Complete Guide to Fifth Water Hot Spring (Diamond Fork Hot Springs)
ArboursAbroad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using one of the affiliated links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Fifth Water Hot Spring is an insanely popular hot spring in Utah that blows my mind every time I think of it. Think, cascading waterfalls with hot pools for soaking in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. Yep, you’re now envisioning what Fifth Water Hot Spring is like. It truly is a one-of-a-kind hot spring.
Fifth Water Hot Spring is accessed with a relatively easy 2.5-mile hike to the slight sulfuric smells of pristine hot spring water. The hike is beautiful in itself, but the reward of soaking in the thermal pools is even better.
Also known as Diamond Fork Hot Spring, 5th water is tucked away in a canyon in the middle of Utah, and is a soaking experience not to be missed!
Fifth Water Hot Spring (Diamond Fork Hot Springs) Quick Facts
- Location: Near Provo, Utah
- Temperature: ranging from hot to cold, depending on pool.
- Access: 2.5 mile hike one way
- Texture: large rocks, small rocks, silt
- Depth: all different depths, most are comfortable to sit in up to mid stomach
Our Experience at Fifth Water Hot Spring
Our first thoughts when we got to Fifth Water Hot Springs was how on earth did we not visit this place when we were living in Provo. It’s a rather easy 2.5 mile hike to the hot springs up a creek. At the source of the springs, there are loads of pools to choose from.
When we visited Fifth Water, we camped nearby and arrived mid-morning to a rather full parking lot. But that was nothing compared to how full it was when we left! This is a very popular hot spring, and for good reason.
Fifth Water Hot Spring is a cascading waterfall hot spring with more than twenty different pools to soak in. Even with a completely full parking lot, we were able to have a few pools to ourselves. We did share the main waterfall pool with a group of college kids for a short time. But for the most part, it seems there are plenty of pools for everyone to enjoy.
The colors, the scenery, and the sheer amount of pools is a sight to see at Fifth Water Hot Springs.
We spent hours at Fifth Water Hot Spring. After hiking over an hour to get there, it seemed only right to really enjoy the place. We started up at the waterfall hot spring, as there was nobody in it at the time being. Then we made our way down to multiple other pools as they started clearing out towards the evening. We relaxed and enjoyed the springs, and also had a lot of fun getting a hot spring massage from the water cascading down the rocks.
I’m honestly still in shock how beautiful of a place Fifth Water is, and how many different hot spring pools there were there!
Where Exactly is Fifth Water Hot Spring?
Fifth Water Hot Spring is located up the Diamond Fork Canyon 30 minutes from Spanish Fork, Utah. Well, I suppose the trailhead is located 30 minutes from Spanish Fork. The actual hot spring is another 2.5 mile hike up the creek from the Fifth Water Trail Head.
The hike up to the hot spring is not very difficult. There is 700 feet of elevation gain, but for the most part, the walk seems really flat! Jay even did the hike in his Crocs, so you know it’s not too hard.
At the trailhead, there is parking for about 20-30 cars, depending on how people park. Outside of those spots, you’ll have to park a ways away, adding a bit of extra walking on the roadside to your hike.
Fifth Water Hot Spring Winter Access
Accessing Fifth Water Hot Spring in the winter is a different story. This is not for the faint at heart.
Diamond Fork Canyon gets a lot of snow fall, and not much sun to melt away the snow. So, once the snow hits, the access road to Fifth Water Hot Spring is closed about four miles before the trailhead. This adds a total of 8 miles to your hike, making the round trip length to Fifth Water Hot Springs over 10 miles. Doable, but maybe not so much worth it!
If you do plan to visit in the winter, be sure to wear traction shoes or grab some traction cleats for your shoes. We’d also recommend telling someone where you’re going, and packing more food and water than you think you need! You don’t want to be hungry or thirsty in the cold on a 10 mile hike!
What do I Need to Know About Hiking to the Hot Springs?
The hike to the hot spring is not very difficult at all. It takes about 1.5 hours, and is right at 2.5 miles from the trailhead. With only 700 feet of elevation gain and no scrambling to get to the hot springs, people both young and old can easily do this hike.
