Top-down illustrated orientation map of the Fiery Furnace area in Arches National Park, highlighting the parking lot, viewpoint, nearby landmarks, and maze-like sandstone fins with a 'You Are Here' marker.

Fiery Furnace Trail Hiking Guide

Overview

The Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park is one of the park’s most exciting and maze-like hiking experiences. This network of towering sandstone fins, narrow passages, hidden arches, and sculpted rock formations offers an adventure unlike any other in Moab. It is not a single trail but a labyrinth that requires route finding, attention to detail, and a sense of exploration.

Visitors may only enter the Fiery Furnace with a ranger-led tour or by obtaining a special individual hiking permit. The area’s fragile ecosystem, complex layout, and safety concerns make it one of the most regulated hikes in the park — and one of the most rewarding.

Trail Stats

  • Location: Arches National Park, Utah

  • Distance: Approximately 2 miles (varies depending on route)

  • Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

  • Elevation Gain: Minimal, but frequent scrambles and uneven surfaces

  • Duration: 2–3 hours

  • Permit Required: Yes

  • Best Seasons: Spring and fall

  • Nearest Services: Arches Visitor Center, Moab

Getting to the Trailhead

From the Arches National Park entrance, drive 14 miles along the main park road until you see the turnoff for the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint. The parking lot is just beyond the overlook. The road is paved and suitable for all vehicles. There are vault toilets at the trailhead but no drinking water, so fill up before you leave the visitor center.

What to Expect

The Fiery Furnace is not a standard out-and-back hike. The “trail” is a series of interconnected passages through narrow sandstone fins. Expect:

  • Scrambling: Short climbs up slickrock and boulders.

  • Route Finding: Cairns are minimal, and the maze-like nature can be disorienting.

  • Hidden Features: Natural arches, miniature slot canyons, and windows appear unexpectedly.

  • Shade and Sun: Passages alternate between shaded coolness and sunlit sandstone.

Because the Fiery Furnace has no single marked path, your route may differ from others. This makes every visit unique.

Permits and Tours

There are two ways to enter:

Ranger-Led Tour: The most popular option for first-time visitors. Rangers guide you through safe, scenic routes while sharing geology and history. These tours might not be available depending on availability.

Self-Guided Permit: Experienced hikers can obtain a limited self-guided permit from the visitor center. A mandatory orientation covers Leave No Trace principles and navigation tips.

Permits often sell out weeks in advance during peak season. Book early.

Best Time to Hike

The Fiery Furnace is accessible year-round, but spring and fall provide the most comfortable conditions. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, making early morning starts essential. Winter hikes are possible but can involve ice in shaded areas.

Wildlife and Natural Features

Keep your eyes open for lizards sunning on warm rock, ravens gliding overhead, and the rare desert bighorn sheep. The rock formations inside the Fiery Furnace are some of the most intricate in the park, shaped by millions of years of erosion.

Tips for Hiking the Fiery Furnace

  • Wear grippy hiking shoes with good traction.

  • Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.

  • Avoid climbing on fragile arches.

  • Stay with your group — it is easy to get separated.

  • Protect biological soil crusts by staying on rock or sand.

Nearby Hikes

If you enjoy the Fiery Furnace, you may also like: