Desert Reef Hot Springs
- Call for prices
- 2 hr 17 min from Denver
- Reservations required
An adults-only, suits-optional geothermal soaking spot in the high desert near Florence, with overnight stays in vintage Airstreams, tiny homes or van campsites. Swimsuits are required on Friday daytimes, and some hours are reserved for members. It was temporarily closed for day soaks at time of check (Oct 19-Nov 10, 2026).
Closed for day soaks Oct 19 to Nov 10, 2026 and for overnight stays Oct 1 to Nov 15, 2026.
- Price
- Call for prices
- Nearest town
- Florence
- From Denver
- 2 hr 17 min
- Reservations
- Required
Plan your visit
Hours & season
| Hours |
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|---|---|
| Season |
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Tickets & booking
| Price |
|
|---|---|
| Access | Reservation required |
| Booking |
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Rules
| Swimwear | Clothing optional |
|---|---|
| Ages |
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On site
| Lodging | Yes |
|---|
Not stated by the venue: dogs.
Water temperature
This venue doesn't publish pool temperatures.
Mineral profile
Total dissolved minerals
1,520 mg/L
Highly mineralized · Sodium–sulfate (sodium sulfate water)
- pH
- 6.8
- Temp at source
- 131°F
- Lithium
- 0.29 mg/L
- Fluoride
- 1.2 mg/L
- Boron
- 0.21 mg/L
- Iron
- 0.06 mg/L
Lab analysis of the source water at a USGS sampling site (0.4 mi from Desert Reef Hot Springs), sampled 1971–1972 by the USGS and partners (data). Pool water may be cooled, mixed or treated, and spring chemistry is generally stable over decades. We report measurements only; we don't make health claims.
The pools
| Pool | Temp |
|---|---|
| Main pool36 x 50 ft, about 40,400 gallons; four smaller pools also on site. Site averages 100-104F winter, 96-108F summer | — |
As published by the venue. Temperatures shift with the seasons and the weather.
Facilities
- Artesian well water
- The venue says almost all pools are flow-through
- All pools drained and cleaned weekly on Tuesdays
- Changing rooms: yes
- Showers: yes
- Lockers: no
- Towels included: no
- Drinks / bar: no
- Restrooms: yes
| Accessibility |
|
|---|---|
| Bring your own alcohol | Allowed |
| Glass containers | Not allowed |
| Smoking | Not allowed |
| Photos | Not allowed |
| Good to know |
|
What's here
- suits-optional geothermal pool
- adults only
- vintage Airstreams, tiny homes and van camping
Getting there
- From Denver2 hr 17 min108 mi
- From Pueblo47 min31 mi
- From Colorado Springs (COS)1 hr 12 min46 mi
Typical driving time without traffic or snow.
| Elevation | 5,162 ft |
|---|---|
| Road | Address is 1194 County Rd 110, Florence |
| Parking |
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Things to do near Florence
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Suspension bridge 955 ft above the Arkansas River, with a gondola and visitor center west of Cañon City
Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Scenic train through the Royal Gorge from the Santa Fe Depot in Cañon City
Trailheads
- Mackenzie Avenue Trailhead8 mi
- Eagle Wing Trailhead12.1 mi
- Greenhorn Trailhead12.2 mi
- Hogbacks Trailhead12.3 mi
Straight-line distances. Campground and trailhead data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Nearby springs
Dakota Hot Springs
A naturally flowing, unchlorinated geothermal pool west of Penrose that is swimsuit-optional most days and describes itself as family-friendly. Visits are booked online in two 5-hour sessions, and it is closed Mondays for cleaning. Tent sites and camper rentals are available to soakers.
Valley View Hot Springs
Natural ponds and pools on a hillside above the San Luis Valley, run as a nonprofit by the Orient Land Trust. The whole property is clothing-optional and family-friendly, and daily visitor numbers are capped, so reservations by phone are needed. Cabins and campsites are available, and leashed pets are allowed on camping and day-pass reservations for a fee.
Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa
A spa retreat near Moffat in the San Luis Valley, built on the historic Mineral Hot Springs site, with three main pools held at 98, 104 and 108°F plus jacuzzis and a cold plunge. Lodging ranges from hotel rooms to yurts, tipis and campsites. Leashed dogs are welcome on the grounds but not in the pool area.
Dakota Hot Springs: 3 mi · Valley View Hot Springs: 44 mi · Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa: 50 mi
Sources (8)
· checked November 2026
Prices, hours and rules are checked against the official site and land-agency pages. Spot something out of date? Let us know.