Fifth Water Hot Springs (Salt Lake City, Utah) 2024 Guide
Photo Courtesy of @emilyvvinson
With multiple hot spring pools with silky blue and aqua-hued waters, a waterfall, red rock cliffed canyons, and a scenic hike to the waters, Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah is one of our favorite hot springs in Utah. Located just about an hour outside of downtown Salt Lake City, it’s the perfect hot spring day trip for visitors as well as locals.
The Fifth Water Hot Springs Experience
At Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), you’ll find multiple rock built hot spring pools built alongside a creek. The waters are breathtakingly beautiful with milky blue and blue-ish green tones. There are multiple pools that you can soak in, as well as a hot spring hot spring waterfall that you can stand under (which is a lot of fun!) The waters here do contain sulfur, so be prepared for a subtle aroma. But, the good news is that sulfur is actually really great for your skin and has many health benefits.
How Hot Is Fifth Water Hot Springs?
At the source, the water here is a steamy 111 degrees, but you can find pools at a perfect 102 degrees. There are a variety of pools that have varying temperatures, so you can “test the waters” at multiple pools until you find one that’s just right for you. The farther you go downstream, the cooler the water gets.
Photo courtesy of @clare9876
Directions to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Getting to Fifth Water Hot Springs is super easy and accessible. Simply park at the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead where you’ll find plenty of free parking and a bathroom. Make sure to not park on the street as you may get a parking ticket.
Directions to Fifth Water Hot Springs from Salt Lake City
Head South on I-15 S: Drive south on I-15 from Salt Lake City.
Take Exit 257A: Merge onto US-6 E toward Price/Manti.
Turn Left onto Diamond Fork Rd (Forest Road 029): Follow this road for about 11 miles.
Trailhead Parking: Park at the trailhead for the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail (Three Forks Trailhead).
If you’re visiting during the winter months, usually the road is open and clear of snow. However, if a big storm has just landed, the road conditions may be dangerous and the Forest Service does sometimes close the final 5 miles of the road to vehicles. If you’re going in the winter, we recommend calling the Forest Service to check on road conditions. The number is (801) 798-3571.
Photo courtesy of @karat_cakes
The Hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Photo Courtesy of @emilyvvinson
Hike Length: 2.5 miles one-way (5 miles round trip).
Elevation Gain: 700 feet.
Trail Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Park at the Three Forks Trailhead on Diamond Fork Road.
Begin Hike: Follow the left side of Sixth Water Creek (Southeast) for 1 mile.
Ignore First Footbridge: Do not cross the first footbridge.
Cross Second Footbridge: At the 1-mile mark, cross the second footbridge where Sixth Water Creek and Fifth Water Creek intersect.
Continue Hiking: Walk another mile, noticing a sulfurous smell as you near the hot springs.
Arrive at Hot Springs: Look for the first hot spring pools on your right, with more pools upstream and a waterfall at the top.
Also, you can check out this trail map from all trails to help you on your hike.
Tips for Visiting Fifth Water Hot Springs
Image courtesy of @nadynecosta_
Avoid the Crowds – These hot springs are quite popular, especially on weekends. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Bring Your Dog – The hot springs and trail are pet friendly. Bring your dog with you, just make sure your dog is on a leash.
No Nudity – There is a law for no nudity in the state of Utah. So, if you do decide to bathe nude, know you are doing so at your own risk.
Avoid Glass – Unfortunately sometimes people bring glass bottles to the hot springs and there may be broken glass on the trail. Bring shoes or sandals for when walking between pools.
Bathrooms – Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
Help Clean Up – Sometimes popular hot springs like Fifth Water get closed down do to people trashing them. Make sure to clean up after yourself. And, even consider being an extra kind human and pick up a few extra pieces of trash to help keep this magical place open.
Photo Courtesy of @danae_lilyquist
Things to Do Near Fifth Water Hot Springs
Image courtesy of @raddiemeeve_
Here’s a list of things to do near Fifth Water Hot Springs:
Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Diamond Fork Canyon, including the popular Fifth Water Trail, which leads to the hot springs and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Camping: Set up camp at one of the nearby campgrounds, such as Diamond Campground, and enjoy a night under the stars.
Fishing: Fish in the Diamond Fork River or nearby streams, known for their trout populations.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, elk, and a variety of bird species.
Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic at one of the designated picnic areas in the canyon, surrounded by nature.
Photography: Capture the beauty of the canyon, hot springs, and surrounding areas with your camera.
Mountain Biking: Take advantage of the biking trails in the area for an adventurous ride through the scenic terrain.
Horseback Riding: Explore the canyon on horseback, with several trails suitable for riding.
Rock Climbing: For the more adventurous, there are rock climbing opportunities in and around Diamond Fork Canyon.
Visit Spanish Fork: Head to the nearby town of Spanish Fork for dining, shopping, and cultural attractions.
Scenic Drives: Enjoy a scenic drive through Diamond Fork Canyon and the surrounding areas, taking in the beautiful landscapes.
Bird Watching: Bring your binoculars and enjoy bird watching, as the area is home to various bird species.
Stargazing: The remote location makes for excellent stargazing opportunities, free from city light pollution.
Soaking in Other Hot Springs: Explore other nearby hot springs, such as Red Ledges Hot Springs, for additional soaking opportunities.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking: During the winter months, the trails can be used for snowshoeing and winter hiking, offering a different perspective of the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions and Facts
Why Is Fifth Water Hot Springs Closed?
The hot spring was closed to the public on March 17th 2020, due to the pandemic for public safety and remained closed for about a year. But, the good news is that Fifth Water Hot Springs is currently open! If you want to be 100% sure that the hot spring is open before visiting (as it can be shut down due other reasons periodically), you can give a ring to Forest Service at (801) 798-3571 and they’ll inform you as to the status.
Fifth Water Hot Springs Death 2020
In October of 2020, a man was found deceased in Fifth Water Hot Springs. There were no signs of foul play or overdose. It was reported that he was likely dehydrated and passed out and drowned. Please make sure to be careful when going to the hot springs. Stay hydrated and avoid going alone.
Fifth Water Hot Springs Snakes
Hikers have often reported snakes and rattlesnakes upon the Fifth Water Hot Springs trail. Keep your eyes open and be careful as you hike to the waters as there definitely are snakes in the hot springs.
How Long Does It Take To Hike Fifth Water Hot Springs?
It takes about 1 hour each way to do the hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs. If you’re a speedy hiker you can probably do it in 45 minutes each way.
What Are Other Utah Hot Springs Worth Visiting?
We wrote an article on the top Utah hot springs, and we mapped them for you to easily find.