Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork) from the East in Uinta National Forest, UT

Hike Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork) from the East Uinta National Forest, UT

Class 1 4.9 miles 800 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Oct 28, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork) from the East GPX Track

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The primary parking area to get to the Diamond Fork (aka Fifth Water) Hot Springs is located at 40.0845485,-111.3548434, which comes in from the west. Mike and I wanted to take a less popular route to avoid the crowds, choosing to take the slightly less popular northern trail. On a Saturday, there were only two other cars at the trailhead we chose, and it was a similar hiking distance. We followed the obvious trail that parallels Fifth Water Creek. It begins as doubletrack through a big meadow and then enters the forest. A light descent leads to the upper section of Fifth Water Hot Springs. We noticed the trail was slightly more difficult to follow due to a web of social trails, but I recommend staying close to the creek and you'll get to the springs. Sure enough, we found a gorgeous waterfall that few people get to see since they don't venture this far up when coming from the western trailhead. Past the waterfall the trail hugged the creek more closely and became more and more of the famous clear, bright blue color. A bunch of little pools materialized and we started seeing more bathers enjoying the warm water. Too soon we got to the top of the main waterfall that everyone photographs, and joined the crowds enjoying the many hot springs of bright blue water briefly before turning back and finding a less noisy pool to soak in.

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An empty trailhead coming from the east side.
An empty trailhead coming from the east side.
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The grassy field slowly enters the canyon, where you get into some trees.
The grassy field slowly enters the canyon, where you get into some trees.
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Once the trees get more dense, the trail gets a little hard to follow, but as long as you are near the creek, you'll get to the hot springs.
Once the trees get more dense, the trail gets a little hard to follow, but as long as you are near the creek, you'll get to the hot springs.
A waterfall along the way. Few people come up this high from the main trailhead (west).
A waterfall along the way. Few people come up this high from the main trailhead (west).
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Great colors in the water. Smelly sulfur, too.
Great colors in the water. Smelly sulfur, too.
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Following the creek, mini pools of hot water along the way.
Following the creek, mini pools of hot water along the way.
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Approaching the main waterfall from above.
Approaching the main waterfall from above.
Pretty waterfall, but very crowded.
Pretty waterfall, but very crowded.
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The main section of hot springs where everyone hangs out.
The main section of hot springs where everyone hangs out.
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Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!