The Water
After hundreds of years in an aquifer deep below the surface, our water is heated by the earth's core and flows out naturally via our artesian well. Coming up from well over 1,000 feet below our water carries up minerals and is extremely hot, (125-135 degrees Fahrenheit) and is of exceptional purity.
For use in the pools our water is cooled by both air convection and geothermal cooling to ensure a temperature that is ideal to soak in. Through this process we’re able to adjust temperature seasonally. During summer months, water temperature is maintained below body temperature. During winter months water temperature is maintained over 100 degrees. The blue hue of the water is directly connected to the mineral Travertine.
Almost all of our pools are flow-through and we’ve made major changes to ensure that roughly 98% of our water makes it back to the Arkansas River.
The Site
Desert Reef is located in the secluded and scenic foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Florence, Colorado, also known as Royal Gorge Country. We offer therapeutic waters, big open skies, tranquility, site specific art installations, and a non judgemental attitude with a belief in inclusivity.
We have multiple pools for you to relax and reset and be your best self. We take our responsibility of creating a safe space for all our guests and staff to feel comfortable being themselves very seriously. Our goal is for all guests to leave changed - relaxed, inspired and open to the endless possibility that lies ahead of them.
We take great care to preserve our land, our water, and our community and look forward to welcoming you.
Desert Reef is about a 45 minute drive from Colorado Springs and 1.5 hours from Denver.
The History
The story of Desert Reef begins with LJ, a single hander living in the Southern Colorado Desert. Building Desert Reef was a labor of love and an effort to create community. When LJ met his wife, Ro, they committed to keeping Desert Reef a private sanctuary, a protected refuge from technology and the world.
In 2021, Desert Reef was purchased by Four Points Funding, and a refreshed vision was born. With a commitment to maintaining the magic that so many of you love, Desert Reef was closed in 2021 for renovations. With a nod to LJ and Ro, input from the community, and local knowledge, we have been hard at work. Desert Reef now offers more pools, a new bathhouse, overnight accomodations, paved pathways for accessibility, and more.
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1980’s
Desert Reef was a wood walled pool build by a group of friends.
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2000’s
With a new pool Desert Reef operated as a members only club.
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Today
Renovations of the hots springs wrapped up in spring of 2022.
