Fiery Furnace Arches National Park
A challenging, permit-required sandstone maze with hidden arches and thrilling scrambles. An unforgettable adventure!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Fiery Furnace Arches National Park
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging, permit-required sandstone maze with hidden arches and thrilling scrambles. An unforgettable adventure!
"This place is magic. You will want a map this place can be a maze and you can most defiantly get lost."
🎯 Book Permits Early!
Permits sell out FAST! Book 7 days in advance on Recreation.gov at 8 AM MDT.
🗺️ Download a Map
Service is spotty. A downloaded map or GPS is crucial for navigating the maze.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandstone Maze
Fiery Furnace
Explore a breathtaking labyrinth of narrow canyons and towering sandstone fins. A true adventure!
Hidden Arches
Throughout the Furnace
Discover secluded arches and unique rock formations tucked away within the maze. Keep an eye out!
Scrambling Adventures
Fiery Furnace
Engage in thrilling climbs and squeezes through tight passages, making you feel like a true explorer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits are Essential
+3Navigate the Labyrinth
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Permits Early!
Permits sell out FAST! Book 7 days in advance on Recreation.gov at 8 AM MDT.
🗺️ Download a Map
Service is spotty. A downloaded map or GPS is crucial for navigating the maze.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for grip and ankle support on uneven, rocky terrain.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Dehydration is a serious risk. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Permits Early!
Permits sell out FAST! Book 7 days in advance on Recreation.gov at 8 AM MDT.
🗺️ Download a Map
Service is spotty. A downloaded map or GPS is crucial for navigating the maze.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for grip and ankle support on uneven, rocky terrain.
💧 Carry Plenty of Water
Dehydration is a serious risk. Bring more water than you think you'll need.
⚠️ Be Prepared for Scrambling
Expect to climb, squeeze, and navigate steep drop-offs. Not for the faint of heart.
☀️ Seek Shade
The canyons offer natural shade, making it a good option even on hot days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Fiery Furnace, calling it an 'unforgettable adventure' and 'magic.' The challenging maze-like terrain, hidden arches, and unique scrambling opportunities are consistently praised. However, the difficulty, potential for getting lost, and the need for permits are frequently mentioned as important considerations.
"After years of visiting Arches we finally did the Fiery Furnace and it blew our minds! Highly recommend! However it is not for the faint of heart, stomach, or ability. This “hike” has steep drop offs, no clear trails, stemming, tight squeezes, and tons of scrambling. Not to mention it’s an absolute labyrinth of beauty and wonder. Super easy to get lost. We took our 9 and 11 year olds and a few drop offs made me nauseous. Wear hiking boots and come prepared with lots of water and food. But it’s amazing and worth it!"
Michelle Barnum Smith
"Incredible hike! The views are phenomenal and the “side quests” are awesome! There are also awesome arches and formations all throughout it. It’s mostly shaded, which is super nice in the summer Moab sun. If there’s a sign that says “dead end,” I would recommend going down there since it usually means there is something cool or unique to look at.
A few things to know:
1) There is a permit required, which opens a week before and can sell out quickly for both the self-guided and ranger-guided tour. Make sure to get it ahead of time. You’ll also need to complete a short training (it takes about 20 minutes) either the day before or day of at the visitor center before going down. They also discourage groups meeting up and going with more than 6 at a time.
2) For the most part, the hike is fairly moderate, but there are definitely spots where you will need to climb through crevices and up rocks.
3) We did the self-guided tour and the trail was not well-marked. There are tiny arrows, but they are so small they are hard to see and blend in with the rock. I recommend getting a map or going with somebody who has been before the first time."
Brigham Flint
"One of the best hikes I've ever done. Highly recommend! You need to grab the timed entries the moment they are available, they sell out within the first 30 seconds. So glad we did it!"
Michael Theodore Smykla
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fiery Furnace is located within Arches National Park. After entering the park, follow the main park road towards the Visitor Center. The trailhead for the Fiery Furnace is typically accessed after obtaining your permit and watching the orientation video at the Visitor Center.
Yes, there is a designated parking area for the Fiery Furnace. However, due to permit limitations, it is generally not overcrowded. It's best to arrive with your permit in hand and ready to begin your hike.
