Desert Reef Hot Spring

## Overview Desert Reef Hot Spring is a rustic, naturally heated geothermal spring located in the arid landscape of Fremont County, Colorado, at an elevation of roughly 6,000 feet along the eastern edge of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Situated at approximately 38.368°N, 105.049°W, this remote hot spring sits in the high desert terrain south of Cañon City, offering visitors a uniquely stark and beautiful soaking experience surrounded by sweeping views of the Arkansas River valley and distant peaks. Desert Reef is known among hot spring enthusiasts as a clothing-optional, volunteer-maintained soaking destination. The spring feeds into one or more shallow, hand-dug soaking pools lined with rocks and concrete, where geothermally heated water emerges from the earth. Water temperatures at the source have been reported by visitors to range from approximately 100°F to 115°F (38°C–46°C), though conditions can vary seasonally and depending on recent maintenance of the pools. The mineral-rich water is characteristic of the geothermal activity found along the Rio Grande Rift zone, which runs through this part of Colorado and is responsible for numerous hot springs in the region. The spring is located on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and access is free of charge. Because it is volunteer-maintained, conditions at the site can change — visitors have noted that the pools are sometimes in excellent shape and other times in need of repair. There are no developed facilities, restrooms, or services at the spring. ## Directions 1. From **Cañon City, Colorado**, head south on **US-50** and then turn south onto **CO-115 South** (also known as Penrose Boulevard). 2. Continue south on CO-115 for several miles. Look for **Fremont County Road 11** (also referred to as Copper Gulch Road) on the right (west) side of the highway. 3. Turn right (west) onto **County Road 11 / Copper Gulch Road** and follow it as it heads into the desert landscape. 4. After several miles, watch for a dirt turnoff or unmarked spur road on the left (south) side. The spring is accessed via a short dirt road that leads to a small informal parking area. 5. The final approach is on unpaved roads. A vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially after rain. The GPS coordinates **38.3685, -105.0492** can be used to navigate to the approximate location. *Note: Signage is minimal to nonexistent. It is highly recommended to use GPS navigation and consult recent visitor reports for current road conditions before making the trip.* ## What to Expect Desert Reef Hot Spring is a no-frills, backcountry soaking experience. Visitors will find one or more shallow pools constructed from rocks and concrete, fed by naturally hot geothermal water. The pools are situated in open, flat desert terrain with little to no shade, so sun protection is essential — especially during summer months. The setting is remote and quiet, with panoramic views of the surrounding high desert and distant mountains. Because the spring is on BLM land and is clothing-optional, visitors should be prepared for that possibility. The site tends to be most popular on weekends and during cooler months when the contrast between the hot water and crisp air is most enjoyable. There are no restrooms, trash cans, or other amenities on-site. Visitors are expected to pack out all trash and leave the area as they found it. The dirt access roads can become muddy or rutted after storms, so checking weather and road conditions beforehand is advisable. Cell phone service in the area may be limited. The water has a slight mineral smell typical of geothermal springs in the region. While the spring has historically been used for recreational soaking, no official water quality testing results are publicly available, and the water should not be assumed to be potable.