping?
Standard tent and car camping are not allowed. A limited number of van, teardrop, and pop-up spots can be booked separately, with no hookups or generators permitted.
Q. Are dogs allowed at Desert Reef Hot Springs?
Pets are not allowed anywhere on the property, including the parking lot, except for documented service animals.
Q. How large is the pool at Desert Reef Hot Springs?
The main pool measures 36 by 50 feet and holds 40,400 gallons of water. The property includes 4 additional pools across 77.5 acres.
Q. Can single men visit Desert Reef Hot Springs?
Single men or groups of men must be accompanied by a partner or a woman to enter at any time.
Q. Does Desert Reef Hot Springs get crowded?
The resort limits capacity through its reservation system to keep the atmosphere relaxed, so weekday mornings typically see the fewest guests.
