Spotlight: Utah County - Fifth Water Hot Springs and Waterfalls

Spotlight: Fifth Water Creek is a tributary of the Diamond Fork River. Along this creek are some popular hot springs that have created several luxurious natural soaking pools. The popular hike, often referred to as the "hot pots," is located in Diamond Fork Canyon near Spanish Fork, Utah. The trail also passes several picturesque waterfalls. Although the trail can be accessed year-round with the right kind of vehicle, it is often covered with snow from late fall to early spring. It is extremely popular on weekends during warm weather.

Location: Fifth Water Hot Springs are located along Fifth Water Creek. To get there, travel up Highway 6 through Spanish Fork Canyon until you reach the Diamond Fork Turnoff (about 11 miles east of Spanish Fork). Travel north up Diamond Fork Canyon for about 9 1/2 miles to the Three Forks Trailhead. Go through the gate, and do not cross the first bridge! Instead hike along the trail on the north side of the river until you reach a second bridge (about a mile up the trail). Cross this one and follow the trail another mile or so until you reach the hot springs. There is a fork in the trail before the springs, but they merge again further up, so it doesn't matter which one you take.

Cost: Free

Time: The hike will take about 2 hours round trip. Add on the amount of time you want to spend exploring the waterfalls or bathing in the hot springs.

Description: The Hot Springs at Fifth water are a series of pools that have been diverted and walled in to create several naturally fueled hot tubs that are perfect size for sitting. Although the smell of sulfur can be strong, the water itself is very clear. The temperature will vary from pool to pool, and even from one area of the pool to another, so always check the temperature before bathing.

     In addition to the hot tubs, there are four waterfalls along the trail. The lower falls are just up from the first set of pools. It is a unique waterfall in the sense that there is a small cave at the base, and another higher up. During the spring, you can feel cold water falling down from the spring runoff, while squatting in the heated water below. The upper cave has a window that you can peer out through at the water cascading down. If you go later in the year, you will get a much different look.

sitting in lower cave (early June)

Looking out window of upper cave (June)

Upper window (late August)

Lower cave (August)

      Above the first waterfall, there are two more hot spring pools, followed by the second waterfall. This one is also very photogenic. The third and fourth waterfalls are a ways higher up the trail. They are nice cascades, but not as cool as the first two, and are less accessible.

2nd waterfall

3rd waterfall

4th waterfall

Rating: 4 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - The road up Diamond Fork Canyon is windy and narrow in parts. You will also occasionally encounter cows in the road; so drive carefully.
- Parking at the trailhead can get pretty crowded on weekends, so get there early.
- The first time we went looking for the hot springs, we crossed the bridge. It was a pretty hike, but we didn't find any hot springs. Instead, hike along the river until you reach the second bridge.
- The hot springs often attract skinny-dippers (particularly in the evenings), so you might want to be cautious - especially with children in tow.
- Hikers occasionally see rattlesnakes along the trail during the warmer months, so have an experienced hiker take the lead.
- The trail is also popular for bicycles.
- I would strongly recommend bringing rubber-soled water socks or shoes that you don't mind getting wet while walking in the stream or pools. My niece cut up her feet trying to walk barefoot. Also, the rocks are extremely slippery from the white and green moss that collects on them from the water; so use extreme caution.
-  Although the water is mostly clear, you will see small black ash particles floating in some of the pools, so be careful about getting water in your mouth or eyes.
- The waterfalls are best in the spring when there is a lot of spring runoff.
- There are plenty of camping spots in the canyon if you want to spend a couple of days enjoying the beauty of nature.

Nearby: Red Ledges Picnic area, Spanish Fork Peak, Scofield State Park, The Grotto