Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah

What it is

Fifth Water Hot Springs, often called Diamond Fork Hot Springs, is a creekside soaking area reached by hiking up Diamond Fork Canyon. The soaking pools are natural and change with high water, storms, and seasonal sediment. When conditions line up, you get hot pools beside a cold creek, which makes it easy to cool down between soaks.

What the hike is like

This is a popular trail with a steady climb and a mix of shade and open canyon. It is not technical, but it is long enough that you should treat it as a real hike, especially in heat or snow. Crowds are common on weekends and holidays, and the experience feels better when you arrive early or visit midweek.

Water quality is not guaranteed

Utah agencies have monitored the area for health concerns in the past, and conditions can change. Plan to keep your head above water, avoid swallowing any water, and skip the soak if you see suspicious mats, strong odors, or if official advisories recommend caution.

Where it is

The trail access is up Diamond Fork Canyon off U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon, within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest area. You drive up Diamond Fork Road to reach the main trailhead and parking area.

Road and parking

The access road is generally passable for normal vehicles in good conditions, but potholes, washboarding, and snow can change the picture. Parking fills fast on weekends. If you cannot find legal parking, do not force it, turning the canyon into a roadside mess is how popular trailheads get restricted.

Seasonality

Spring runoff can make creek crossings and bank edges more hazardous, and winter brings ice on shaded sections. Late summer heat can be intense on exposed stretches. I like shoulder seasons for comfort, but you still need to be ready for sudden weather swings in canyon country.

What to bring

Bring plenty of water, sandals with grip, a towel, and a small trash bag. A headlamp is smart if you might hike out late. If you have a thermometer, use it, temperatures can vary between pools and near inflows.

Who it’s best for

This is best for hikers who want a natural soak and do not mind sharing space. If you enjoy a destination that feels earned, Fifth Water delivers. If you want quiet soaking, privacy, or guaranteed pool conditions, a developed facility will be a better fit.

Families

I mark this as not family-forward because the hike is real, the pools are natural, and water temperatures can vary sharply across a small area. Older kids who hike comfortably can do fine with close supervision, but it is not a casual “bring toddlers and figure it out” spring.

Mobility realities

This is not accessible. The approach requires hiking, and the soak area is uneven creek terrain with slippery rock and improvised entries. If stable footing or step-free entry is important, you will have a better day at a managed pool facility.

Expectations vs. reality

Expect a mix of great days and messy days. After storms, pools can fill with sediment or rearrange completely. Go in with flexible expectations and a backup plan nearby if the soak zone is not appealing when you arrive.

Health and hygiene

Natural hot springs can harbor harmful microbes. Keep your head above water, avoid swallowing any water, and do not let kids splash water into faces. Do not soak with open cuts, and rinse off after the visit if you can. If you see thick mats or unusual coloration, avoid contact, and do not let dogs drink the water.

Burns and temperature swings

Test every pool before you sit down. Water near inflows can be much hotter than the main pool body. Enter slowly, and be willing to move to a cooler pool rather than forcing it. Take breaks, hydrate, and cool down in the creek carefully.

Creekside hazards

Wet rock is slick, and bank edges can undercut during high water. Wear sandals, move slowly, and avoid climbing unstable slopes around the pools. In winter, ice turns short steps into real hazards, and the safest choice can be to skip the soak if footing looks sketchy.

Etiquette in a high-use spring

Keep noise down, leave speakers in the car, and share space. Do not build new dams, stack rocks, or “improve” pools. Pack out everything, including small trash. If the area looks stressed, shorten your stay and help it recover by leaving it cleaner than you found it.

How long is the hike?

Expect a moderate out-and-back hike from the main Diamond Fork trailhead to the soaking area. Distance and conditions vary slightly with route and trail maintenance.

Is the water always safe?

No. Natural hot springs can have changing water quality. Check for current advisories when available, keep your head above water, and avoid swallowing water.

Can I bring kids?

Older kids who hike well can do fine with close supervision. Because conditions are natural and variable, it is not an easy spring for very young children.

What should I wear?

Bring a swimsuit and sandals. This is a popular public area and footing is slippery near the creek.