Fiery Furnace, Arches National Park

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Fiery Furnace may not be home to the monoliths for which Arches National Park is best known but this labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons and fins is one of the park’s most spectacular places. Even for families that regard guided tours with trepidation. Not only is Fiery Furnace next to impossible to navigate without prior experience – there are no marked trails and GPS devices are all but useless in this maze of geological formations – the knowledgeable guides make the experience interesting and fun for both adults and kids. Natural arches, fins and bridges are but the start. Potholes, biological soil crust, self-pruning juniper trees and the mysteries of pack rat debris await families that partake in a ranger-led hike in nature’s jungle gym.

Getting there

The Fiery Furnace trailhead is situated roughly 14 miles (23 km) from the park entrance. Follow the signs to Fiery Furnace Viewpoint and park in the large lot.

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Map of Arches National Park
National Park Service

Getting around

There are no marked trails in the area of Arches National Park known as the Fiery Furnace. So unless you know your way a guided hike is likely best. The moderately strenuous ranger-guided Fiery Furnace walk is roughly 2 miles from start to finish and, depending on the size of your group, takes between 2.5 and 3 hours to complete. In-person registration enables park rangers to ascertain your level of physical fitness and ensure all hikers are prepared to scramble through tight places and hike along narrow ledges. There is no turning back once the tour departs. Area outfitters also offer guided Fiery Furnace tours.

Fiery Furnace Trail
National Park Service

Opening hours

Ranger-guided tours are offered twice daily from mid-March through October. Reservations for fiery furnace walks, recommended during peak travel seasons, can be made in person at the visitor center only up to seven days in advance. Permits for individual hikes are available at the Visitor Center.

Ranger-led walks
National Park Service

Fees

An activity fee is charged for ranger-guided Fiery Furnace hikes. Reduced rates are charged to seniors and children aged 6-12. Tickets can be purchased at the Visitor Center, open daily 7:30 - 18:30, up to 7 days in advance.

Admission & Activity Charges
National Park Service

Things to keep in mind

Whether you hike the Fiery Furnace on your own or with a guide be sure to limit your impact on this unique environment. Pack in what you pack out. Walk in washes and on sliprock but not on biological soil crust. Pit toilets are located at the trailhead.