01/20/2019

Fifth Water Hot Springs Hike (2026 Guide): Utah’s Blue & Green Pools

Fifth Water Hot Springs: The Hike

The Fifth Water Hot Springs hike is a 4.5-mile roundtrip, easy trail along Diamond Fork Creek in Utah that ends at a series of stunning blue and green natural hot spring pools. The trailhead is on Diamond Fork Road, about 1.5 hours south of Salt Lake City. No permit or reservation needed, just show up and hike.

Quick stats: 4.5 miles roundtrip | ~650 ft elevation gain | 1–2 hours hiking (2–4 with soaking) | Easy to moderate

Fifth Water Hot Springs is my favorite hot springs, and it’s entirely because of the water color! The water is different shades of blue and green, like something out of a tropical postcard sitting in the middle of a Utah canyon. We went in October and the leaves were autumn colors, so it was just a beautiful sight of colors all around. Doesn’t that sound amazing?!

The Trail

The trail starts at the parking lot on Diamond Fork Road. It’s a pretty flat trail that runs along the stream the whole way, which makes it genuinely easy — no scrambling, no steep switchbacks, just a pleasant walk through the canyon.

Fair warning: it will feel pretty long before you get to the hot springs since you’re pretty much just walking straight for a while. You’ll see a few small waterfalls along the way, which means you’re getting closer.

The Hot Springs Pools

Eventually you’ll get there and it’ll be beautiful — but packed with people. Luckily there are a lot of pools so you can spread out. Some pools are hotter than others; it ranges from burning to cold, so hopefully you find a good one! Test the water with your foot before committing to a pool.

The water really is that blue. It’s not a filter, it’s not editing — the mineral-rich water genuinely glows blue and green against the canyon rock. Go on a weekday morning if you can, or just accept the crowd. The pools are worth sharing.

When to Go

Spring and fall are the sweet spots. We went in October and the fall colors were unreal, and the crowds are thinner than summer. May is another great window. Summer gets hot and packed, and the pools lose their appeal when it’s 95 degrees out.

In winter, the last stretch of Diamond Fork Road is gated (typically November through May), which adds about 3 miles roundtrip to the hike and the trail gets icy — microspikes territory. The pools look electric blue against the snow, but only go if you’re prepared for a 7.5-mile winter hike. Always check current road status and Utah DEQ water advisories before visiting.

What to Bring

Swimsuit and quick-dry towel. Obvious, but people forget.
Water shoes or sandals. The rocks around the pools are slippery and rough.
Plenty of water. There’s no water at the trailhead, and you’ll want to hydrate after soaking.
A dry bag or ziplock for your phone and keys.
Trash bag. Pack out everything. These pools stay beautiful because visitors respect them.

Leave the glass bottles at home — broken glass around barefoot soaking pools is a nightmare. And keep music to headphones; half the magic here is the canyon quiet.

Getting There

Fifth Water Hot Springs is about 1.5 hours south of Salt Lake City (roughly an hour east of Provo). Take US-6 through Spanish Fork Canyon and turn onto Diamond Fork Road; follow it to the Three Forks trailhead parking area. The Three Forks lot is tiny — around 20 spots — and fills by 8am on weekends, so go early. There’s a $10 day-use fee (good for 3 days), or use an America the Beautiful pass. Park only in signed spots; illegal parking gets ticketed.

To rent a car for the drive, you can check out Discover Cars to find the best deal.

Hot Springs Tips

Arrive early. The parking lot fills up on weekends, and the best pools go first.
Test pool temperatures. They range from scalding to lukewarm — find your Goldilocks pool.
Combine it with more soaking. If you’re road-tripping for hot springs, my guide to 5 natural hot springs in Mammoth, California is another favorite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Fifth Water Hot Springs hike?

The hike is 4.5 miles roundtrip with about 600 feet of elevation gain. Most people finish in 1 to 2 hours at an easy pace. The trail is flat and follows Diamond Fork Creek the whole way.

Is the Fifth Water Hot Springs trail open in winter?

Usually not by car. Diamond Fork Road closes seasonally in winter, which cuts off trailhead access. Late spring through fall is the reliable window; always check current road status before going.

Do you need a permit for Fifth Water Hot Springs?

No permit or reservation is needed. It’s first-come, first-served, which is why arriving early on weekends matters.

How hot is the water at Fifth Water Hot Springs?

It varies pool to pool, from scalding hot to lukewarm. Test each pool before getting in and move between pools to find your ideal temperature.

Are dogs allowed at Fifth Water Hot Springs?

Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed, and they’re discouraged from the pools themselves since the water can burn them. Check the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest site for current rules before bringing a dog.