Fiery Furnace: One of the Best Adventrues in the Desert | Self Guided
GETTING THERE | OVERVIEW | WHAT TO EXPECT | NEED TO KNOW
2.1 MILE LOOP | ELEVATION RANGE 4,650-4,950 ft | MODERATELY STRENUOUS | BEST VISITED EARLY SPRING, FALL, & WINTER | FAMILY FRIENDLY (5 & OLDER)
OVERVIEW
Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park is unlike any other hike I’ve done. It’s a maze of towering sandstone fins, narrow passages, and hidden arches that feel like a real-life adventure course.
While there is a designated NPS route marked by small arrows on signs and canyon walls, rangers encourage exploring freely rather than strictly following the trail on the self-guided exploration.
If you love route-finding, squeezing through tight spaces, and scrambling up slickrock, this hike is an absolute must.
Exploring the Fiery Furnace.
GETTING THERE
Fiery Furnace is located inside Arches National Park, about 30 minutes from Moab, Utah. To access the trail, you need a permit or a ranger-led tour reservation, as the area is protected to minimize environmental impact. Permits can be booked online in advance, and they sell out fast on holidays and peak season.
My GPS route using Alltrails map.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is not your typical hike. There’s no single clear path, and while there are some trail markers, you’ll need to rely on route-finding skills and a sense of adventure. You’ll be climbing over boulders, and through narrow sections. Some sections require using your hands and feet to scramble up rock walls, and there are a few spots where exposure to heights may be uncomfortable for some.
*If anything looks sketchy, you’re probably going the wrong way! Retrace your steps and look for a safer route. We met a small group trying to figure out how to get down a 15-foot drop. Yikes! But we helped them find the correct route
The first arch is a quint arch you can walk through to a shaded alcove.
Skull Arch is incredible! We did have to rely on our trusty Alltrails map to find this arch.
Surprise Arch was my favorite! After walking through a narrow slot, thinking there’s no way an arch could be at the end, you’re literally surprised when it suddenly comes into view. It’s tucked back in a canyon, just before a set of steep steps leading down with a metal railing.
View of the Fiery Furnace.
Exploring the Fiery Furnace.
NEED TO KNOW
Permit Required: Pick up your self-guided permit the day before or the day of your hike at the Arches Visitor Center and watch the required video.
Permits sell out fast during holidays and peak season! The first time I tried to get a permit for the first week of April, they were gone in 30 seconds! Someone recommended continuously refreshing the page and giving it about six minutes—sometimes a permit becomes available during this window. But I highly recommend going in the off-season. I went the last week of February — I had no trouble getting a permit and the weather was perfect!
Self-guided Permit —I highly recommend it! It might look scary, but exploring the furnace on your own is the best part.
Navigation Skills Recommended: Look for signs with arrows, but don’t stress about staying on the exact route. Exploring is encouraged!
Follow the Sun to Exit: The parking lot is west of the Fiery Furnace—head toward the setting sun in the late afternoon to find your way out.
Scrambling Involved: Be prepared to climb over rocks and navigate uneven terrain.
Pack Light: A small backpack is best since you’ll be squeezing through narrow spaces.
Wear Good Shoes: Grippy hiking shoes are a must for scrambling on slickrock.
Bring Plenty of Water: There’s no shade, and temperatures can climb quickly.
Fiery Furnace was one of the best adventures I’ve had in the desert. The sense of exploration, the challenge of navigating the maze-like landscape, and the beauty of the formations make it an unforgettable experience. If you’re up for an adventure that pushes your hiking skills and rewards you with incredible scenery, this is the hike for you!