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The Fiery Furnace is a adventurous labyrinth within a large cluster of sandstone fins and spires in Arches NP


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

Loop

4,809' 1,466 m

High

4,642' 1,415 m

Low

175' 53 m

Up

187' 57 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Unknown

Go with a ranger or get a permit. Unmarked slot canyon, easy to get lost, GPS may not work.

Description

It is quite possibly the most unique geological area of the park, which is remarkable given the surroundings. It is also one of the better places to escape park crowds, making it practically a "must do" for any itinerary. Despite its name, it is not a perpetually sweltering place (it can be quite cool in the canyon shadows at times). Rather, it was given the name due to the warm glow of the rocks in the late afternoon sun. According to the National Park Service, the chaos of the fins, spires, and canyons is "void, silent, and almost uncanny in its solitude." The area is usage-restricted, at least partially for safety purposes, as there are no trails, signs, or cairns. Those wishing to visit must either accompany a ranger-guided tour or obtain a permit at the Arches National Park Visitor Center. Both have $10 fees. For those navigationally-inclined, exploring alone affords enhanced solitude and adventure. However, the ranger-guided tours have their own set of benefits, such as interesting geological and anthropological features within the Fiery Furnace (like the amazing fairy shrimp crustacean) that often go unnoticed or would remain unknown to most visitors. No water or restrooms are available in the Fiery Furnace. Length and elevation gain will be subject to individual discretion.
-Submitted by Brent Uhrig.

Shared By:

Megan W

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 10 votes

#358

Overall
  5.0 from 10 votes
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Trail Rankings

#40

in Utah

#358

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Photos

The group heads up a section of tumbled steps in the Fiery Furnace.
May 10, 2017 near Moab, UT
Kyle makes his way up to get a better view of the arch.
May 10, 2017 near Moab, UT
Parallel rock fins are all throughout Fiery Furnace
Feb 2, 2020 near Moab, UT
Exploring a side canyon in Fiery Furnace. Late December is a great time to visit. Fewer visitors so it is easier to get a permit for Fiery Furnace, and the low sun makes for beautiful light in the canyons.
Oct 27, 2017 near Moab, UT
Distant view of Fiery Furnace at Arches National Park in Utah.
Feb 2, 2016 near Moab, UT
One of the many sandy washes in Fiery Furnace
Feb 2, 2020 near Moab, UT

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Check-Ins

Jun 30, 2024
Shannon Buford
Apr 25, 2024
Jessi Burns
So much fun- dead ends aren't always a bad thing! And watch out for crevices! 3.6mi — 3h 39m
Sep 19, 2023
J PATRICK BENTON
May 2, 2021
Breck Tuttle
Jun 23, 2020
Joan Sheets
Jul 29, 2019
Jim Franecki
Jul 16, 2018
Emily Harper
Jun 23, 2018
Michelle Yao
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