Explore the Unique Fiery Furnace Hike in Arches National Park
If you’re looking for one of the most unique and adventurous hikes in Arches National Park, the Fiery Furnace delivers an experience you won’t forget. This is not a typical trail. It’s a twisting, turning labyrinth of towering sandstone fins, narrow slots, hidden arches, and sudden, quiet chambers flooded with warm red light.
Gail and I love hikes that challenge us, let us explore, make us laugh. On this hike we occasionally asked ourselves, “Okay… where do we go now?” Fiery Furnace gave us all of that and more. No marked trail, no huge crowds, and no noise. It was just a natural maze where every corner feels like a discovery.
This is the only trail in Arches National Park, where you’ll need a permit or a ranger-guided reservation. But the extra steps? They’re absolutely worth it.
🔥 Trail Details: Fiery Furnace (Arches National Park)
- Difficulty: Hard (navigation + scrambling)
- Distance: 2–5 miles (varies depending on route)
- Elevation Gain: ~500 ft
- Route Type: Maze-like wandering loop (we suggest traveling counterclockwise)
- Permit Required: Yes — self-guided or ranger-led
- Estimated Time: 2–4 hours
- Dogs: Not allowed
- Restrooms: At trailhead
- Best Time to Hike: Spring & fall; mornings are ideal
- Trailhead: Fiery Furnace Parking Area
What Is the Fiery Furnace?
The Fiery Furnace is a dense cluster of sandstone fins, canyons, natural corridors, arches, and alcoves in the heart of Arches National Park. With very few obvious paths, the National Park Service restricts access to protect the fragile ecosystem and to keep hikers safe.
What makes this place so special is its completely unmarked route. You choose your own path with some guidelines from the national park. Weaving through tight slots, scrambling over rock shelves, and ducking into hidden pockets of glowing light are the natural elements that make this trail the most unique in the park.
Some areas feel like mini slot canyons, others like sandstone cathedrals. It’s a rare place where you can wander on top of stone walls, squeeze through tight places, and scramble up huge boulders, giving you the feeling of a true explorer.
Our Experience Hiking Fiery Furnace
We visited in November—our favorite month for Utah hiking. Cool temperatures, low crowds, and that beautiful season of light that makes the red rock glow even brighter.
As soon as we entered the Fiery Furnace, the world narrowed into tall sandstone fins that stretched like the walls of an outdoor cathedral. There are few arrow markers telling you generally where to go, but more often, you simply follow the terrain where it naturally leads.
A few minutes in, Gail squeezed into a narrow passage that reminded us of a short slot canyon. We laughed our way through it—shoulders brushing stone—before emerging into a bright, open chamber that felt like a private room carved by nature.
From there, we scrambled over ledges, slid down slickrock chutes, and found little arches tucked away in hidden corners. One of my favorite moments was standing in a quiet alcove where the light hit the rocks just right and everything glowed. Moments like that are why we travel in Alice and why we choose hikes like this.
The Fiery Furnace rewards slow exploration. Every turn gives you unexpected twists, drops, and surprises that make the hike feel more like an adventure than a route.
How Fiery Furnace Permits Work
The area requires limited access to protect both visitors and the fragile landscape. You have two choices
1. Self-Guided Permit
Best for confident hikers who enjoy route finding. You must:
- Watch a short NPS video
- Agree to the safety and environmental rules
- Pick up your permit on-site
2. Ranger-Led Tour
Perfect if you want a guaranteed safe route and tons of insider knowledge.
When Permits Are Released
Permits release on a rolling basis, typically 7 days in advance. They sell out fast, so plan ahead.
Know Before You Go
Navigation is tricky.
There are no signs or cairns. Download maps, stay aware of your route, and avoid wandering too quickly.
Expect tight squeezes.
Some passages require bending, scooting, or sidestepping.
Prepare for scrambling.
Hands-on moves are common, but nothing requires ropes.
Protect the cryptobiotic soil.
Stay on rock surfaces or in sand-filled wash bottoms.
Cell service is nonexistent.
Download everything offline.
🔎 Trail Tip: Stay Oriented in the Fiery Furnace
Not having a designated trail is part of the fun in the Fiery Furnace. You’re free to explore, follow natural corridors, and wander where the terrain leads. While the Park Service does offer a general recommended route, it’s incredibly easy to get turned around in this maze of sandstone fins and tight passages.
We highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the Fiery Furnace before you enter. It’s a simple safety net that helps you quickly reorient yourself if you drift off-route—allowing you to enjoy the adventure without worrying about getting lost.
How Long Does the Fiery Furnace Hike Take?
Most hikers spend 2 to 4 hours depending on:
- How much you explore
- How comfortable you are with route finding
- How often you stop for photos
We spent about four hours and easily could have stayed longer.
When to Hike It
Mid-morning light is fantastic, and temperatures in spring and fall are ideal. November, for us, was exceptional—60s, sunshine, and no crowds. The park service will assign you timeslots to visit the trail. Our pass was the morning timeframe, which was perfect for us.
Summer can be brutally hot inside the rock corridors, especially in the afternoon.
Van Life Tips for Visiting Fiery Furnace
We camped at Devils Garden Campground, which sits deep inside the park and makes sunrise and early-morning hikes easy. If the campground is booked, BLM land near Moab offers great dispersed camping. Additionally, there are Harvest Hosts sponsored private campgrounds that offer discounts for members in and around Moab.
Be sure to bring:
- Plenty of water
- A day hike backpack
- Layers for changing temperatures
- Snacks for energy
❓ Fiery Furnace FAQ (Arches National Park)
What is the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park?
It’s a maze of sandstone fins, narrow canyons, and hidden arches — a unique, unmarked route that requires a permit.
What does the Fiery Furnace look like?
Picture tall red sandstone walls, tight passages, alcoves, and glowing rock chambers. Every turn reveals something different.
How long is the Fiery Furnace hike?
Most hikers explore 2–5 miles depending on their chosen path.
Is the Fiery Furnace hike difficult?
Yes — due to navigation, scrambling, and tight squeezes. The terrain is rugged but incredibly rewarding.
Do I need a permit for Fiery Furnace?
Yes. You must reserve a self-guided permit or join a ranger-led tour.
When are Fiery Furnace permits released?
Typically 7 days in advance, with ranger-led tours available on a separate schedule.
Why is Fiery Furnace sometimes closed?
Closures can occur due to weather, safety concerns, or resource protection.
Final Thoughts
The Fiery Furnace is one of those hikes that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s challenging, exciting, intimate, and completely different from every other trail in Arches National Park. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and curiosity—exactly the kind of hike we love documenting at Van Life By Design.
If you enjoy exploring off the beaten path and discovering nature’s hidden corners, put Fiery Furnace at the top of your Utah bucket list.
Arches National Park & Moab Area
- Devils Garden Loop Trail in Arches National Park
- Delicate Arch Sunrise Hike
- Double Arch and the Windows Section
- Sand Dune Arch & Broken Arch Loop
- Best Hikes in Arches National Park
