Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace Viewpoint Trail at Arches National Park offers striking desert scenery and canyon views.
Fiery Furnace overlook within Arches National Park showcases sculpted red rock towers and distant snow-capped peaks.

Fiery Furnace

Natural Attrβ˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†
Last Updated: February 2026

Type

Geological Formation

Accessibility

Ranger-led or self-guided permit required; interior exploration not recommended for first-time visitors.

Best Season

Fall

Busiest Season

Summer holidays and weekends

Features

Slot canyon, fins, towering sandstone walls, near-mile-long maze; 1/3–1/2 mile wide; tall walls

Elevation

4,730 ft

Overview

About This Attraction

Red sandstone fins rise in a maze of narrow passages, catching late-day light like embers in a furnace. The view into the Fiery Furnace reveals towering walls and sinuous slots carved through Entrada sandstone. The rock story here is wind, water, and temperature-driven erosion, with beneath‑surface salt layers guiding how the blocks crack and separate.

Quick Facts

Type

Geological Formation

Elevation

4,730 ft

Access

Ranger-led or self-guided permit required; interior exploration not recommended for first-time visitors.

Main Features

Slot canyon, fins, towering sandstone walls, near-mile-long maze; 1/3–1/2 mile wide; tall walls

What You'll See

Towering red sandstone fins, narrow slots, drifting light within the maze, salt-affected rock layers, pockets of canyonland biscuitroot and crusts

What Makes It Special

Large concentration of Canyonlands biscuitroot; salt anticlines beneath Entrada sandstone influence fracturing; ephemeral pools and biological soil crusts in microhabitats

Best Time to Visit

Fall is best for hiking with warm temperatures and infrequent rain; Spring is good though a bit wet; Ranger-led tours run spring through fall; Golden Hour lighting at sunset yields the most dramatic color.

Safety Considerations

No interior safety barriers; extreme drop-offs and scrambling over broken sandstone; stay hydrated; heat illness risk; poison ivy near water; plan for disorientation due to maze-like terrain

Visitor Tips

  • Obtain a permit or join a ranger-led tour; interior access is mandatory.
  • Parking is limited at the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint; arrive early or use the overflow.
  • Carry at least 1 liter of water per person; heat illness is a real risk.
  • Wear grippy shoes; keep hands free for scrambling.
  • GPS and compasses do not work well here; bring offline maps.
  • Watch for poison ivy near water sources; dehydration and sun exposure demand breaks in shade.

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Recommended Gear for Arches National Park

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ℹ️ Data Sources
πŸ“– wikipedia.org πŸ“– npshistory.com πŸ“– geocaching.com πŸ“– nps.gov πŸ“– youtube.com πŸ“– utah.gov πŸ“– therestlessbeans.com πŸ“– 18summersatlas.com πŸ“– annestravels.net πŸ“– myoutdoorbasecamp.com πŸ“– handstandsaroundtheworld.blog πŸ“– beautahfulworld.com πŸ“– recreation.gov πŸ“– myutahparks.com πŸ“– expedia.com πŸ“– fieryfurnacetour.com πŸ“– wildlandtrekking.com πŸ“– uen.org πŸ“– foacp.org ⭐ Google Reviews πŸ“ YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works β†’

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