No, you cannot drive directly into the Fiery Furnace. Access is strictly controlled by permits and ranger-led tours to protect the fragile ecosystem. You will park and then enter on foot.
The Fiery Furnace is a natural maze with no marked trails. It's highly recommended to use a downloaded map, a GPS device, or join a ranger-led tour to avoid getting lost. Tiny, hard-to-see arrows are present but can be easily missed.
The Fiery Furnace is a challenging hike with steep drop-offs, tight squeezes, and scrambling. It is not recommended for individuals with a fear of heights, claustrophobia, or significant mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is absolutely required to enter and hike the Fiery Furnace. This is to protect the delicate cryptobiotic soil and prevent damage to the fragile environment.
Permits are available on Recreation.gov and typically go on sale seven days in advance at 8 AM MDT. They are limited and sell out very quickly, often within minutes.
Permit fees can vary, but they are generally around $10 per person. It's best to check the official Recreation.gov website for the most current pricing.
While some permits might be available on the day of, it's highly unlikely as they sell out so far in advance. It's crucial to book your permit online as soon as they become available.
Ranger-guided tours offer a guided experience through the Fiery Furnace with a park ranger who provides insights and ensures safety. These tours also require advance reservations and are a great option if you're nervous about self-guiding.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a challenging and rewarding adventure! You'll be scrambling over rocks, squeezing through narrow passages, and navigating a natural maze. The scenery is stunning, with towering fins and hidden arches. +1
The loop is about 2.2 miles, but the time it takes can vary greatly depending on your pace, how much you explore, and whether you're on a self-guided or ranger-led tour. Many visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring.
Yes, the narrow canyons of the Fiery Furnace provide significant shade, making it a more comfortable experience than open desert hikes, especially during warmer months.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You'll need to be comfortable with scrambling, climbing over rocks, and navigating uneven terrain. It's not a strenuous cardio workout but requires agility and balance.
There are no restrooms or water sources within the Fiery Furnace itself. You must carry all the water and supplies you need with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The Fiery Furnace offers incredible photographic opportunities with its dramatic sandstone formations, narrow slot canyons, and hidden arches. Look for interesting light and shadow play, and unique perspectives within the maze.
It can be challenging due to the need to scramble and navigate. You'll want to keep your camera secure and accessible. The tight spaces might limit wide-angle shots, so focus on details and textures.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light and softer shadows. However, the shaded canyons mean you can get good shots throughout the day, especially if you're looking for dramatic contrasts.
Tripods can be cumbersome in the narrow passages and while scrambling. It's generally more practical to rely on a stable handhold or a monopod if you need extra support for low-light photography.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is useful. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the scale of the canyons, but also a prime lens for detailed shots of rock textures and formations. A sturdy camera bag is essential for protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Adventurers
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Focus on capturing the textures of the sandstone, the scale of the fins, and the hidden arches. While a wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur, don't overlook the details. Be mindful of your gear's safety while navigating the challenging terrain; a secure camera bag and quick access are essential. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Permit System
+2 It's crucial to be online and ready the moment they become available. Once you secure your permit, you'll need to pick it up in person at the Arches Visitor Center, where you'll also be required to watch a short, mandatory orientation video covering safety and Leave No Trace principles. This permit system is not just about managing crowds; it's about preserving the delicate cryptobiotic soil crusts, unique plant life, and the overall natural integrity of this special area. Visitors are urged to stay on designated routes (even if they are faint) and avoid disturbing the environment.
+1 Ranger-guided tours are a fantastic alternative if you're hesitant about navigating the maze alone or want to learn more about the geology and ecology from an expert. These tours also require advance booking and are a great way to experience the Fiery Furnace safely and responsibly. +1Navigating the Fiery Furnace Maze
Look for subtle, small arrows painted on the rocks that mark the intended route, but be aware they can be easily missed. Be prepared for a physically engaging experience. The 'hike' involves a significant amount of scrambling over rocks, squeezing through tight gaps (stemming), and navigating steep drop-offs.
+1What to Pack for Your Fiery Furnace Adventure
Consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight, as some of the deeper canyons can be quite dim.
While not strictly required, a downloaded map or a GPS device is highly recommended for navigation. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit