Soaking in Utah’s Fifth Water Hot Springs

Fifth Water Hot Springs, also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, is a natural hot spring with a series of natural and man-made pools of varying temperatures. The springs are located near Spanish Fork, Utah, which is about 10 miles south of Provo or 55 miles south of Salt Lake City. Fifth Water Hot Springs makes a great stopping point on the way back to Salt Lake City from Moab, but is also doable as a day trip from Salt Lake City.

These hot springs are great to visit anytime of the year and provide a variety of soaking temperatures, with the hottest pools being located closest to the waterfall. You an also cool off in the free flowing stream right next to the soaking pools. The springs are fairly popular and tend to be crowded during weekends and summer months – so for more privacy visit the springs during the week or later in the evening.

Anyone visiting a natural hot spring should be forewarned that some individuals enjoy the hot pots in the nude.  And of course this being Utah – there is a bit of drama surrounding nudity at the springs. “Although Nudity is not prohibited on Forest Service Land” a sign proclaims near the springs, “this trail is frequented by boy scout and church groups.”

There is also quite a bit of trash left in the area – remember to pack everything out with you and even pack out a little extra to help keep the area clean. If you enjoy a beverage while you soak please pack in cans because bottles just aren’t a good idea.

Hiking to Fifth Water Hot Springs

Most people reach the Fifth Water Springs from the Three Forks Trailhead. It is a 2.5-mile hike to the pools and the trail is a gradual uphill climb nearly all the way to the springs. Follow a series of streams and notice some nice backpack spots alongside the trail. The hike typically takes about an hour to reach the springs – you will pick up the sulphur-scented air just before reaching the springs.

There is also an alternative way to reach the springs by hiking down Fifth Water Creek. Begin at Rays Valley Trailhead off of Sheep Creek Road and hike 2.5 miles down trail to the hot pools.

Camping Near Fifth Water Hot Springs

There are a ton of camping options off of Diamond Fork Canyon Road including some for fee forest service campgrounds and plenty of free, primitive spots located a ways past the turnoff to the Three Forks Trailhead.  Several miles after the trailhead the land becomes BLM and at-large camping is available.

There is also a couple of great backpacking camp spots located just below the springs. These sites are primitive and available at a first come first serve basis.

Driving Directions to the Three Forks Trailhead

Follow I-15 south (from Salt Lake City or Provo) to the US-6 exit. Go east on US-6 approximately 11 miles and take a left turn into Diamond Fork Canyon. Follow the windy canyon road about 10 miles until you see a sign on the right side of the road for the Three Forks Trailhead. From west US-6 take a right into Diamond Fork Canyon.

Driving Directions to Rays Valley Trailhead

Follow I-15 south (from Salt Lake City or Provo) to the US-6 exit. Go east on US-6 approximately 22.5 miles and take a left turn onto a paved road heading towards Sheep Creek and Strawberry Reservoir. Follow the road for about 14 miles to the Rays Valley Trailhead.