How to Get a Fiery Furnace Permit
Navigate a labyrinth of sandstone fins where every passage leads to another discovery and the familiar concept of 'trail' disappears entirely.
Check Availability2-3 hours
Duration
2 miles
Distance
250'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of sandstone fins in Arches National Park. Access requires either a ranger-led tour or a self-guided permit obtained in advance. There is no marked trail. Navigation is by intuition, landmarks, and GPS. The permit protects this fragile environment while allowing genuine exploration. Expect scrambling, route-finding, and discovery.
Fiery Furnace is Arches' hidden world. While visitors photograph Delicate Arch from the viewpoint, permitted explorers squeeze through slots and scramble over rocks in a maze that reveals new arches, formations, and perspectives with every turn.
The Experience
There is no trail. The fins rise around you like walls in a maze, blocking sight in every direction. You squeeze through a crack, climb over a rock, and discover a tiny arch that no guidebook mentions. Then another passage, another discovery. It's controlled chaos, and it's addictive.
From the Fiery Furnace parking area, permitted hikers enter the labyrinth through marked entry points. From there, route-finding becomes personal. The NPS provides general guidance on which areas to avoid (fragile cryptobiotic soil, dangerous drops) but within those constraints, exploration is free-form.
Ranger-led tours follow a specific route and explain the geology. Self-guided permits allow independent exploration with GPS waypoints for key features and exits.
What to Expect
No maintained trail. Free-form exploration within maze of fins.
2-3 hours typical visit
Scrambling and squeezing through passages required
Hidden arches and formations to discover
Self-guided or ranger-led options
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Permit Requirements
Permit required (ranger tour or self-guided)
Self-guided permits limited and must be reserved in advance
Stay on rock surfaces (protect cryptobiotic soil)
No climbing on arches
No pets permitted
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Sturdy footwear with good grip
- •Water (1L minimum)
- •GPS device or phone with downloaded map
- •Sun protection
- •Closed-toe shoes (mandatory)
Recommended Gear
- •Camera
- •Knee pads for scrambling
- •Light pack that fits through slots
- •Snacks
- •Layers for shade/sun transitions
Hazards & Safety
Getting lost. Maze navigation is genuinely challenging.
Scrambling injuries. Uneven terrain throughout.
Heat in summer. Limited shade between fins.
Cryptobiotic soil damage if you step off rock
Flash floods during monsoon season
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall for ideal temperatures. Summer is hot. Avoid after rain when rock is slippery.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Fiery Furnace permit?
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Fiery Furnace permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit Fiery Furnace?
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Spring and fall for ideal temperatures. Summer is hot. Avoid after rain when rock is slippery.
How difficult is Fiery Furnace?
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Explorers who enjoy route-finding and discovery over following trails.
What gear do I need for Fiery Furnace?
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Essential gear includes: Sturdy footwear with good grip, Water (1L minimum), GPS device or phone with downloaded map, Sun protection, Closed-toe shoes (mandatory).
Don't Miss Your Fiery Furnace Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Fiery Furnace availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
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