Fifth Water Hot Springs

Southwest > Utah > Fifth Water Hot Springs

John Menard from Phoenix, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted

Natural hot spring pools with turquoise water and a waterfall, accessed via a scenic canyon hike through forested terrain.

General Information

Hours:
Open year-round; trail access may be limited in winter due to snow
Fees:
$10 parking fee at trailhead (good for 3 days)
Free with America the Beautiful Pass
Pet Policy:
Dogs allowed on leash; not recommended in hot spring pools
Closest cities with hotels:
Spanish Fork (16 mi), Provo (25 mi)
Seasons:
Best visited fall through spring; summer can be hot and crowded
Location:
Fifth Water Trailhead, Spanish Fork Canyon, UT
Website:
utahvalley.com

How to Get There

From Provo (25 mi): Take US-6 E toward Price, turn left onto Diamond Fork Rd, and drive 11 miles to the Three Forks Trailhead.

Overview

The Fifth Water Hot Springs, also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, is a series of natural geothermal pools nestled in a canyon near Spanish Fork, Utah. Reached via a moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike, the springs feature milky blue water, a cascading hot waterfall, and multiple soaking pools of varying temperatures. The trail follows a scenic creek through red rock cliffs and forested slopes, making the journey as rewarding as the destination. The springs are popular year-round, with winter offering a magical contrast of snow and steam.

While the hike is accessible to most visitors, proper footwear and preparation are essential, especially in icy or muddy conditions. The area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and a parking fee helps maintain the trail and facilities. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid glass containers, and respect the natural setting. Whether you're seeking a relaxing soak or a scenic adventure, Fifth Water Hot Springs is one of Utah’s most beloved hidden gems.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Fifth Water Hot Springs, which are released under the https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.