Arches National Park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, but one hike stands apart for its unique blend of mystery, challenge, and beauty: the Fiery Furnace. This maze of towering sandstone fins, hidden arches, and shadowy passageways is less about following a trail and more about embarking on a desert adventure.
If you’re considering tackling the Fiery Furnace, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Difficulty – Intermediate
Distance – 2.5 miles + (4+ km) – Hikers can add as much as they want
Elevation gain – 500+ feet
Duration – 2+ hours
Dogs – Not allowed
What Is the Fiery Furnace?
The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of narrow sandstone canyons located in the heart of Arches National Park. Unlike other hikes in the park, this area isn’t marked by a defined trail. Instead, hikers navigate a series of twists and turns, often squeezing through tight spaces or scrambling over rocks.
Its name doesn’t come from unbearable heat (though summer temperatures can get intense) but from the way the sandstone glows in the morning and evening light, resembling flames.
Stretching nearly a mile in length and only 1/3 to 1/2 mile wide, it’s a compact area, yet the maze of towering fins offers endless opportunities for exploration. While small arrow markers guide you along a path, you’re also invited to venture off the beaten track and discover hidden corners. The ranger-led loop hike covers about 2.5 miles. Hikers by themselves can follow the same path (that can be hard to find at times), but it is recommended to venture off.
How to Access the Fiery Furnace
Accessing the Fiery Furnace isn’t as simple as showing up. Here’s what you need:
A Permit or Ranger-Led Tour:
To hike independently, you must obtain a special day-use permit. These are limited to protect the area’s delicate ecosystem and are available through the park’s website or visitor center. If navigation isn’t your strong suit, you can join a ranger-led tour. These provide insights into the geology and ecology of the Fiery Furnace while ensuring you don’t get lost.
When picking up your permit, the rangers will require you to sit and watch a short, less than 10 minute film, with what to do and not do in the fiery furnace.
Read About Ranger Led Tours
Grab Your Permit Here
Views in the Fiery Furnace
Preparation:
No pets or strollers are allowed. This hike is for humans only—preferably ones who like a good challenge. You’ll need sturdy shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
Looking at the La Sals from the Fiery Furnace
What to Expect on the Hike
The Fiery Furnace isn’t your typical hike. Here’s what makes it stand out:
No Trails, Just Exploration
Without marked paths, you’ll rely on your navigation skills, physical agility, and the occasional cairn (stacked rocks) to guide you. It’s less of a walk and more of a puzzle you solve with your feet.
Scrambles and Squeezes
Be prepared for light rock scrambling and squeezing through tight spaces. At times, you may feel like you’re in a rock-themed escape room.
Hidden Gems
The Fiery Furnace hides some of the park’s most beautiful features, including natural arches, slot canyons, and breathtaking views. Every twist reveals something new.
Early on in the Fiery Furnace
Tips for a Successful Fiery Furnace Adventure
Start Early:
The maze can get warm, especially in the summer. Beginning in the morning ensures cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Alternatively, go in the off season. Our favorite time to visit Arches is from November – March as there are less crowds. During snow, the often will close the Fiery Furnace however.
Bring the Right Gear
Footwear: Hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are a must.
Water: The desert doesn’t mess around—carry at least 2 liters per person.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat will help protect you from the sun.
Know Your Limits: The Fiery Furnace isn’t for everyone. If tight spaces or mild scrambling make you uncomfortable, this might not be the hike for you.
Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Respect the fragile desert ecosystem. Don’t step on the cryptobiotic soil, and pack out all your trash.
Some light scrambling in the Fiery Furnace
Is the Fiery Furnace Worth It?
Absolutely. While the Fiery Furnace isn’t the easiest hike in Arches National Park, it’s arguably one of the most rewarding. Its blend of rugged beauty, solitude, and adventure makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
If you’re up for the challenge, the Fiery Furnace is more than a hike—it’s an experience. You won’t just see Arches National Park; you’ll feel like a part of it.
Rules
The National Park does not allow children under the age of 5 on this hike. An adult must accompany all children aged 12 and under.
My Experience
The Fiery Furnace was never on my radar the first few times I visited the park, but after one visit, I was hooked. It is like an adult playground, and I will be back MANY times. We were in the fiery furnace for 5 hours or so exploring as much as we could, climbing down into less visited sections, back up, and exploring one way slots. If you love to scramble around and climb, this is an incredibly fun.
Trail Map
Here is a link to a map of the route
Hiking in Winter
This trail is open year round, but if it snows or rains, the park and rangers will likely close it to visitors.
Weather
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
Moab, UT
Today
Sunny, with a high near 47. West wind around 5 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 22. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. North wind 0 to 5 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. South wind around 0 mph.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 23.
Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 45.
Directions
Fiery Furnace Trailhead
Max DesMarais
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
