The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of slots, dead-ends, slickrock ramps, and surprises in Arches National Park.   There is no designated trail, but there is at least one loop route through the fins, passing by arches, and other hidden spots.   A permit is needed to enter the area and once started, visitors have to figure out their own route, often through trial and error.   There are no cairns, signs, or markers.   Footprints may help.   Enter the lower area and start up one of the slots and see where it leads.

We did find the route through the maze, but we want to return to try other routes.   Even when the route goes into dead-ends, it is always interesting.   It may take hours or it can be done in an hour and a half.   Up some of the dead-ends are arches, pillars, narrow slots, and sandstone boulders.   With some scrambling, creative routes can be found.

Some of the side routes lead to arches and other surprising features.

This is a must-do route for explorers.   Get lost in the Fiery Furnace.

More information:

• Arches Park – Fiery Furnace
• Arches – Tours