I always bring friends from out of town to Desert Reef Hot Springs. The owners, Matt and his mom are always friendly and don't tolerate rule breakers which is a great thing. It's the one place all of my female friends have said they feel comfortable because they don't allow single men off the street. Matt and his mom always give Veterans 5 dollars off entry and thank me and my female Veteran friends for our service. I'm proud to support their business! The facilities are always clean and the green house has some really cool plants. Be sure to visit Desert Reef Hot Spring for total relaxation! read more

Beautiful place that has been updated. They have some nice plans in the works but they need to focus on the water temperature. People come for the HOT springs not bath temp. Too many times I have made the hour drive to warm water. Staff are pleasant but they need to get consistent with temperature read more

I have been going to Desert Reef for about 15 years - I love this place. Recently it has gone through new management/owners and it's a good thing! They are even talking about expanding to include lodging. Visiting during Covid is different everywhere - they are doing a fantastic on keeping people safe. I appreciate everything you do! read more

We were hesitant to come here, after hours of research on things to do near Denver. We found the royal gorge and then this hot spring not too far. After hours of hiking, we were freezing and exhausted and ready to get back but had this on our itinerary. Reluctant, we decided to go and we are SO glad we did! One of the most amazing experiences out there! Worth every penny and the sketchy drive at night. Extremely romantic for couples at night. Allow nudity and limit how many people are in the pool. Man made pool with natural hot spring coming out at 118 degrees heating the pool to about 102, perfect for even the coldest day in December. We went dec 16- when it was like 20degrees and it was PERFECT. Not too crowded Bring our towels and water/snacks They have a changing room and restroom/shower Very secluded and private Try not to be too loud to ruin the experience No phones allowed for privacy purposes. Honestly, one of the best parts of our trip. Fell in love with this place read more

Such a cool vibe, and a perfect oasis. We stayed in be of the airstreams for a night, and had a peaceful soak under the stars. We went on a whim, and are sooooo glad we did. Staff was also amazing! read more

Horrible customer service. We were not allowed in during the Friday night clothing ONLY time. We were told we would get a refund for the 4 of us, over a week no refund, they do not respond to phone calls or emails. So went back to ask about it and was treated just ridiculous. The way these folks act is insane, they really have zero customer service skills. To not refund our money is theft, and very sad. Read review's before going, the bad ones, you will not enjoy your time here. read more

Finally made it to my first hot springs in Colorado. Desert Reef is a nice relaxing place, but don't expect anything fancy. The road to the springs is literally in the middle of nowhere! It's a dirt road that winds through mounds of dirt. My Prius was NOT happy to have to go over 3 cattle guards and a small cemented creek. IT WOULD BE BEST TO DRIVE A TRUCK or a small SUV! The facilities are very VERY basic. Crates in which to put your clothes, a plastic shower stall with no hot water, a toilet, a sink, a bench. There is a green house where one can relax among plants and cactuses and get some water from the water cooler. The pool itself is ok. It could have used some cleaning. Lots of sediment on the bottom and in the corners, bugs, and leaves. At one point a guest (I assume she was a regular) got a net and started cleaning up some of the leaves. The water comes out REALLY hot. I am not sure I could stand right at the water spout, however it was very comfortable throughout the rest of the pool. There is a submerged bench running all along one side (deeper) and it is shallower on the opposite side. So one can either sit, stand or lay in the water. Love that idea. I also loved the waterfall idea. Too bad IT WAS NOT ON! :( The whole place could use a good ole scrubbing, some tiding up and at least some landscaping or zeroscaping, since it's in the desert. I love that they have a tiki umbrella, that's much better than the rest of the eye sore tarp canopy, I wish they would have ONLY tiki umbrellas. They look so much better. The chairs were scattered in a non sensical fashion. Just keeping them in a nice row and organized by colors would make the place look much more inviting! I wish that the pool was more open to the outdoors, all the tarps and fencing made it feel too boxed in. There could be beautiful views from the pool. So overall a nice place, but it could use some help...hence my missing star. read more

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This Hot spring seems to have some problems with consensual space, considering they have a policy that you have to be escorted by a female to be welcome on their property, it is not listed in the main portion of their website or on their voicemail. This clearly discriminatory rule should be CLEARLY POSTED in places potential guests to see before driving 2+ hours for a hot spring experience. Kinda felt like a bathhouse, wouldn't suggest for anyone. read more

