Soaking in Wild Beauty – One Step at a Time!
The trail was quiet, frosty, and frozen early in the morning
Feels like the bridge is about the halfway point
Utah is full of secret pockets of adventure, and Fifth Water Hot Springs—nestled in Diamond Fork Canyon—is one of our favorites. We recently set out to hike the trail, soak in the natural hot springs, and capture a bit of that untamed beauty that makes this state such a wild playground.
Here’s what the experience was like from trailhead to steamy soak.
The trailhead starts at Three Forks in Diamond Fork Canyon, about 45 minutes from Provo or Spanish Fork. The road is fully paved, and while the parking lot is decent, it fills up fast—especially on weekends. We recommend arriving early to beat the rush. We tackled the trail at 7 AM in November, on a Monday, and even then, there were 3 cars in the parking lot when we started and the lot was full when we returned.
No reservations are needed for the hike, but a Recreation Pass or day-use fee is required for parking. Be sure to check current conditions before heading out, especially during the colder months, as the access gate is closed in winter and adds mileage.
The trail follows Fifth Water Creek almost the entire way. Right from the start, the trail dips into shaded forest and stays close to the sound of flowing water. You’ll pass through sections of pine, oak, and canyon walls that make the scenery feel ever-changing.
It’s a relatively easy trail with a few moderate inclines, rocky stretches, and one wooden bridge crossing early on. The mix of dirt, packed gravel, and narrow turns along small ridges kept things interesting. About halfway in, the smell of sulfur hits your nose—that’s when you know you’re getting close.
After about 2.2 miles, the hot springs come into view—and they’re absolutely stunning. Several tiered pools have formed along the creek, each one with slightly different temperatures. Steam rises from the blue-green water, and a waterfall cascades nearby, creating the kind of scene that makes you stop and take it all in.
You made it to the pools! Enjoy your well earned soak!
Good Thing we had our Bandit Gear!
The pools vary in depth and temperature. We tested a few before settling into one with the perfect mix of warm mineral water and creek-cooled flow. The contrast between the fridgid canyon air and the toasty pools was pure magic.
Shivering, we changed clothes at the side of the pool and quickly got our layers on. The 30 mins we spent in those natural baths was well-earned and wildly refreshing.
After soaking, we hit the trail again feeling lighter and looser than when we came in. The hike out followed the same path but offered new light, new angles, and that good kind of soreness that tells you you’ve done something worth doing.
After about 3 hours, we were back to our car.
Fifth Water isn’t just a great hike—it’s a full-sensory experience. You get:
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A creekside hike through forest and canyon
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Sulfur-scented steam rising from natural pools
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A mountain-fed waterfall as a backdrop
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Warm, healing water to soak in before the return hike
It’s accessible, rewarding, and perfect for those looking to earn their soak. For us at Bandit Outdoors, it’s a trail we’ll come back to again and again—and maybe one day, you’ll find a Bandit Badge tucked under a rock there.
#StealAdventure
#BanditTrails
#FifthWaterHotSprings
#WildTested
Incredible hike with colorful twists and turns throughout the trek!
What to See / Hints
- Go Early! Both the parking lot and the springs are crowded!
- Bring a 2nd pair of shoes or lake shoes / aqua socks the pools can be rocky an slippery
- Pack a swimsuit and bring a towel (quick dry clothes can work too)
- Leave No Trace – Pack it in, pack it out