Guide to Fifth Water Hot Springs (Salt Lake City, Utah)

With multiple hot spring pools with silky blue and aqua-hued waters, a waterfall, red rock cliffed canyons, and a scenic hike to the waters, Fifth Water Hot Springs in Utah is one of our favorite hot springs in Utah. Located just about an hour outside of downtown Salt Lake City, it’s the perfect hot spring day trip for visitors as well as locals.

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The Fifth Water Hot Springs Experience

At Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), you’ll find multiple rock built hot spring pools built alongside a creek. The waters are breathtakingly beautiful with milky blue and blue-ish green tones. There are multiple pools that you can soak in, as well as a hot spring hot spring waterfall that you can stand under (which is a lot of fun!) The waters here do contain sulfur, so be prepared for a subtle aroma. But, the good news is that sulfur is actually really great for your skin and has many health benefits.

How Hot Is Fifth Water Hot Springs?

At the source, the water here is a steamy 111 degrees, but you can find pools at a perfect 102 degrees. There are a variety of pools that have varying temperatures, so you can “test the waters” at multiple pools until you find one that’s just right for you. The farther you go downstream, the cooler the water gets.

Directions to Fifth Water Hot Springs

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Getting to Fifth Water Hot Springs is super easy and accessible. Simply park at the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trailhead where you’ll find plenty of free parking and a bathroom. Make sure to not park on the street as you may get a parking ticket.

If you’re visiting during the winter months, usually the road is open and clear of snow. However, if a big storm has just landed, the road conditions may be dangerous and the Forest Service does sometimes close the final 5 miles of the road to vehicles. If you’re going in the winter, we recommend calling the Forest Service to check on road conditions. The number is (801) 798-3571.

The Hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs

To get to Fifth Water Hot Springs, you’ll take a scenic 2.5 mile moderate difficulty hike (5 miles round trip) with a 700 ft. elevation gain. The trail is pretty easy to follow and incredibly beautiful. After parking at the trailhead, follow the left side of Sixth Water Creek (going Southeast) for 1 mile. Make sure not to cross the first footbridge. After about 1 mile, you’ll come to a 2nd foot bridge, which you should cross over. This area is the cross section between Sixth Water Creek (on the left) and Fifth Water Creek (on the right). After walking another mile after this footbridge, you’ll notice a sulfurous smell. Once you experience this you’re very close to the hot springs. On your right you’ll soon see the first hot spring pools and then a bit upstream some more. And, at the top of the area is the waterfall! Test out the different pools until you find the perfect one to soak in. Also, you can check out this trail map from all trails to help you on your hike.

Tips for Visiting Fifth Water Hot Springs

Avoid the Crowds – These hot springs are quite popular, especially on weekends. Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Bring Your Dog – The hot springs and trail are pet friendly. Bring your dog with you, just make sure your dog is on a leash.
No Nudity – There is a law for no nudity in the state of Utah. So, if you do decide to bathe nude, know you are doing so at your own risk.
Avoid Glass – Unfortunately sometimes people bring glass bottles to the hot springs and there may be broken glass on the trail. Bring shoes or sandals for when walking between pools.
Bathrooms – Bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
Help Clean Up – Sometimes popular hot springs like Fifth Water get closed down do to people trashing them. Make sure to clean up after yourself. And, even consider being an extra kind human and pick up a few extra pieces of trash to help keep this magical place open.

Frequently Asked Questions and Facts

Why Is Fifth Water Hot Springs Closed?

The hot spring was closed to the public on March 17th 2020, due to the pandemic for public safety and remained closed for about a year. But, the good news is that Fifth Water Hot Springs is currently open! If you want to be 100% sure that the hot spring is open before visiting (as it can be shut down due other reasons periodically), you can give a ring to Forest Service at (801) 798-3571 and they’ll inform you as to the status.

Fifth Water Hot Springs Death 2020

In October of 2020, a man was found deceased in Fifth Water Hot Springs. There were no signs of foul play or overdose. It was reported that he was likely dehydrated and passed out and drowned. Please make sure to be careful when going to the hot springs. Stay hydrated and avoid going alone.

Fifth Water Hot Springs Snakes

Hikers have often reported snakes and rattlesnakes upon the Fifth Water Hot Springs trail. Keep your eyes open and be careful as you hike to the waters as there definitely are snakes in the hot springs.

How Long Does It Take To Hike Fifth Water Hot Springs?

It takes about 1 hour each way to do the hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs. If you’re a speedy hiker you can probably do it in 45 minutes each way.

What Are Other Utah Hot Springs Worth Visiting?

We wrote an article on the top Utah hot springs, and we mapped them for you to easily find.