If you don't want to be left hanging without knowing what's going on, then I wouldn't suggest visiting this place. I made an online reservation at this place the night before I was scheduled to visit. First problem: I tried to pick the "pay later" option but I still had to pay on the spot for one of the two spots I reserved. Second problem: the day of my reservation, I tried to call twice & left a message inquiring about their inclement weather policy. This hot spring was an hour away from where I was vacationing, so I didn't want to waste my time driving out there if there was a chance my reservation would be stormed out. Even though I didn't get an answer from them, I still went. My mistake. Third problem: I sat for an hour and a half in my car (because they charge to wait in the facility) for a storm to pass, which it never did. I was told that storms in Colorado "pass quickly," despite having already waited that long. Fourth problem: when I asked what would happen to my reservation if we started encroaching on the next reservation time, I was told, "We'll see," as if there was no guarantee that I'd get in after having already waited an hour. Fifth problem: When I asked for a refund for both of my reservations, they said I shouldn't have paid ahead & that they could give me a voucher for my unpaid reservation, even though I specified that I didn't live in Colorado. Overall, the communication with this place was horrible & every bad experience I had could've been avoided had they communicated better from the get-go. Instead, I wasted 3.5 hours on my last day in Colorado without ever stepping foot into the hot spring. Oh, & I never got my refund or response even after emailing them about the whole incident. Whenever I'm back in Colorado, I'll be visiting a better-run hot spring. read more

Great facility, nice and clean. May not be suitable for all. Clothing is optional. Towels are available. Showers are clean and well maintained. read more

These guys need to make it more clear that SOLO MEN ARE NOT WELCOME and will not be admitted unless they are with a partner. Apparently, this also excludes accepting an offer to join a group you meet in the parking area after being rejected. Very disappointed as I drove an hour out of my way to try to go here. The host pointed out to me that this is mentioned on their website- I sure didn't see it when I was checking into the place, but now after some digging a few menus down, I do see it is there under policies. I wish these guys (apparently new owners) the best and understand the reason for the policy (they don't want creepers lurking around a clothing optional bathing area) but they need to make this way more up front on their website. And, they may also want to consider allowing a friendly group to let a solo traveler join them. Until then, super disappointed with this place and my experience with them. read more

I used to recommend this place and had be going a few times a year for about 5 years. My friend for even longer and if not for the crazy owner woman I still would. I was there with a male friend who went inside to grab his beer, which were in cans and we asked before arriving to confirm was still allowed. Only stipulation was no glass. While in the men's room the women owner yelled at him about dripping water on the floor. Now there are two things about this that are concerning. First she shouldn't be in the men's room and second, it's a hot springs, of course there is going to be water. My friend then told her we were leaving but as I was in the pool this whole time he had to come and tell me what just happened and grab our things. She then came to the pool and yelled at me when she saw he was talking to me. We gathered my belongings and headed for the exit. She then blocked the door, barring us from leaving and continuing to yell at him about the water while threatening to call the cops. At this point I began to film her not knowing how crazy she would become. She finally let him get his belongings from the men's room and we left. This whole insanity took place about a half an hour after she yelled at the whole pool because someone had left clothes in the greenhouse and she believed that to be disrespectful. It's too bad a great place can be ruined by bad management. She obviously knows people in the past have had similar bad experiences because in the video she mentions Facebook and Yelp. If you're going to go, call ahead and make sure she's not working that day. Her son was a very nice person. Go when it's just him. read more

It was an amazing and very relaxing experience. I love that it was clothing optional and that no technology was is allowed in the pool area, it feels like such a safe and serene place. My only complaints would be that while me and my friends were soaking if we laughed and it was considered to be to loud even though we were quiet it was a problem. I guess the owners didn't want their members to feel uncomfortable it seemed a little excessive and made us feel a little uncomfortable. read more

This place was extremely not well kept. Was very dirty and had a very uncomfortable interactiom with the man working the counter. I also have a feeling they're homophobic/sexist because they would not allow me and my friend to go there because we were "single men". Very awkward encounter. DO NOT GO!!! read more

This is a non -child friendly pool. We are former members that have been treated poorly after the owner took over from the hired help. She was nasty to us and continued to be well after I left the review. How I am treated when I spend my money makes a big difference in overlooking the things that are not up to standard. Friendly customer service is important. So is upkeep on the facility , water temperature constant and electricity that stays on and clean floors all of which it doesn't have but would have overlooked had the costumer service not been so nasty . I have never left a bad review before . Beware if you do , she attacks back, read more

