Fiery Furnace Trail Guide
The Complete Self-Guided Permit Guide for Arches National Park
If you’re dreaming of an adventure in Arches National Park that feels wild, intimate, and wonderfully unlike anything else in the park, the Fiery Furnace is the place you’re looking for. This maze of sandstone fins and twisting slot-like passages offers one of the most immersive experiences you can have in the desert — but it does require preparation, a self-guided permit, and a willingness to navigate a landscape without a traditional trail.
This guide gives you everything you need to plan your Fiery Furnace visit with confidence. I live in Moab and spend a lot of time wandering these fins, and my goal here is simple: to help you understand exactly what to expect so you can make the most of this rare, special place.
Quick Facts
Permit required: Yes — a self-guided permit is mandatory.
Route length: About 1.5–2 miles, depending on your wandering.
Time needed: 2–3 hours for most visitors.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to route finding and scrambling.
Kids: No children under 5 allowed.
Group size: Maximum of 6 people per permit.
Pets: Not allowed.
Why Fiery Furnace is Worth Your Time
Most hikes in Arches follow clear, well-marked trails. Fiery Furnace is different. It’s not a trail at all — it’s a geological playground where you’re allowed to explore at your own pace through narrow slots, sandy washes, hidden windows, and tall amber fins.
Because access is limited, it feels quieter and more personal than most areas of the park. You get a sense of discovery that’s hard to find on trails like Delicate Arch or the Windows. For many visitors, Fiery Furnace becomes the memory they talk about years later.
If you want something adventurous and immersive without committing to a full canyoneering route, Fiery Furnace hits the sweet spot.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Temperatures are comfortable, light is beautiful, and the park feels alive with color and shadow.
Summer is very hot. Start early and bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Winter can be peaceful but occasionally icy. Some shaded pockets hold snow or ice longer than the rest of the park.
Permits are required year-round, but availability and pickup procedures can vary seasonally. Always verify your permit details when you book.
Who the Fiery Furnace Self-Guided Permit Is For
Choose the self-guided permit if you:
Enjoy exploring and making decisions on the go
Are comfortable with mild scrambling
Have decent navigation skills
Don’t mind squeezing through tight spaces
Want a more adventurous, less structured experience
Skip the self-guided option if:
You prefer a clear, easy-to-follow trail
You have mobility limitations
You have young kids
You dislike confined spaces
You want the comfort of a guide
Ranger-led tours are a fantastic alternative for those who want a safe, interpretive experience without worrying about navigation.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Self-Guided Permit
Reserve your date online. Permits are limited, and most seasons they sell out quickly.
Pick up your permit at the Arches Visitor Center. You must check in on the day of your permit (or as allowed by the pickup window).
Watch the required orientation. It’s short, but important. It explains fragile soil, navigation basics, and safety rules.
Drive to the Fiery Furnace parking area. From the visitor center, expect a 25–35 minute drive depending on traffic.
Start your exploration. There is no official “start” or “end” to the route — it’s a freeform maze.
Getting From Moab to the Fiery Furnace Trailhead
Leave downtown Moab and head north on Highway 191 toward Arches National Park.
Enter the park and continue past the visitor center, following signs for Devils Garden.
About two-thirds of the way up the main park road, look for the clearly marked Fiery Furnace viewpoint and parking area.
Park only in designated spots. The lot is small, so carpool when possible.
Bring your permit with you. Rangers occasionally check for compliance.
What to Expect Inside the Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace is a sandstone labyrinth carved over millions of years. Here’s what the experience actually feels like:
Narrow Slots
Some passages are only shoulder-width or even tighter. Many require bending, ducking, or sideways shuffling.
Short Scrambles
You’ll climb small ledges, step across gaps, or use hands to maneuver around boulders. Nothing is technical, but it’s more than a walk.
Sand, Slickrock, and Fins
Much of the terrain is soft sand. Other sections are classic Moab slickrock — smooth, grippy, and shaped like ocean waves frozen in stone.
Dead Ends
Expect them. They’re part of the fun. You may retrace your steps more than once.
Silence
Sound feels muted inside the fins. It’s one of the most peaceful corners of Arches.
Navigation Tips for Fiery Furnace
Download an offline map before entering.
Carry the printed Fiery Furnace map provided at permit pickup.
Don’t rely on cairns — the park deliberately avoids marking the route.
Use the sun: morning shadows help with orientation.
Move slow and stay observant: rock shapes repeat, but subtle landmarks help.
Keep your group together: this maze splits people quickly.
If you’ve done slot canyons or easy scrambles before, you’ll feel at home. If not, just go slowly and enjoy the discovery.
How Long It Takes
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours inside the Fiery Furnace. Fast hikers can do it in 90 minutes, but that’s usually rushing past the beauty.
Take your time. Explore. Notice the way light filters through the fins. This is not a place to hurry.
What to Bring
Pack like you’re spending a relaxed half-day in warm desert terrain.
2–3 liters of water per person
Sturdy hiking shoes with solid grip
Snacks
Sun hat and sunscreen
Lightweight layers
Offline map or navigation app
Small first-aid kit
Dry bag or secure pack for camera gear
Optional but helpful:
Gloves for scrambles
Gaiters to keep sand out
A backup battery for your phone
Safety Considerations
Fiery Furnace feels friendly and magical, but you should still prepare:
Heat and dehydration are the biggest risks.
It’s easy to get turned around since routes aren’t marked.
Keep kids close — only older, capable kids can enter with a permit.
Cliffs and drop-offs exist but are usually easy to avoid.
Never climb cryptobiotic soil — stay on rock or sand as instructed.
If you treat the area with respect and stay mindful, Fiery Furnace is safe and rewarding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Arriving late to pick up your permit
Wearing sandals or open-toed shoes
Forgetting offline maps
Underestimating the time it takes
Exploring too aggressively and missing the quiet moments
Splitting up your group in the maze
Three Quick Local Insights
If you only remember one thing: Bring more water than you think you need.
Local insight: Early morning light makes the sandstone glow, and the maze feels cooler and calmer.
Pro tip: After you finish, drive a few minutes to the Salt Valley overlook — most visitors skip it, and the view is incredible.
Great Pairings for the Same Day
If you want to add more to your day:
Devils Garden for Landscape Arch and its extended loop
Sand Dune Arch for a mellow, sandy wander
Skyline Arch for an easy, beautiful stop
Broken Arch loop if you want more fins without the navigation challenge
FAQs About Fiery Furnace
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Everyone entering Fiery Furnace needs a permit unless they are part of a ranger-led tour.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets are not allowed.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you’re reasonably fit, willing to scramble a bit, and comfortable with navigation. Completely new hikers may prefer a ranger-led tour.
How long does it take?
Plan 2–3 hours inside the Fiery Furnace, plus permit pickup and drive time.
Can kids hike it?
Children under 5 are not allowed. Older kids who are athletic and attentive usually enjoy it.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes, there is a bathroom at the Fiery Furnace parking area. There are no facilities inside the maze.
Is it dangerous?
It’s not inherently dangerous if you are prepared, but you need to pay attention to navigation, hydration, and scrambling.
Is there shade?
Some. Many sections are shaded by the fins, especially in the morning.
What if I get lost?
Stay calm, backtrack to familiar landmarks, and keep your group together. The area is not enormous, but it can feel confusing.
What shoes should I wear?
Closed-toe hiking shoes with good traction. Avoid sandals.
Nearby Hikes
If you enjoy the Fiery Furnace, you may also like:
Devils Garden Trail – A longer hike with multiple arches.
Park Avenue Trail – Towering rock walls and an easy walk.
Sand Dune Arch – Short, sandy, and shaded.