Let’s be honest, the U.S. is not short on amazing, beautiful hot springs. From Colorado to California, to the Pacific Northwest, and beyond, there are geothermal pools just waiting to be visited. However, one of the most famous hot springs in the world is the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. This bright blue spot near Keflavik airport is one of the top tourist spots in the country, and with good reason.
That being said, Iceland is expensive and takes a fair while to get to. So, what if we told you that there’s a Blue Lagoon dupe in Utah? Let’s dive in and learn more about this bright blue hot spring that’s a lot closer to home.
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Fifth Water Hot Springs In Utah Is The Perfect Blue Lagoon Dupe
If you’re looking for a natural geothermal hot spring with bright blue water, head to the Fifth Water Hot Spring and Falls in Utah. Sometimes known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs, this is one of the best hidden hot springs perfect for winter and is located in the Diamond Fork Canyon (off Spanish Fork Canyon) near Provo and Salt Lake City.
In a state that’s filled with amazing hot springs, Fifth Water Hot Spring is a Utah hidden gem. With three different pools and waterfalls, it’s a stunning place to visit all year round. While hot springs are most popular during the winter months, it’s worth mentioning that there will be a lot of compacted snow around the trails.
The reason this place is a popular Instagram spot is the blue waters caused by the light bouncing off the sulfur particles. This is very similar to what happens at the Blue Lagoon, alongside a whole host of other refreshing minerals. Unlike the Blue Lagoon, however, Fifth Water is completely free to visit.
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How To Get To Fifth Water Hot Springs, Utah
So, how can you actually reach this amazing hot spring and waterfall? Well, as you might expect, you need to hike. The Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail is an out-and-back trail measuring 4.6 miles. On average, it takes around two hours to complete, but, of course, this doesn’t include any soaking time in the hot springs.
The main starting point is at the trailhead off Diamond Fork Road. However, there’s another trailhead coming from the opposite direction from Rays Valley Road. Both are well highlighted on Google Maps. There’s parking at both ends, but most people come from Diamond Fork Road as it’s closer to the main road from Provo and Salt Lake City.
If you’re looking to stay nearby, Spanish Fork is the nearest town, and it’s around a thirty-minute drive to the trailhead. If you’re coming from Provo, Utah, for more of a big city vibe, it’ll take 40 minutes to drive to the Diamond Fork Road trailhead. From Salt Lake City, it’s not much further and only takes around an hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
One local guide has mentioned that the winter parking lot adds an extra mile and a half to the hike, making it seven miles in total, depending on the weather.
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How Utah’s Fifth Water Compares To The Blue Lagoon Of Iceland
So, realistically, how does Fifth Water compare to the Blue Lagoon? Well, the Blue Lagoon is a lot bigger. From the photos, it’s easy to see this, as Fifth Water only has three small pools, and the Blue Lagoon covers 8,700 square meters and accommodates around 4,000 guests a day.
However, the Fifth Water hot springs are completely free, which is a huge bonus. Entry to the Blue Lagoon costs around $75 per person, which is a little bit ridiculous.
Of course, you’re paying for the space, amenities like lockers and bathrooms, as well as the upkeep of the place as a whole. The Blue Lagoon is also a bit easier to get to, as there’s no hike in; however, with the waterfalls, the hike to Fifth Water is a huge part of the beautiful experience.
Fundamentally, Fifth Water is a free hot spring that can get busy at peak times, but overall has a natural and calming vibe about it. The Blue Lagoon, on the other hand, is a major tourist attraction with all the features and crowds that come with it. Of course, the main similarities are the color of the water, the geothermal features like the smell, and the relaxing wild benefits.
There are plenty of hidden hot springs all around Iceland without the touristy vibes of the Blue Lagoon. Places like the Secret Lagoon and smaller springs off the main Ring Road are well worth checking out.
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So, if you want Blue Lagoon vibes without traveling to Iceland, book a trip to Utah instead. With stunning waterfalls, calming vibes, and a decent hike, what’s not to love? What’s more, one of the best parts about this hidden gem hot spring spot is that it’s free to visit!