Quick FactsOverview
About Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah is a free geothermal spring in Diamond Fork Canyon in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah County, reached by a 2.5-mile moderate hike from the Three Forks Trailhead near Spanish Fork. Several rock-walled soaking pools sit along Fifth Water Creek below and between a series of waterfalls, with pool temperatures ranging from around 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling further downstream. Soaking is free though a $10 trailhead parking fee applies. The springs are also widely known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, after the road and canyon in which they are located.
The pools are fed by a geothermal source that reaches approximately 111 degrees Fahrenheit and is too hot to enter directly. As the water flows downstream and mixes with cold creek water, it cools into soakable temperatures across multiple pools of different sizes. A notable feature is the milky-blue color the water takes on due to dissolved minerals. The site sits at approximately 5,500 feet of elevation in a forested canyon flanked by red rock cliffs, and is consistently rated among the most scenic hot springs in Utah. The hot springs are located within the Spanish Fork Ranger District of the national forest and are one of the most popular hot springs near Provo and Salt Lake City.
Location & Access
Getting to Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs is accessed from the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon. From the I-15 / US-6 junction at Spanish Fork, take US-6 east approximately 11 miles to the signed Diamond Fork Road turnoff on the left. Follow Diamond Fork Road approximately 10 miles to the Three Forks Trailhead at the end of the paved section. The road is fully paved and accessible by any vehicle in dry conditions. From Spanish Fork, the total drive takes approximately 30 minutes. From Salt Lake City the drive takes approximately 90 minutes via I-15 South and US-6 East.
Parking at the trailhead costs $10, valid for three days, payable by cash envelope at the lot or online in advance. The lot is small and fills quickly on weekends and holidays. In winter, the trailhead access road is seasonally gated approximately 1.3 miles below the trailhead, extending the round-trip hike to 7 to 7.5 miles. From the trailhead, follow the well-marked trail southeast along Sixth Water Creek for about one mile, cross the second footbridge at the confluence with Fifth Water Creek, and continue approximately 1.5 miles upstream to reach the first pools. There is no cell service in the canyon. A pit toilet is available at the trailhead. For those seeking natural hot springs near Provo, the Three Forks Trailhead is the only access point from the west.
Suitability & Accessibility
Suitability and Accessibility of Fifth Water Hot Springs
Fifth Water Hot Springs suits hikers of moderate fitness, as the 2.5-mile trail from the trailhead involves 636 feet of elevation gain on a well-maintained path with some rocky sections and creek crossings on footbridges. The trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Children who can manage a 5-mile round-trip hike with some elevation are welcome and often visit with families, though the hike requires realistic fitness preparation especially for younger or less experienced walkers.
The pools themselves are shallow natural basins formed from rock. Most soakers can stand or sit comfortably. Temperatures cool progressively downstream from the source, so visitors can choose pools at different temperatures by moving up or downstream. The milky-blue appearance of the water and the waterfall setting make this one of the most visually distinctive hot spring experiences in Utah. Dogs are permitted on the trail on a leash but should not be placed in the soaking pools.
The site is in a national forest and has no entry fee beyond the parking charge. No facilities exist at the springs themselves. The trailhead has a pit toilet. Visitors should bring all water, food, and supplies they need for the full hike and soak, as no services are available in Diamond Fork Canyon. The springs are popular for visitors looking for natural hot springs in Utah within day-trip range of the Wasatch Front, and weekday visits are significantly quieter than weekend visits.
Safety & Etiquette
Fifth Water Hot Springs Safety Tips
Fifth Water Hot Springs is generally safe for soaking though several important conditions require attention. The spring source reaches approximately 111 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause immediate burns, and the supply flow at the top of the pool area must not be entered. Visitors should test pool temperatures before getting in, as pools close to the source run significantly hotter than those further downstream. Moving to a cooler pool downstream is the safest approach.
The Utah Department of Environmental Quality has issued advisories about harmful bacteria in the spring water. Visitors should avoid swallowing the water, keep open cuts out of the pools, and shower after soaking. People with compromised immune systems should consult a doctor before soaking in untreated geothermal water. Current advisories are available on the DEQ monitoring page and should be checked before visiting, particularly in warmer months.
The trail has sections near creek banks and footbridge crossings. In winter, ice on the trail and the gated road section below the trailhead adds significant difficulty. Microspikes are recommended for winter visits. Rattlesnakes are present in the canyon during warmer months. Cell service is unavailable, so visitors should download offline maps and inform someone of their plans before heading in.
Public nudity is illegal in Utah and is not permitted at the springs. The site is subject to periodic closures for safety or environmental reasons. Current status should be confirmed via Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest ranger district notices before visiting. Visitors are responsible for packing out all trash.
