Arches National Park: Fiery Furnace
Weave through a maze of sandstone fins, squeeze between rock walls, and peek at hidden arches on this 2.3-mile hike in Arches National Park.
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The best way to experience the wild geology of Arches National Park is to get down and dirty on this 2.3-mile hike. You’ll lemon-squeeze between rock walls and scramble over rock gardens to find hidden arches and remote enclaves. This hike is fun way to introduce kids to Arches, and rangers lead trips twice a day into the Fiery Furnace area.
The hike begins on a path lined with dark, crusty patches of cryptobiotic soil, some of the oldest living organisms in the world (the organisms hold the soil together and prevent erosion). Almost immediately the hike drops into a sandy wash dotted with Utah juniper and Morman tea. Weave through a maze of sandstone hoodoos and fins to a natural bridge less than three feet wide. Cross (or do the Limbo) under the bridge.
Ahead, take a spur trail into Raven Canyon to the aptly-named Skull Arch, a double arch looming high above the shaded canyon. Backtrack to main trail and turn right for more fun: scramble over a rock bridge and pinch between sandstone walls. Pause at milepoint 1.1 to see a rock shaped like a kissing turtle and shortly after to grab distant views of Balanced Rock, a gravity-defying pile of bus-sized rocks rising more than 120 feet.
Take a second sidetrip to the rocky tendon of Surprise Arch which parallels two sheer rock walls. Retrace steps. Finish the last 0.3 mile by climbing steps chiseled into the rock to exit the rocky maze. Tip: Bring along a jacket as most of the hike is in the shadow tall sandstone fins.
Note: A permit is required for this hike. Pick one up at the visitor center. Or, sign up for a three-hour tour guided by a ranger (advanced reservations are recommended to secure a spot).
Info: Arches National Park, (435) 719-2299; nps.gov/arch
-Mapped by Sarah Curry
Trail Facts
- Distance: 3.1
Waypoints
FF001
Location: 38.7432726, -109.5657974
From the Fiery Furnace trailhead, the trail drops into the maze of sandstone fins.
FF002
Location: 38.7423605, -109.5639414
Enter a sandy wash. Surrounding shrub oaks demonstrate the presence of water. Ahead: the trail is rocky and shaded by high rock walls.
FF003
Location: 38.7435111, -109.5613316
Turn left and walk besides a tall rock. Bear left towards a rock bridge and walk under it.
FF004
Location: 38.7428709, -109.5621979
Turn left, squeeze through rocky obstacles into an open area.
FF005
Location: 38.7430404, -109.5604974
A good place for a break.
FF006
Location: 38.7449441, -109.5603499
Skull Arch looms above Raven Canyon. When filled with water, nearby potholes hold fairy shrimp. Make a U-Turn to continue on the hike.
FF007
Location: 38.7430843, -109.5605376
Turn right. Use footholds carved into rock to climb up.
Ahead: Cross a rock bridge.
FF008
Location: 38.74499, -109.561506
Pass through a tight opening between rocks. A kissing turtle rock formation above the clearing.
FF009
Location: 38.744327, -109.5620316
Around the corner,look for Balanced Rock in the distance.
FF010
Location: 38.7460047, -109.5637536
Walk across the clearing and turn right to walk between rock walls.
FF011
Location: 38.7477703, -109.5646575
Surprise Arch; backtrack.
FF012
Location: 38.7462348, -109.5638448
Go to the right of the clearing before walking down between rock walls. Follow the steps carved into the rock and hold the hand rails Leave the fin maze and return to trailhead.
Skull Arch
Location: 38.745138, -109.560385
Sandstone Fins with the La Sal Mountainsin the distance
Location: 38.742988, -109.564799
Sandstone Fins of Fiery Furnace
Location: 38.742984, -109.56461
Cryptobiotic Soil
Location: 38.742554, -109.564301
Sandy Wash
Location: 38.7431638, -109.5613208
Rock Bridge
Location: 38.7435132, -109.5613021
Climbing between the rocks
Location: 38.743294, -109.56173
Waiting to climb through the rock hole
Location: 38.743294, -109.56173
Spires in Fiery Furnace
Location: 38.74294, -109.560403
Local ranger
Location: 38.7430027, -109.5604625
Fiery Furnace area
Location: 38.7432349, -109.5601541
Side View of a Sandstone Fin
Location: 38.745037, -109.560312
Climbing between the rocks
Location: 38.7445027, -109.5611572
Overlooking Arches National Park
Location: 38.744327, -109.5619833
Family fun
Location: 38.7450173, -109.563126
Surprise Arch
Location: 38.7477682, -109.5646253
