Utah has some of the best natural hot springs in the American West, and several of them are within an easy day trip from Provo. Soaking in a natural hot spring after a hike — surrounded by forest, canyon walls, or mountain views — is one of those experiences that reminds you why living in Utah is worth the inversions and early-closing restaurants.
This guide covers the best hot springs accessible from Provo, from the famous to the hidden, with the practical details you need to plan your visit.
Fifth Water Hot Springs (Diamond Fork)
Distance from Provo: ~35 minutes · Hike: 4.6 miles round trip · Difficulty: Moderate
The most popular hot springs near Provo, and for good reason. Fifth Water sits at the end of a beautiful canyon hike through Diamond Fork Canyon, with a series of pools at different temperatures cascading down a hillside next to a waterfall. The main pool runs around 100–110°F, with cooler pools below where hot spring water mixes with the cold creek.
What to expect: The hike in is 2.3 miles through a scenic canyon with several creek crossings (expect wet feet in spring). The trail is well-maintained but can be muddy and icy in winter. The pools are natural but have been reinforced with rocks over the years. On summer weekends, expect crowds — 50+ people at the springs is common on Saturday afternoons.
When to go: Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Winter visits offer a magical experience — hiking through snow to soak in steaming pools — but require proper footwear (traction devices recommended) and awareness of avalanche conditions. Spring is peak runoff season, which can make creek crossings challenging.
Practical tips:
- Bring a towel, water shoes for the creek crossings, and a dry bag for your phone
- Pack out everything you bring in — this area has struggled with littering
- The parking area at the trailhead fills fast on weekends; arrive before 9 AM
- Dogs are allowed but must be on-leash
- No glass containers at the springs
Directions: From Provo, take US-189 south toward Spanish Fork, then turn east on Diamond Fork Road (SR-029). Follow it about 10 miles to the Fifth Water trailhead parking area.
Meadow Hot Springs
Distance from Provo: ~90 minutes · Hike: None (drive-up) · Difficulty: Easy
A completely different experience from Fifth Water. Meadow Hot Springs consists of three crystal-clear pools on private ranch land that the owners have generously kept open to the public. The water is warm (about 95–100°F in the main pool) and remarkably clear — you can see the sandy bottom 15+ feet below. The setting is flat, open rangeland — not a mountain canyon — which gives it a surreal, otherworldly quality.
What to expect: No hike required — you park and walk a few minutes to the pools. The main pool is large enough for 15–20 people comfortably. The second pool is smaller and slightly warmer. The third pool is cooler and less visited. The water visibility is stunning — on sunny days, the pools glow turquoise.
Practical tips:
- This is private land — respect the property. No camping, no fires, no glass, no littering
- There are no facilities (no bathrooms, no changing rooms)
- The road to the springs is dirt and can be rough — a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended
- Best visited spring through fall; winter access depends on road conditions
Directions: Take I-15 south to the Meadow/Kanosh exit, then follow local roads east. The springs are near the town of Meadow in Millard County. GPS coordinates are widely available online.
Homestead Crater (Midway)
Distance from Provo: ~45 minutes · Difficulty: None (commercial facility)
Not a backcountry experience — Homestead Crater is a commercial hot spring inside a 55-foot limestone dome near Midway in the Heber Valley. The water stays at about 90–96°F year-round, and the dome creates an otherworldly atmosphere with light filtering through an opening at the top. You can swim, soak, snorkel, or even scuba dive inside the crater.
What to expect: This is a paid, managed facility with changing rooms, showers, and equipment rentals. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The experience is less "wild hot spring" and more "unique indoor pool," but the geology of soaking inside a limestone cave is genuinely impressive. If you're making the drive, our Heber Valley & Midway guide covers everything else worth doing on the same trip.
Pricing: Varies by activity (soaking, snorkeling, scuba). Check the Homestead Resort website for current rates and reservations.
Best for: Families, date nights, anyone who wants the hot spring experience without the hiking or backcountry logistics.
Saratoga Hot Springs
Distance from Provo: ~25 minutes · Hike: None · Difficulty: Easy
The closest option to Provo, and the one most often described inaccurately.
Two different things share this name. The historic Saratoga resort pools, piped from the springs on the site of the old Beck's Saratoga Springs resort, sit inside a private development and are not open to the public. The springs people actually soak in are the undeveloped pools in the lakeside wetlands, reached on a short walk from the parking area at Inlet Park.
They are also not in Saratoga Springs. The city's own parks and trailheads listing describes the Saratoga Hot Springs as natural hot springs outside the city boundary and states that only the trailhead is within city limits — the pools sit roughly a quarter-mile south of Inlet Park.
What to expect: warm rather than hot, with pockets of hotter water; shallow; muddy underfoot; and a distinct sulfur smell. No facilities, no staff, no lifeguards. Bring a tarp for your belongings and a towel you do not mind. The setting is wetland and lakeshore rather than canyon — it is not a wilderness experience, but on a clear winter evening with snow on Timpanogos across the water it is a much better one than "suburban" suggests. Our guide to Saratoga Springs has the rest of the city, including how it came to be named after springs it does not contain.
What to expect: Free, no reservation needed. The water temperature is warm but not hot (around 90°F). The area can be crowded on warm evenings. Facilities are minimal.
Tips for Hot Spring Visits
Hydrate. Hot water dehydrates you faster than you'd expect. Bring water and drink it — especially if you've hiked to reach the springs.
Protect your valuables. Steam and water damage phones and electronics. Use waterproof cases or dry bags.
Leave no trace. Utah's hot springs face increasing pressure from overuse. Pack out all trash, don't bring glass, and leave the area cleaner than you found it.
Check conditions. Spring runoff can make creek crossings dangerous. Winter adds ice and avalanche risk on canyon trails. Check trail reports before heading out.
Respect the space. Hot springs are shared resources. Keep music on headphones, give others space, and be mindful of group size.
Related Guides
- The Complete Provo Hiking Guide
- Day Trips from Provo
- Best Date Ideas in Provo
- Winter Activities in Provo
- Summer Activities in Provo
Last updated: April 2026. Access, conditions, and policies change — verify before visiting, especially for hot springs on private land.
Frequently Asked Questions
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