Self-Guided Fiery Furnace Exploration - Arches

The Fiery Furnace is a trail-less labyrinth of tall fins and narrow dead-end canyons. Hiking in this area is a different experience from hiking a trail: the experience is an exploration without a destination. There is no trail, and hikers must walk only on bare rock or in drainages. Hikers need to be aware of where they are and how they got there. They will encounter dead ends and need to backtrack. Navigating its complex passages requires physical agility and careful observation, and it can be easy to get lost. GPS units do not work well due to the towering sandstone walls. Self-guided exploration of the Fiery Furnace requires a permit issued at the Arches National Park Visitor Center.