Nestled in the middle of a forest east of Spanish Fork, Utah is a natural hot spring gushing with warm water. This hot spring is called Fifth Water Hot Springs. It’s also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs because the creek is hidden within Diamond Fork Canyon, and eventually expels into Diamond Fork River. It’s been dubbed the most picturesque hot spring in Utah. Although I haven’t seen all the hot springs in Utah, I could see why it brings visitors every day. The waters are bright blue and you’re surrounded by the most gorgeous mountains. During the wintertime, visiting the springs is an even more magical experience. The hills are powdered with snow, and you can see the steam rising into the cold air.
After doing much research on this spot, I knew I had to make it apart of my to-do list during my trip around Utah. Plus, it was en route to our destination in Moab. For this trip I brought along my sister, Alexis, whom I travel quite often with.
Getting to the hot springs is super easy. However, during the winter months it can be more difficult. Snowstorms can lead to road closure and hiking to the springs can take much longer. Instead of driving to the trail head, you’ll have to either bike, snowshoe or cross-country ski to the trail head. A four-wheel drive car is recommended during these conditions.
Fifth Water Hot Springs is 1.5 hour drive from Salt Lake City. You will need to take I-15 to Spanish Fork where you will then take US-6 East. After traveling for about 11 miles, you will take a left onto Diamond Fork Road. Keep your eyes peeled because you might miss it! You will travel on Diamond Fork Road for 10 miles until you reach a small parking lot. In the parking lot is the entrance to Diamond Fork Trail Head. The trail hugs Sixth Water Creek and eventually leads to Fifth Water Creek where the hot springs is located.
The hike on Diamond Fork Trail Head is an easy hike with some uphill and downhill areas. Although I saw a lot of hikers wearing sandals, I’d strongly recommend wearing hiking shoes for comfort and trekking though muddy, wet terrain. The trail to Fifth Water Hot Springs is 2.5 miles each way. Because we stopped for several photos, traveling to the hot springs took us an hour. However, heading back (with no stops and some speed walking) took us about 45 minutes.
The hike to the hot springs is very scenic. Because we made the trip during late Autumn, we saw trees with shades of orange and yellow. The surrounding mountains that are dressed with redwood trees also provided a nice back drop. At one point of the trail, we passed by a wall of red rock that resembles the Sedona desert. We saw all this while taking in the soothing sounds of the rushing Sixth Water Creek.
Half way through the hike we came across a foot bridge that crosses the Sixth Water Creek. If you come across this bridge then you’re going the right direction. Once we crossed this bridge we noticed the gradual change in the water. The clear water turned to milky blue. As we progressed up the creek, the water then changed to bright blue and steam was rising. At this point we knew we were close.
We then came across the first waterfall. A trek uphill past the first waterfall you’ll find a string of cascading waterfalls falling into pools downstream. It was so fascinating seeing the different shades of bright blue in each pool. One pool stood out as emerald green. Preparing for a dip was quite challenging for there are no changing rooms. Also, getting into the pool can be hard if you’re barefoot. There’s rocks, mud, wet grass…..and an occasional manure. Yes, manure. So make sure to have your eyes on the ground!
Word has it that the springs gets real busy during the weekends, especially in the spring and summer months. We had traveled there on a Saturday morning in late November and there was still a crowd of people. I can only imagine how busy it gets during the summer months. To avoid crowds, I’d recommend going early morning or late in the day. It’s gets especially quiet during the summer months. When we had arrived at noon most of the pools upstream were occupied, but luckily we found a vacant pool at the bottom of the stream. Most of these pools are about 3 foot deep. Perfect for soaking, not for swimming.
Looking back at my trip, there are a few things that I wish I could’ve brought. But that’s what I’m here for! I make the mistakes, so you don’t have to make them!
Things to bring:
– comfortable walking/hiking shoes
– water (And beer to sip on while you’re soaking!)
– warm clothing (Depends on the weather.)
– swim shoes (The bottom of the pools are layered with rocks and moss.)
– towel
– bathing suit
– changing tent (They’re cheap and compact! Get one here.)
Although there are a handful of Utah springs to check out, this spot is worth putting on your to-do list. So the next time you’re in Salt Lake City, don’t hesitate to take that hour drive to Diamond Fork.
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