Fiery Furnace
Explore a captivating maze of narrow sandstone canyons and towering fins in Arches National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Fiery Furnace
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a captivating maze of narrow sandstone canyons and towering fins in Arches National Park.
"This hike is a super popular hike and for good reason. Winding through the boulders and fins, the maze-like trail works itself through squeezes and scrambles and picturesque pauses."
🎯 Book Permits 7 Days Ahead
Permits for Fiery Furnace are released 7 days prior on Recreation.gov. Snag yours early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use AllTrails or a GPS for navigation in this natural maze.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Labyrinthine Canyons
Fiery Furnace
Wander through a maze of narrow passages and towering sandstone walls, a truly unique hiking experience.
Surprise Arch
Fiery Furnace
Discover hidden arches tucked away within the furnace, often found by venturing beyond dead ends.
Scrambles and Squeezes
Fiery Furnace
Engage in fun scrambles over boulders and squeeze through tight passages, making the hike feel like a treasure hunt.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Secure Your Permit Early
+1Navigate the Maze Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Permits 7 Days Ahead
Permits for Fiery Furnace are released 7 days prior on Recreation.gov. Snag yours early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use AllTrails or a GPS for navigation in this natural maze.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Expect to scramble over rocks and navigate uneven terrain. Good grip is essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Permits 7 Days Ahead
Permits for Fiery Furnace are released 7 days prior on Recreation.gov. Snag yours early!
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use AllTrails or a GPS for navigation in this natural maze.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Expect to scramble over rocks and navigate uneven terrain. Good grip is essential.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
The desert sun is intense. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🧭 Consider a Ranger Tour
Rangers offer valuable insights and ensure you don't miss key features.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Fiery Furnace, calling it an epic and exhilarating hike that feels like a treasure hunt. The maze-like canyons and scrambling opportunities are highlights, though navigation can be tricky without a map. Permits are essential and can be challenging to secure, but the unique experience is widely considered worth the effort.
"This hike is a super popular hike and for good reason. Winding through the boulders and fins, the maze-like trail works itself through squeezes and scrambles and picturesque pauses. The hike is both challenging and relaxing. The trail is not open to the public without a timed entry permit. You may choose to go with a group on a ranger-led tour or a self-guided tour. Reservations are made on Recreation.gov."
Gordon Shaffer
"This was an epic hike and fun as hell to explore. The AllTrails map really comes in handy to prevent getting lost as there aren’t many signs of arrows. DO go past the dead ends, some of the best features are there including Surprise Arch. Worth doing and fairly easy to score a permit, highly recommended!"
FFKDTP1
"I highly recommend this trail. It requires a permit for either the ranger led or self guided hike. I did it self guided. This is one of my two top hikes in Arches (the other being Double O). You'll be scrambling over rocks and squeezing between sheer walls in a slot canyon, but the hike is nothing but exhilarating. It's not very long. I did it in two hours and that included getting lost a few times. Bring a GPS or your phone with offline maps downloaded. Even in the canyons, I only lost reception once. The GPS really helps make sure you're on the right track."
S Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fiery Furnace is located within Arches National Park. Access requires a permit for either a ranger-led tour or self-guided exploration. Permits are booked online via Recreation.gov and must be picked up in person at the Arches Visitor Center.
While you can drive to the general vicinity of the Fiery Furnace trailhead, actual entry into the furnace area is restricted to those with a permit or on a ranger-led tour.
The closest town to Arches National Park and the Fiery Furnace is Moab, Utah, offering various accommodations and amenities.
Potash Road (UT-279) is a scenic route near Moab that offers access to other areas of Arches National Park, but it does not directly lead into the Fiery Furnace.
Currently, there are no dedicated shuttle services directly to the Fiery Furnace. Access is managed through permits and ranger-led tours originating from the visitor center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is mandatory for all visitors entering the Fiery Furnace area, whether for a self-guided hike or a ranger-led tour.
Permits are available for purchase on Recreation.gov, typically released 7 days in advance. They often sell out quickly, so booking as soon as they become available is recommended.
Permit costs can vary, but they are generally around $10 per person for self-guided permits. Ranger-led tours may have different pricing.
It is highly unlikely to secure a permit on the day of your visit, as they are typically reserved in advance online. It's best to plan and book ahead.
Fiery Furnace is accessible during daylight hours for permit holders. Ranger-led tours operate on a set schedule, which varies seasonally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike involves scrambling over rocks, squeezing through narrow passages, and navigating a maze-like environment. It's considered moderately challenging and not recommended for those with claustrophobia or a fear of heights.
No, there are no marked trails in the Fiery Furnace. It's a natural maze, and navigation relies on downloaded maps, GPS, or following a ranger.
Bring plenty of water, sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and a downloaded offline map or GPS device.
A self-guided hike can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to explore. Ranger-led tours have a set duration.
It can be suitable for older children who are comfortable with scrambling and enclosed spaces. However, younger children or those with mobility issues might find it challenging.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for unique sandstone formations, narrow slot canyons, and hidden arches. The interplay of light and shadow within the maze creates dramatic photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other hikers and the delicate environment. Avoid using flash in narrow passages where it might disturb wildlife or other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the canyons. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions, but be prepared to carry it through tight spaces.
Drone usage is prohibited in Arches National Park, including the Fiery Furnace, to protect the natural environment and visitor experience.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the red rock formations. Midday sun can be harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, prioritize safety by ensuring everyone has sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Consider a ranger-led tour, as the ranger can keep the group together and provide engaging commentary that appeals to younger minds. Downloading an offline map is also a good idea to help keep everyone on track and minimize stress if you take a wrong turn.
Solo Adventurers
Joining a ranger-led tour can also be a great option for solo visitors, providing a sense of security and the opportunity to connect with other travelers and the ranger. The shared experience of navigating the maze can be a memorable part of your solo journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Fiery Furnace Maze
+2For those opting for a self-guided experience, a reliable navigation method is crucial. Many visitors recommend using apps like AllTrails with downloaded offline maps, as cell service is unreliable within the furnace. Some even suggest bringing a dedicated GPS device. The challenge of finding your way, often guided by subtle cairns or directional arrows, adds to the adventure and can feel like a treasure hunt.
Getting lost is a common occurrence, but with a good map and a sense of adventure, it's part of the fun. The reward for navigating this maze is discovering hidden arches, unique rock formations, and breathtaking views within the towering sandstone walls.
+1Permit System and Ranger Tours
+1Ranger-led tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the Fiery Furnace with an expert guide. Rangers provide valuable insights into the geology, ecology, and history of the area, ensuring a safe and educational experience. They are also adept at navigating the maze, pointing out hidden features and ensuring visitors stay on the most sustainable routes.
For self-guided permits, visitors are required to attend a brief orientation at the Arches Visitor Center to understand the rules and safety precautions. While self-guided exploration offers more freedom, it also places the responsibility of navigation and environmental stewardship squarely on the visitor.
Social
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