Fifth Water Hot Springs

[Spanish Fork]
Length: 4.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

The Fifth Water trail leads to natural hot springs in the middle of Diamond Fork canyon! This place is a little heaven on earth where natural hot spring pools are fed by a beautiful waterfall. This hike needs to be on your bucket list!

Overview: This hike is just long enough to discourage too many hikers, but short enough to take kids or hiking newbies on. You can see in the photos some of the age ranges that complete this hike. The hot springs smell like sulphur, but it is crystal clear and beautiful! (You should also smell the hot springs before you arrive, which is kinda fun!) Be warned that some areas are cold, some are super hot and the pools are just right!

This trail also comes with a warning about skinny dippers…you only need to worry about this if you are going in the evening or winter months. So instead of being frustrated by the other people on the trail, just be glad the groups will discourage birthday suit celebrations.

The trail is not bad at all (no switchbacks and a decent amount of shade). It is a bit longer than your average family trail, but like I said even kids can make it there while wearing swim suits.

We like this trail so much we make sure to repeat it almost every year!

Tips:

Hike this in the springtime to avoid the crowds! We went early April and it was perfect weather! The hike is good all year long though (some people snowshoe this hike).
You can also climb inside a little cave under the waterfall that has a warm spring coming up.
Pack water shoes on this hike so you can explore the hot springs without worrying about the rocks!
Trail Details:



Location: This area is located up Diamond Fork Canyon southeast of Spanish Fork. To get there, take I-15 Exit 257B onto US 6 – East. Follow US 6 – East for 10.8 miles. At this point, you will see the turnoff for the ‘Diamond CG’ road on your left. Follow the road for 9.8 miles to your destination, on your right.


Also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Fifth Water is a classic Wasatch hike to a fantastic natural hot spring featuring deep soaking pools, majestic waterfalls, and fantastic mountain scenery. For most of the year, the hike is an easy 4.6-miles round trip. During the winter, the hike may be up to 13.2 miles round trip due to seasonal road closures. When the road is open to the trailhead, this hike is suitable for most healthy adults and children. Travel in the winter may require specialized equipment and is only recommended for experienced winter hikers.
Trailhead

The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs begins at the Three Forks Trailhead in Diamond Fork Canyon (40.084503,-111.355119). To reach the trailhead from I-15 in Spanish Fork, Utah:

Drive 10.9 miles east on Highway 6.
Turn left onto Forest Road 29 with signs for Diamond Fork.
Continue 9.8 miles to the signed Three Forks Trailhead parking area.
NOTE: The road to the trailhead is paved but is rarely plowed in the winter so 4WD may be required after storms. The final 3.8 miles to the trailhead is often gated shut during the winter months. There is a parking area near the winter gate at 40.076415,-111.418188. You may hike, snowshoe, cross country ski, or snowmobile the remaining distance down the road to get to the Three Forks Trailhead. This adds a considerable distance to the hike so be sure to allow enough time for a safe return.

The Hike

From the Three Forks Trailhead, begin hiking on the trail that starts at the south end of the parking area. You will quickly encounter a junction with a trail that crosses the river on a footbridge. Continue hiking straight on the east side of the river.

For the first mile or so, the trail follows along Sixth Water Creek. The river is often strong and swift with steep drops near the trail, so be careful with little ones. After 1.1 miles, the trail crosses Sixth Water Creek and begins climbing up a side canyon that contains Fifth Water Creek and the hot springs.

The creek in Fifth Water is much smaller than Sixth Water. You’ll likely smell the sulfur and see steam rising from the water well before arriving at the hot springs. The distance from the Sixth Water Bridge to the hot springs is approximately 1.2 miles.

Once at the hot springs, those wishing to go for a soak can take their pick of at least a dozen or so possible soaking pots. Most of these pots are man-made with stacked rocks and mortar. The hottest springs are located near the waterfall at the top of the soaking pots. At least two more pots are located upstream from the waterfall, however they may be too hot to soak in. The water at the source of the hot spring near the upper pools is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The hot springs receive considerable traffic and litter has become quite a problem. Be sure to pack in a trash bag for your own trash and pickup anything you find while you are there. Don’t bring glass containers near the springs.

Rules and Regulations

No littering.
Pack out all trash.
Nudity is prohibited.
Special Considerations

Avalanche danger may exist anytime when hiking in snowy conditions. Check with the Utah Avalanche Center for more information and current conditions.
Hiking this trail trail in the winter may require snowshoes or traction devices due to deep snow and ice.