Adventure to Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon

WOW—what an amazing place to visit! I highly recommend arriving early so you can take your time and enjoy the day. In winter, the road to the trailhead is closed, so you’ll need to park at the base lot. Be sure to bring $10 cash for the park fee, which helps maintain the trail. I started my hike at 11 AM, and it took about 2 hours to reach the springs (3.5 miles). The trail is slightly uphill in spots and can be icy or muddy. Bring crampons and hiking poles for stability—they were a lifesaver! Once at the springs, I easily found my own hot pool to soak in. The closer you get to the waterfall, the hotter the pools. There are plenty to choose from! My top tip: bring water shoes—the rocks are rough, and they saved my feet from cuts while moving between pools. A local told me that the springs are always changing due to washouts, so each visit could be a little different. This is a 7+ mile round-trip hike, so come prepared with plenty of water and plan for a long day. 100% worth the trip—I’ll be back soon!

loved loved loved this trail! It was all along the water and not terribly treacherous with a beautiful reward of hot springs!!! The restaurants at the parking lot were unfortunately closed due to vandalism, which is so so unfortunate. The hike was really pretty moderate until the springs. We luckily got there early, but by the time we left, the springs were very crowded. would recommend this hike if you were able to get there early - it’s beautiful!

I recently hiked the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! From the moment I started the trail, I was captivated by the stunning scenery surrounding me. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. The journey to the hot springs is filled with beautiful views of the canyon and vibrant, lush vegetation. As I made my way down the trail, I encountered several picturesque spots that were perfect for taking photos and soaking in the natural beauty. Once I arrived at the hot springs, I was blown away! The pools are wonderfully inviting, with crystal-clear water and the perfect temperature for relaxation. It was a delightful experience to soak in the warm springs while enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature around me. The atmosphere was peaceful and serene, making it an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature. I also appreciated the sense of community among fellow hikers and visitors, all enjoying the beauty of the springs together. Overall, I highly recommend the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail to anyone looking for a memorable outdoor adventure. The combination of stunning scenery, a well-maintained trail, and the relaxing hot springs makes it a five-star experience in every way! I can't wait to return!

First impressions were that the parking lot was overfull and had to park half a mile from the trailhead. The hike itself is all uphill on the way there so be prepared for a bit of exercise. The falls itself were beautiful and the hot springs were very relaxing. Although there were a lot of people, it wasn’t hard to find a quiet pool to relax. There is no private place at the springs so use the bathroom and change before you go.

The hot springs itself is a true gem (as experiencing a hot, sulfuric-smell geological hot spring), but I’m giving 4 stars for its crowdedness at the spring and the inconvenience for parking. If you come here on a Saturday afternoon, the trailhead parking lot is likely full, and you will have to park either at the alternative parking for fifth water which is about a mile and half before the trailhead, or there are a few pullouts along the way closer to trailhead can accommodate a few cars each. No parking on the side of road is allowed. See pics below. Anyways, the trail itself is about 2 miles each way. So I did total 7 miles for a dip in the spring, which is totally worth it for me but I don’t imagine it’s as enjoyable for a family group wi the different hiking tolerance who just want to enjoy the spring for the most part. Self-service fee station at trailhead, and a national park pass works here. And one last thing, if you have a silver ring or necklace, take it off before jumping into the spring, or they will instantly turn black due to the presence of sulfur in the water! Regardless, if you come here at the right time(a week day morning?), and somehow have the spring for yourself, it must feel like heaven.