I went there today for the first time; with 2 friends and had a good relaxing time. We didn't have high expectations but were glad we came. We chose to go on a Friday because that is NOT CLOTHING OPTIONAL DAY. What we liked: The pool itself is great, the mineral content was helpful and the temp was perfect.I loved the little waterfall, flowers, art and especially the views. Hot water in the shower. We tried it since it is not too far from Colorado Springs. Quiet and peaceful- out in the country.The price is reasonable ($15) and there was shade to park in.Very close to nature. In fact we saw a lizard in the bathroom and a little frog near the pool ;) What we didn't like: not enough shade, peeling pain in the bathrooms, cobwebs and some biting flies too. The place could use some work.Seems a little neglected. The man behind the desk "LJ" was terse and not very helpful. I drove out in my Subaru Outback and had no trouble but I had to go slow or I could have bottomed out on some of the dips and rocks in the road.I would consider returning. read more

Desert Reef Hot Spring - View from parking area. - Hot Springs Near Me - Florence, Colorado

Horrible experience horrible rude management host/cashier. Under construction very noisy, hammering, drilling, ruined what should be relaxing experience. Wouldn't allow us to have music but we had to tolerate the noise from construction. No privacy to change as the contractor was in the missing window area. $20 is expensive for no working facilities. Cut foot on pool as the cracks are sharp and deep! Skip it... ghetto! Never coming back. We love Mt Princeton but we thought we would try something new and closer. Wont make that mistake again read more

Pros: the water is very nice and clean. The spring allows a true sense of solitude. Very relaxing experience. Cons: Overpriced for what it is. It's basically a pool with a pipe letting the hot spring water in. They charge 20 a person. The lady that was there seemed very odd. When me and my girlfriend approached to go inside since we weren't aware there was a price, she said she was confused and I would have to pay. She also came over to us to let us know that placing our clothes in the tent was not allowed. She did not mention the cubbies to places your belongings. Also if You plan on paying with a card cross your fingers because they use the Square app off her iPad and it never loaded the app. Would we go back? Nah. read more

This is truly a unique Colorado secret! RE: the negative reviews here. (Which is what inspired me to review)... The policy's at Desert Reef create a incredibly positive zone for a heavenly environment. As an avid hotspringer- I am aware of the problem PERVERTS create. I am incredibly happy that this establishment is pro-active and actually does what they want to do! Which is to take a stand and say YES to people looking for a safe, nuturing, honorable environment. I had a horrible experience at Dakota Hotsprings with some perverted, degraded, criminal types. Go there if you want some sordid, disgusting solo male staring at you with an erection. People from out of state, or not from the area, need to understand the sociological climate of this area! There over a dozen prisons in the area. I think Desert Reef has the right idea considering the statistics governing the area, in terms of the 'single male' problem. Also, if you complain about peeling paint and incidentals such as spiders! Go to a 5 star spa! Not desert reef! This place is so full or character and charm, ... if you dont see that, youre either an anal retentive conservative from Colorado Springs- or you are unable to perceive with your limited understanding the actual worth of this place in terms of aesthetics! I consider this place a sacred spot. And there are.many others who feel the same way. If you approach it with reverence, you will have an amazingly uplifting and healing time. If you approach like a trashy, low IQ zombie, you will nit-pick it and cause problems for others. I totally appreciate this space and the people who carry this torch in making the experience availble to open hearted people like me! read more

A week after leaving a message for the manager to call me about my membership, I was rudely spoken to by Ro Who not only ignored addressing The issue of closing the one day I regularly visited the pool, therefore making my membership defunct, she blamed the poor pool management on Wednesdays not being addressed on me because I could not give her proper dates of the occurrences. Quite unprofessional behavior for a manager to turn the situation on her paying customer and to proceed to hang up on me. I put my money and faith in desert reef despite negative feedback from The Well customers, only to be disappointed and forced to gladly return to The nearby competition. Businesses like this don't survive very long. Good luck, Ro! read more

Tranquil location, beautiful setting, the water was super clean and lovely- perfect temperature. Very peaceful. Since clothing is optional, it would be nice for staff to better enforce rules regarding naked couples hanging all over each other and kissing :/ Not being a prude- but this isn't what this place is about and this kind of behaviour takes away from the peace felt here. read more

Granted my visit was years ago so hopefully this place has changed there was a man hating manager and wasnt to fond of females either . I was constantly monitored to make sure I didnt have any glass containers. At the same time two ladies who were very touchy feely towards one another broke a bottle poolside but Gretchen or Heidi the manager her name escapes me thought nothing of it. I heard the owner caught wind of her attitude so hopefully shes been replaced because it IS a nice place with a VERY hot waterfall that sinks into your joints but still like Dakota Hot Springs alot better read more