When we visited Fifth Water, there were people of all shapes and sizes there too. So don’t let “being out of shape” scare you away from this hike! You can do it!
Remember though, this is a hike. Be sure to pack snacks and lots of water. We recommend over a liter per person, as you’ll get dehydrated when soaking in the hot springs.
Likewise, remember to pack clothes other than your swimsuit to wear for the hike. You don’t want to hike 2.5 miles back to your car in a wet swimsuit.. hello chaffing!
There is a toilet at the trailhead of Fifth Water Hot Spring, but not at the hot spring itself. If you need to go the bathroom on the trail, be sure to follow these using the bathroom outside rules and tips.
How are the Crowds at Fifth Water Hot Spring?
Fifth Water Hot Spring is a very popular place to visit in Utah. And with it’s close proximity to BYU, you’ll sure to be sharing the waters with others. However, with that said, the hot spring waters are really a cascading waterfall of multiple pools with varying temperatures. You should be able to find an area to yourself for at least part of the time your soaking at Fifth Water.
The parking lot will likely be full mid-morning, so if you want to try and beat the crowd in the parking lot or on the trail, be sure to visit earlier, rather than later in the day.
When is the Best Time to Visit Fifth Water Hot Spring?
Not only is earliest best to avoid a full parking lot at the trailhead, but it’s also best to visit during the week if possible. There is undoubtedly more people at the hot spring over the weekend, so weekday visits help lessen the crowd.
As far as time of year goes, visiting Fifth Water in the fall or spring is great. During the summer months, the hike can be pretty warm, though a good portion of it is shaded. The actual hot springs are not though, meaning in the hot weather, you won’t be able to enjoy the water as long.
Accessing Fifth Water hot spring in the winter adds a bit more difficulty to your trip. You’ll be greeted with road closers and a much longer hike if you visit after snow fall. So, be sure to prepare for added miles and freezing hiking temps.
Can my Dog Come with me to Fifth Water Hot Spring?
The hike up to Fifth Water Hot Springs and the hot springs themselves are both dog friendly. In fact, the hike up is great for dogs! There’s fresh water lining nearly the entire hike, the ground is soft, and there’s no real steep cliffs once you get past the beginning to really worry about your dog falling.
With that said, if you choose to bring your dog, remember not everyone is a dog person! People are allergic to dogs, scared of dogs, or have even been attacked by dogs.. making them not wanting your dogs near them. Likewise, some people just don’t want your dog slobber and dirt or smell on them and their belongings. Especially people that are living in a van and don’t do laundry often! 😉
If you choose to bring your dog on the hike and to the hot spring, be respectful of others there, their belongings and their space.
People don’t want to share hot springs with your dogs, don’t want your dogs shaking and walking on their belongings, and shoot, people may not even want your dog to approach them. So keep your dog under control and away from others please.
What do I Need to Bring For Soaking in Fifth Water Hot Spring?
Proper swimsuits are a must when visiting Fifth Water Hot Spring and other hot springs in Utah. It is illegal to bath in the nude at any of Utah’s hot springs.
You’ll also certainly want to bring a towel. We always travel with a microfiber towel, as they’re small, quick-drying, and are made for being used over and over again without washes in between.
We also recommend bringing a water bottle. At least a liter of it per person. Being in the hot water will dehydrate you. Plus, drinking water is a great way to cool you down on the inside! Since there is a 2.5 mile hike both to and from the hot spring, you may want to consider bringing a backpack like this with water inside.
Crocs make for great shoes for slipping in and out of when going to and from the hot spring. It is a 2.5 mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain, so the straps on the crocs are great for the hike there. If you’re not comfortable hiking in Crocs, Tevas or Chacos are both great water shoe options.
Fifth Water Hot Spring Etiquette
Wear Clothing // No, you don’t have to be wearing your long johns to soak, but do make sure you’ve got your goodies covered! It’s technically illegal to soak in hot springs in Utah nude. With that said, we did see some nude and topless bathers at Fifth Water Hot Spring. Just keep in mind it is illegal, and it is a family friendly place.
