These Milky Blue Hot Springs in Utah Requires a 5-Mile Hike to Soak In Its Healing Waters

Diamond Fork Hot Springs, Utah

We’re not saying you need to drop everything and head to central Utah right now. But these insanely photogenic blue pools might just be worth rearranging your calendar for.

At Diamond Fork Hot Springs it’s only you and turquoise waters bubbling at a perfect 103-110 degrees, surrounded by nothing but wilderness and maybe a few fellow soakers who made the same excellent life choice you did.

It’s Known By A Second Name

Diamond Fork Hot Springs, also called Fifth Water Hot Springs, sits tucked away in a scenic canyon within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. About an hour south of Salt Lake City, you can reach these springs through Spanish Fork Canyon in 30 minutes.

The Canyon’s Native American History

The name “Diamond Fork” is believed to originate from the diamond-shaped pattern of the canyon’s tributaries. Back in the Black Hawk War (1865–1872), these hills saw plenty of trouble.

Records show the Ute tribe (nomadic people who traveled in bands) hunted and gathered here long before the European settlers. They knew about these hot springs way before settlers stumbled upon them.

Hot, Healing Natural Springs

Ever wonder where all that hot water comes from? Rainwater seeps deep underground where the earth’s heat cranks up the temperature. Then it finds cracks in the rocks and pushes back to the surface.

The water comes out super hot between 123-140°F. As water travels through underground rock layers, it picks up minerals that give it special properties and that weird color everyone loves.

The entire system connects to the greater Wasatch fault zone, making it part of a complex hydrothermal feature that geologists love to study.

The “Blue” Color Comes From Minerals

The milky blue pools at Diamond Fork look fake in photos, but they’re 100% real. The crazy color comes from the mineral cocktail in the water (mainly calcium carbonate, copper, and sulfur).

Other minerals, such as lithium, may also be present in the hot spring water. Sunlight bounces off these tiny suspended particles and creates that otherworldly blue glow. The white mineral deposits that build up around the edges make the color pop even more.

Three Waterfalls Create Different Pools

Three waterfalls cascade down the canyon with different soaking pools forming below each one. The main pool directly below the first waterfall is often cited as being around 111°F. The lower you go, the cooler they get as more creek water mixes in.

Some pools fit groups while others are just right for solo soaking. Winter might be the coolest time to visit. Steam rises from blue pools surrounded by snow, and sometimes icicles form on the waterfall edges.

The Smell Can Be Overwhelming at First

You’ll smell Diamond Fork before you see it. That sulfur reeks like rotten eggs but it’s known to have antibacterial properties. Your skin feels crazy soft afterward, so holding your nose for a minute when you first arrive is worth it.

The water’s loaded with magnesium and calcium too, which explains why your muscles feel like jelly after soaking. After about five minutes, your nose goes blind to the smell.

The Trail Requires a Five-Mile Hike

Getting to Diamond Fork means working for it. This well-marked 5-mile roundtrip climbs about 700 feet, beginning at the Three Forks Trailhead, where hikers cross the Diamond Fork River before following Sixth Water Creek.

Spring brings wildflowers. Fall turns the canyon into a color explosion. Winter makes it a snow trek that requires proper gear. Most folks make it in about 75-90 minutes each way.

Make Sure to Stay Clothed

Some people deliberately take off their swimwear at Diamond Fork, even though this practice is straight-up illegal in Utah.

Forest rangers occasionally sweep through and write tickets in summer when crowds peak. No camping is allowed within 200 feet of the water, though plenty of people ignore that rule.

Best Times to Visit Diamond Fork

Diamond Fork works year-round but summer brings big crowds. Park at Three Forks Trailhead but get there early on weekends or you’ll end up walking the extra mile.

There are no fees currently required. Nearby attractions include Rock Canyon hiking, fishing in Diamond Fork Creek, and cruising the Spanish Fork Canyon scenic drive. Drive down to Spanish Fork town, about 20 minutes away for food.

The best times for solitude are weekday mornings, and remember to avoid using soaps in the springs to help preserve the natural environment.