Healing is mind, body and soul and this breathtaking day hike with the healing sulphur hot springs at the top elevate each of these areas! I am so glad that we went out of our way to do it!
An Ideal Day Trip from Salt Lake City, Utah
If you find yourself in Salt Lake City for a business trip, or any other trip, I highly recommend a trip to 5th Water Hot Springs located on Diamond Fork Road in beautiful Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest near Spanish Fork. It was my first hot springs experience and from now on, I’ll make a habit of seeking them out as we travel! 
Even if the hot springs weren’t waiting for us at the top, the hike itself is absolutely beautiful and moderately difficult, with stunning scenery and the trail follows the 5th Water Creek.
Kid Friendly and Dog Friendly Trail
We did this hike in July with our 7 children, ages 14 down to 11 months, and also brought our brindle boxer dog, Freya!
This trail has some semi steep areas and some narrow parts that make it not suitable for a jogger stroller. I carried Bodhi, our 11-month-old son, in my baby Ergo carrier and Andre carried our 2-year-old Romi on his strong shoulders or arms, when she was too tired to walk.
The trail is a total of 5 miles with an ascent of approx 700 feet. The other children really enjoyed the beauty and the challenge.
By the time we had returned back to the van they were definitely tired and so happy for fresh cool water and the watermelon we had waiting for us. We went on a Saturday and the main parking lot was packed. Hikers were very friendly and helpful!
SNAKES
We passed 3 large Great Basin Gofer Snakes on the trail. Have no fear! They are non-venomous, and their secret weapon is that they look very similar to a rattlesnake and even shake their tail. An older gentleman hiker picked up one of the snakes and took the opportunity to share some information with the children (hello unschooling!), who were all fascinated. Afterwards, he kissed the snake and sent him on its way!
Sulpher Springs or Rotten Eggs?
As you hike closer to the hot springs, you’ll start to smell the sulphur. Remind yourself that not only is it a natural occurring chemical, but it is also very healing, especially for the skin and even helps build up your natural collagen.
The children loved exploring the spring!
Hot Springs and a Cool Waterfall
When you get to the top there are little pockets of bubbling hot springs about 18″ diameter that mingle with the flowing cool waterfall and the waters flow into man made rock tubs of varying temperatures.
The hotter ones are closer to the springs. One spring was the clear favorite and that’s where most of us soaked. The boys were in the larger one that had black, charcoal like sand at the bottom. We spent about 2 hours in the springs. Andre ventured further with the boys where they found a 2nd waterfall and another hot spring! If you want to get away from the crowd go up to the 2nd waterfall!
It was hard to leave, and we’ll definitely do this trip again. I would love to experience it in the Fall.
Have you been to a hot spring before? Please share your favorite ones!!
Leave a Reply