This place is undoubtedly one of the most magical places I’ve ever been to. I remember finding it from fellow hikers and falling in love with the beautiful photos that almost seemed too good to be real. So, I planned a trip to Provo and decided I had to see this beautiful natural wonder for myself.
This is located in Uintas National Forest right outside of Provo, Utah. The forest is insane, overflowing with green trees and purple toned snow cap mountains. There’s about 1000 waterfalls within the forest, and so many other hikes that lead you to incredible elevation gains. I arrived into the forest late into the night and parked right at the trailhead, as I knew I wanted to get there before anyone else. There were a few other cars in the parking lot, but all seemed empty, backpackers off deep into the wilderness I suppose. That night my boyfriend and I slept under the stars in his 4-runner which we had now turned into our car, kitchen, and bedroom. The forest was quiet and calming and the only sound besides our breathing was a soft wind rustling the trees.
We got up around 6:30 to eat and get ready for the hike. It’s 5 miles total, so not terrible but definitely something you want to prepare for. The hike in was absolutely beautiful, you walk alongside the creek while behind you are stunning mountain views. The only faces we saw were hikers coming out of the forest, but beside that it was complete solitude. You know when you are reaching the hot springs because of the smell. A thick smell of sulfur filled our noses as we made our way up the trail, but we didn’t mind that only meant we were getting closer. The water starts to change as well from the typical green/brown creek color to powdery blues.
As we climbed over the final hill I knew we had made it. Powder blue and green hot spring pools lay in front of us, and not a single person in them. Beautiful. The hot springs are *technically* clothing optional, so in the mornings it’s not uncommon to find some aspiring nudists out for a skinny dip. The ones at the bottom are about the temperature of the perfect hot bath, I’d say around 98 degrees give or take. As you keep going up toward the waterfall they gradually get hotter and hotter.
Once you get to the waterfall you can actually climb up and under it, which I thought was pretty neat. In addition to that it’s a pretty easy climb to the top of the waterfall and from there you have a beautiful view of all the forestry and hot springs.
To be honest I was a bit hesitant to share this post. I usually don’t share locations out of fear that they will soon be ruined by over-trafficking of these beautiful lands. When we got here there were only a few pieces of trash, which made me happy to see that people had left places either the same or better than they found them. Remember to keep these places wild, clean up after yourself, and leave the place better than you found it so we can continue to enjoy these spaces. Happy hiking!
26 thoughts on “Your Complete Guide to 5th Water Hot Springs”
Sarah Bailey
Oh now this sounds like a lovely place to go and visit. I have to admit I would love to walk around that waterfall.
LikeLike
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
I would love to discover a hot springs. I have been to ones in Colorado and it was so relaxing.
LikeLike
Ally BA (@ally_barrett)
This looks like such an awesome hiking experience! I’ll have to add this my list of hikes I hope to go on someday.
LikeLike
Patricia-Ann Que
this looks amazing! i love hot springs but i have never been to one like this! now i have to add this to my list
LikeLike
Cynthia
What a magical find. I love hiking and a hot spring is icing on the cake!
LikeLike
Annie Cho
I didn’t know such a place existed in Provo! I’d love to visit these hot springs!
xoxo
Annie
LikeLike
Emma Riley
Wow! The place looks awesome and look at the rock formation. This should be in every bucket list when your near the area.
LikeLike
Valerie Christie
Thanks for sharing this. Had no idea that there were hotsprings in Utah! It really looks like you had an amazing time.
LikeLike
Nicole
This looks like it was such a great experience! I have always wanted to go to the hot springs. I’ll have to try and get there one day, Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Ann Snook
Sounds like a romantic and beautiful hike! I have visited a hot spring once before (on my honeymoon) and it was such a fun experience. Who wouldn’t love essentially an outdoor hot tub?
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
Exactly!! Especially if they are clothing optional haha
LikeLike
onceuponadollhouse
This looks like a great destination! We love the photos.
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
thanks so much!
LikeLike
Princessquinn
Thanks for sharing anyway. People must be reminded that nature has be to oreserved or we will never see places like this again.
LikeLike
themommyfiles03
That looks like such a pretty place to visit! Not to mention experiencing the springs! I would love to visit there someday.
LikeLike
thelazydogmom
Wow! These photos are gorgeous! When I think of Utah I don’t think there’s much there, but I might have to go check it out now. Looks like so much fun!
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
Oh no! There’s literally SOOO much in Utah! You’ll have to check it out
LikeLike
Tara
What a beautiful place to visit. I love your photos, especially the one of the waterfalls. I have been to the Harrison Hot Springs in BC, it is so amazing that the water is so warm naturally.
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
Aw thank you so much! I want to visit there so bad
LikeLike
lavandamichelle
What a wonderful post! This place looks amazing, I’d love to go here. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLike
Shabby Chic Boho (@terrishutterbug)
I’ve never been to a hot water spring before but would really love to go. This place looks so relaxing and I bet it is.
LikeLike
momi berlin
I totally understand. Sometimes when people learn of new places, they would want to experience it as well and in the process do not really take care of the environment. I hope people will show a little concern and take care of places they visit.
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
Exactly! So sad
LikeLike
lifewithtwinsplus2
What a fun adventure! I am sure that was so peaceful and relaxing. I will never forget going to my first hot spring. The smell was definitely something!
LikeLike
Lauren Russell
Hahah! So true
LikeLike
Jenn Pereira
Sounds like an amazing place to relax. Thank you for sharing this experience. I should add this on my bucketlist.
LikeLike