Fifth Water Trail #015

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Directions: From Spanish Fork Canyon (U.S. Highway 6), turn north at Diamond Fork road #029. This turn-off is about 6 miles east from the mouth of Spanish Fork Canyon.

Beginning at Three Forks, you cross a footbridge and follow Sixth Water Creek for a pleasant, shaded, 1.1 miles. Across another footbridge, the trail forks. Follow Fifth Water Creek on the right (Sixth Water continues on the left).

Numerous pools and small rapids liven the scenery along with strange looking conglomerate formations. You'll smell the odor from the hot sulfur springs, the largest of which are located 1.5 miles up Fifth Water Creek, where a cold waterfall meets the hot bubbling springs.

Another mile up is the jeep road which crosses Rays Valley Road after another 1/2 mile. The remaining trail to Strawberry Ridge (4.5 miles) isn't used as often. The jeep road continues about 1 mile and ends in the creek. You then cross Center Trail a mile beyond. Observe a number of old beaver dams.

Although the trail may be a bit overgrown, stay with the bottom of the canyon until you meet an old jeep trail. It is then about 1 mile to the trailhead. Follow the old dirt road as it swings to the left up to a small open ridge and then climbs to Strawberry Ridge.