A waterfall at the start of a trail to Fifth Water Hot Springs with a health advisory about harmful bacteria and strictly limited parking.
USDA Forest Service day-use fee at Three Forks Trailhead: $10/3-day, $20/7-day, or $60/season; America the Beautiful passes accepted
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Fifth Water Waterfall marks the start of the trail to Fifth Water Hot Springs, a popular soaking destination in the Spanish Fork Ranger District. The falls themselves lead to a canyon trail system that eventually reaches the hot springs, making this a destination for both waterfall viewing and geothermal recreation.
Important health information: The Utah Division of Water Quality has posted a health advisory for the hot springs due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria. Do not submerge your head underwater, do not ingest water from the springs, and avoid soaking if you have open wounds or a compromised immune system. These are not empty precautions—take the advisory seriously.
Parking at the Three Forks Trailhead is strictly limited and the lot fills quickly on weekends and holidays. Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot, or plan your visit on a weekday. Day-use fees are $10 for 3 days, $20 for 7 days, or $60 for a full season pass (America the Beautiful passes accepted). The Forest Service monitors the parking lot carefully, so do not leave your vehicle in unauthorized spots.
Spring through fall when trails are clear and day-use fees are collected; check for seasonal closures before heading out.
Strictly limited and enforced; arrive early or the lot may be full.
Avoid if you have compromised immunity or open wounds (health advisory). Also, parking is severely limited and strictly enforced—arrive very early or plan an alternate day.
USDA Forest Service day-use fee at Three Forks Trailhead: $10/3-day, $20/7-day, or $60/season; America the Beautiful passes accepted
The managing agency's page (linked below) has the current trailhead and route details — round-trip distance wasn't published when we checked.
Yes, per the managing agency — conditions and safety vary by season, so use judgment regardless.
We track 8 waterfalls in Wasatch Front.
There are 3 other waterfalls we track in Utah County. All Wasatch Front waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
USFS 'Three Forks Trailhead' page (fs.usda.gov), checked Sept 2026. Page lists this as the primary access point (via Fifth Water Trail #015) to Fifth Water Hot Springs, and lists swimming among the site's recreation opportunities. Page carries a Utah Division of Water Quality health advisory that harmful bacteria may be present at the hot springs (avoid submerging head/ingesting water). Site status listed as 'Open'; parking is very limited and strictly enforced.
Checked September 2026.