Uinta National Forest near Spanish Fork is home to the magical Fifth Water Hot Springs. The hike from trailhead round trip is around 4.5 miles - with the springs as the halfway turnaround point. A rather mild hike, I crossed paths with people in sandals and style boots. You'll definitely get your workout in if you keep the pace up and will be rewarded with the baths as an epic break. My only regret was not coming equipped with a pack of beers to sip on while I soaked.
You'll know you're near when you start to smell the sulfur seeping up from the spring that winds along the side of the trail. I pit stopped a few times to dip my fingers in the water to test the temp but it was a long stretch to follow after the smell starts. You'll pass by incredible waterfalls and flowing pools filled with opaque, turquoise water. Keep trekking on until you find a multi-layer pool system ranging from emerald green to a smoky blue lined with stone walls to keep the water still and deep. While not the only Utah Hot Springs around, Fifth Water will leave you breathless - and not just because you’ve been hiking.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIFTH WATER HOT SPRINGS
Make the trek in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds
A mild 4.5-mile hike round trip
Hike in your bathing suit for easier access and be sure to bring a towel
When to go:
Make the voyage to Fifth Water Hot Springs in the earlier morning or evening time for optimal temperatures and smaller crowds. In terms of season, I ventured to the hot springs in October when the temp hovered around 50 outside and the pools ran hot. The foliage shimmered in the sunshine alongside the river.
What to expect:
A mild 4.5-mile hike round trip lands you at Fifth Water Hot Springs at the top as a rewarding and refreshing mid-way point amidst the mountain tops.
What to bring:
Hike in your bathing suit for easier access and be sure to bring a towel. I stopped at a Walmart on the way to grab one, thank goodness because the trek down would have been a huge bummer had I not. Stuff some bandaids in your pack just in case while you're at it. The warm water soaks and softens your feet making blisters more likely as you hike down hill.
Planning on hanging around awhile? Carry a (3.2% ABW) case of beers with you. Yep, it’s Utah, remember?
Disclaimer:
Watch out for nudists.
All and all this Fifth Water hot spring will have you swooning. After all, what’s better than a natural (and free) spa? Five stars; would go again.