Fifth Water Hot Springs

A moderately difficult 8-mile hike was very much worth the effort towards the end of the winter after a snowstorm, as the cold white-covered trees were a stark contrast to the hot steamed water. This main photo got me photo of the week for Salt Lake City Photography’s Facebook group!

Fifth Water Hot Springs is about an hour south of Salt Lake City. The entire length of the hike were “wow” moments and different types of panorama views, with either snow-topped trees on the mountain side, or a babbling creek. As the hike went on, the picture above was the first sight of steam coming off of the water. About a half mile later were the hot springs, pictured below.

I went here in early March when it was 50 degrees and after a heavy snowfall. Micro-spikes were very much required as we saw the after-math of a trail runner slipping on the snow/ice. I also have grown to love trekking poles. I recommend getting there pretty early; we got there around 9am on a Saturday and there were a few spots left in the parking lot. When we returned around 1pm a state park ranger was ticketing all those parked in the road and it was a pretty hefty fine! We got lucky. These hot springs triggered me to purchasing water shoes; either chaco-type or the foot-covered type. I was worried I was going to step on something at the bottom of the pool.