Find Your Own Pool if Possible be Respectful if Not // When we were at Fifth Water we had just gotten into a hot spring pool and a minute later a group of four young college kids came and took over. Super loud, yelling back and forth to each other across the pool, and just honestly rude. Obviously, we don’t own the hot spring and they have just as much of a right to be there as we do, but if you do need to join someone else, match their level. If they’re relaxing with their eyes closed just taking it in, probably not the best idea to jump into the same pool and be obnoxious.
Pack Out Trash // If you bring it there, don’t leave it there. There are no garbage cans at Fifth Water Hot Spring so be sure to pack out whatever you pack in. If you can’t bring it back to your car after soaking, don’t bring it with you in the first place!
Don’t Use the Bathroom in the Springs // I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but seriously don’t do it. After hearing people at other hot springs talk about going the bathroom in the hot spring, I feel I have to remind everyone reading our posts to not do that. It’s freaking disgusting.. Nobody wants to soak in your pee! Either use the bathroom at the trailhead, or find a spot 200 feet away from the water and go the bathroom. Check out this post for more on going the bathroom in nature.
Dogs at the Hot Springs // Pets are allowed to be at Fifth Water Hot Spring, and it’s a great hike for the pups. With that said, as a pet owner, please keep in mind, not all people are “dog” people and want your dogs all up in their business! When your on the trail, call your dogs or leash them when others are passing by. And in the hot springs, don’t allow them to soak with other people, walk on other’s stuff, or shake on people and their belongings.
Camping Near Diamond Fork Hot Spring
There are a number of campgrounds up the Diamond Fork Canyon. Most of which are seasonal campgrounds, and a mix between paid for and free sites.
Diamond Fork Trail Camping
Hiking up to Fifth Water Hot Springs, you’ll see a few hike in campsites along the trail. These are great for making a long trip out of your time at the hot springs… if you have the right kind of backpacking camping gear to be able to hike into a site. One thing to note about these sites, they are right on the trail and the closest bathroom is at the trailhead, so you’ll be going the bathroom in nature. No big deal when you follow these pooping in nature steps!
Three Forks Campground
Three Forks Campground is located just 1.5 miles away from the 5th water hot spring trailhead. This campground is a walk-in campground with proper fire rings, and a pit toilet in the parking area. You are not allowed to sleep in the parking lot, and instead must find a campsite to stay. Be sure to pack out everything that you pack in with you, as there are no trash services here.
Diamond Campground
By far, the largest and most proper campground in the area. This is a paid for, well established campground just down the road from Diamond Fork (5th Water) Hot Springs. It’s great for those in RVs and we even saw campervans and tents there too. There are both paved RV sites and grass tent sites, there’s a creek nearby, and all the typical campground services. It’s a great option for those not looking to rough it as much out in nature!
Free Dispersed Camping
If you follow along with us at all, you know we always are looking for the free camping in every place we go. Not only because it saves us money, but also because we feel more connected to nature without others around. Our cat can roam freely without being disturbed by other pets, and we freaking love not having neighbors!
To find free campsites in the area, just simply drive around until you see a place that you can park without no overnight parking signs. You can also take a look at these four ways to camp for free in the United States or this post on van life apps that includes many apps for finding free parking.
More Travel Inspiration for Utah
Utah is hands down one of our favorite states. It’s full of beautiful red rock canyons, national parks, and amazing hot springs. Not to mention great mountain biking, awesome drives, and fantastic food too! Check out more on Utah in the posts below!
Two Days in Zion National Park
Driving Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon | we paid for camping, what?!
12 Hot Spring in Utah | with a map + travel info + prices
Red Hills Hot Spring | a hidden gem near Moab
Inlet Park Hot Springs | hot springs near Provo, Utah
One Night in Arches National Park
Canyonlands | The Scariest Night of our Lives + Sleeping in the Camry
Help Us Out
We created this post to help you be able to experience one of the most remarkable places we’ve visited in Utah. Fifth Water Hot Spring is one of those areas of Creation that we just can’t keep to ourselves and want everyone to experience.
If this post was helpful to you, and you want others to learn about how great Fifth Water Hot Spring truly is, share this post with the images below. By sharing this post, you let us know we should write more posts like this in the future! It’s basically a virtual high five, job well done. 🙂
