A Guide to Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah
A Guide to Fifth Water (Diamond Fork) Hot Springs in Utah
Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs) is one of the best natural hot springs in Utah! These picturesque springs feature serene waterfalls and multiple levels of aqua pools with varying temperatures for your soaking pleasure.
Located just 1 hour from Salt Lake City, it’s a perfect day trip for both locals and visitors. Between the scenic hike and the soothing aqua pools, I highly recommend that you add these hot springs to your Utah trip bucket list asap!
Read on for how to get to Fifth Water Hot Springs, the best times to visit, and what you need to bring with you!
How to get to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs is located in Diamond Fork Canyon, right off of Spanish Fork Canyon. It’s a 40 minute drive from Provo, and about 1 hour from Salt Lake City. These scenic hot springs feature serene waterfalls and multiple levels of pools with varying temperatures for your soaking pleasure.
Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail
The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs from the trail entrance is about a 5-mile round-trip (7 miles if the front gate is closed). There are two ways to get to the springs:
Starting from Diamond Fork Road
For most of the trek, you will be following Sixth Water Creek, just follow it to where it veers off to the right. There you will find a bridge that extends to meet a small cabin with an “entrance” sign. The sign says “Three Forks Trailhead”. You may or may not be able to see this signage from the main trail so just remember to follow the water and you’ll get exactly where you need to be. The hike from the trailhead is a straight shot, just keep following the water. Once you start smelling rotten eggs (caused by the sulfur from the springs) you’ll know you’re getting close!
Starting from Rte 51 (Sheep Creek Road)
After entering the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead Start, continue on the trail and follow Fifth Water Creek the whole way to the hot springs. Fourth and Third Water Creek will run into Fifth Water Creek, after you pass Third Water you will be getting close to the hot springs.
I’ve added Google map locations below to help you navigate via GPS the entire way there! There are three pins on this map: one for the Diamond Fork Road entrance, one for the exact Fifth Water Hot Springs location, and one for the 051 (Sheep Creek Road) entrance. Save these locations to your phone on Google Maps. Also, don’t forget to set your maps to offline mode so you have access even after you lose service! Spoiler alert: you will definitely lose service!
Best time to visit Fifth Water Hot Springs
I’ve personally only ever been in the wintertime, but Fifth Water Hot Springs is absolutely gorgeous year-round, so you really can’t go wrong with which month you plan on traveling. If you’re looking to experience a crowd-free dip, here are some tips to make your visit a little quieter and more personal!
Go early
Early risers can get the best and most secluded visit to the springs. You may see a few morning hikers sprinkled here and there, but that’s about it. If you arrive at the springs earlier than 9:00 am, you should have a pretty quiet dip!
Go late
While I honestly would not recommend this because it could potentially be unsafe if you don’t time this right, it is still an option if you can’t get here early enough. Most people will leave for dinner or be tired from soaking all afternoon so there might be a good window for you to enjoy the springs with fewer people here. Just make sure to leave in time before sundown or bring a flashlight in case you get stuck hiking back in the dark.
Go on a weekday
Weekends are obviously busy when it comes to any popular attraction. Adults are off from work and kids are out of school, so weekends are prime time for traveling. If you can’t get here on a weekday, definitely avoid peak hours.
Go when the gate is closed
While it may be inconvenient, most people are not willing to go the extra distance to get to the springs. Gate closures can add a lot more time to your hike, but this may scare off some of those who can’t carve out the extra time. If you’re not in a rush, this is the perfect time for you!
If all else fails, find a lukewarm pool down below!
I found one at the base of the falls while on my way to leave, but I decided to check it out and take a dip. It’s private and no one knew I was there until they were already hiking up a ways. It’s not hot, more like lukewarm, so it’s a great alternative for warm weather days, or if you really want to avoid the crowds!
What to bring when you visit Fifth Water Hot Springs
Proper attire - The trail is not always flat so make sure you bring the correct footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. In the winter you absolutely must wear cold-weather gear; a beanie, gloves, boots, etc. The one thing I didn’t think of, but is now at the top of my list for any winter hike, is snow spikes (aka ice cleats). The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs in the winter is extremely icy, shoe spikes will help you keep your footing and prevent you from sliding into a potentially dangerous situation.
Swimsuit - This should be a given, but it’s never a bad idea to remind people haha.
Extra clothes - Always good to be prepared in case your hiking clothes get wet or the temperatures change.
Water - This is not a short hike so please make sure to stay hydrated!
Snacks - Depending on how long of a day you have planned here, make sure to bring snacks and/or food to keep your energy up.
Towel - Definitely don’t forget this or else you’ll be air drying or using your clothes to pat yourself off. Not fun (or safe) to do in freezing temperatures!
Wet clothes bag - It’s always good to have one of these in case your clothes get wet from sweat or you need a place to store your swimsuit that won’t leave your backpack and sopping mess.
Hair tie - Girls, if you don’t want your hair to get wet, definitely do not forget a hair tie. If you do forget, a sock or shoelace are handy alternatives!
Need help packing for a cold-weather trip? I’ve got you covered with this Winter Packing Guide!
Do’s and don’ts when visiting Fifth Water Hot Springs
DO
Test the waters before entering. Every pool ranges in temperatures so you need to be careful not to burn yourself.
Clean up after yourself and help properly dispose of any litter you see. It only takes one second to do, but the effects last a lifetime.
Be respectful of other guests. This is a public area so be courteous to those around you.
Be prepared and plan ahead. Stay informed of the weather and pack accordingly.
DON’T
Do not jump, dive, or cannonball into the springs. For one, it’s rude. Secondly, it’s dangerous as the pools vary in both depth and temperature.
Do not litter or leave your trash at the springs. Natural lands need and deserve our protection so it’s imperative that we #leavenotrace.
Don’t get lost. Make sure to follow the map so you don’t get sent in the wrong direction! I personally made this mistake when I first went and missed the turn for the trail entrance which put me about 20 minutes out of the way. Luckily I met some girls who were coming down from that direction and they let me know that they also took the wrong turn.
