Fiery Furnace

This page describes the Class 2, non‑technical route through the Fiery Furnace. For information on the well‑known technical canyoneering routes within the Fiery Furnace, consult dedicated technical guides. When entering the Fiery Furnace, be sure to carry plenty of water. Although the interior of this maze-like area tends to be cooler, the short approach can be brutally hot. This is one of the best semi‑technical hikes available in Arches National Park. A GPX file with maps and waypoints can be useful, but be aware that GPS accuracy is limited inside the Fiery Furnace due to the many towering fins and walls. Your device may not correctly show your location. The Fiery Furnace is a true labyrinth of tight slot passages, arches, fins, and rock towers. You may explore it either by joining a ranger‑guided tour (reservations required well in advance) or on your own with a hiking permit from the Visitor Center. Independent travel here requires strong scrambling skills, confident route‑finding, and the ability to backtrack effectively. It is easy to become disoriented or trapped in dead‑end passages, especially because many GPS receivers perform poorly due to signal obstruction. Take extra precautions to avoid getting lost or needing rescue; refer to park regulations and safety considerations before entering.