We had a great experience at Desert Reef. It is simple in a perfect way and was incredibly relaxing. Matt was so kind and made us feel very welcome. We stayed as the sky got dark and a thunderstorm quietly past by in the distance - very beautiful. I would recommend this hot spring to anybody. I will definitely visit again if I am back in the area. read more

I'm not a member but I go here fairly often. I like the relaxed attitudes, being allowed to bring our own food and drink. Never any hassle. I've been there with dates and friends, always a GREAT place to float away a rough work week. Staff is helpful if needed. Quite content to keep returning to escape everyday cares. read more

Got there in a storm and had to wait in the office. When the storm stopped, I went into the pool. The water was so hot so good. Really nice for the joints and my muscle pain. I am surprised how friendly the owners are. People in the pool are confident and enjoy themselves. read more

I really love this place. But it is a crap shoot about whether or not it will be open. I called the day before (December 26) to be sure that they were open and the voicemail said that they were. But when I arrived around 6pm on December 27, they were not and I had to go to Dakota Hot Springs which is always open, though far less intimate and hot. SOOOOO disappointed!!!!! This has happened several times and to several friends as well. read more

I love this place. The staff is amazing and peaceful not over crowded and I feel comfort and as soon as you get there. The Lord has blessed us read more

We have been going to this facility since it opened - in the 1980's I think. We always enjoyed the peaceful environment and friendly staff. After being away for a few years, on a recent visit we found the office and restrooms are in the process of being renovated. There is a completely new look - the dressing rooms have all new interiors with tile floors, a stall shower with beautiful curved privacy glass, new toilet facilities, mirrors, etc. - very classy! The ladies room is finished and the men's room will be completed in a week or so. You really should check it out sometime. Very nice, and the water is as enjoyable as ever! read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE The owner is lovely. I felt rude asking her name after seeing her and chatting with her for so many years. I appologize for that ;) Clothes or no clothes, if you let go of your need for snooty, fancy things and just come to be at peace, your experience will be delightful. I DO feel that this is a unique experience that feels like a secret you only tell your closest friends about. I love all of you and every experience I have there, time after time. Change nothing read more

Small, very rustic, quiet, peaceful and relaxing. The owners are very, very nice people, and they have recently improved the changing areas. The water contains loads of calcium, is odor free, and is typically just the right temperature. The views of the mountains from the pool are fantastic. They don't admit single men who are not members, due to problems in the past, which is, in my mind understandable. The pictures of the facilities on Desert Reef's website, Google and Yelp are very accurate, and the FAQ section of their website clearly set forth the rules involving single men, offensive behavior, rambunctious children and other activities that are not allowed. A few of the reviews seem to be from people who either haven't read the rules before showing up, or who assume that the rules should not apply to them... Do yourself, and the other patrons of Desert Reef, a favor and read the rules before coming, and expect them to be politely enforced for everyone benefit. read more

I have been going to the DRBC since the 1980's and have always enjoyed its tranquility, wonderful water and ambiance. Because of career changes and death in the family we had not been back for a year or so. Today we were very pleasantly surprised to see the many improvements being made. The office building is being beautifully remodeled and new bathroom facilities will be renewed - tile, larger showers, etc. I have never seen the pool so clean as is the greenhouse. Many new lounge chairs have been set up as well as a new shade structure. Even though I live 100 miles away, I became a member today since I was so impressed with the new leadership of LJ's son Mack, who along with LJ's widow Ro, are implementing big plans for this amazing place. Give it a try - you will not be disappointed! read more

Terrible place. It needs a lot of money and renovation: the sliding door was broken, the shower head was so low I hit my head and there was no hot water or pressure and just generally it needed upgrading. There is one pool. No view, only of dirt piles and wooden fences. There were kids playing not so quietly. They have a long list of rules that I did NOT agree with, one of which is a no single men policy. Apparently since they're clothing optional and "family friendly" they assume all men alone are dangerous predators. This is offensive and sexist and NOT true. I've been approached by many more couples than single men and to make such assumptions is off-putting at best. $20 to soak at the end of the day kinda sucked, come on and offer a short soak discount geez. The worst part of my visit was getting the bum's rush at 2 minutes till 6pm when they close (stupid early by the way). My RV was running, I was looking at routes out of there when there was a loud knock at my door and the man said I had to leave now. He left before I could open my door to reply so I walked back in to tell them how rude that was and that they really needed to learn better customer service cause I'd never come back and would publicly warn everyone I could about my experience there. I've worked many customer service jobs in my past and there is NO excuse for this unless you just give NO shits for the longevity of your business. read more