Fiery Furnace Trail, Arches National Park, Utah

Strenuous, 2-5+ mi loop

500-1,000+ ft elevation gain

Hiked 12/21/23

*Requires Permit

A wildly entertaining choose your own adventure style hike within the Fiery Furnace, a canyon in between large sandstone walls and fins. Multiple large and small arches may be viewed along the way and a variety of terrains passed. Requires scrambling through narrow spaces and wedging along walls.

I believe the 'official loop', which is unmarked as they don't want it to be worn in is 2.1 mi and ~500 ft, while my hike had me at 5.54 mi and 1,027 ft. Rock Climbing is allowed I believe, but regulated. Be aware of temperatures extremes, as it is named fiery furnace for a reason; hike early.

The view upwards towards Skull Arch, a double archway that has formed as a large section of rockwall has eroded. Two circular openings (three if yo count the outflow) may be seen partitioned by a bridgeway.

Looking down from one of the upper levels towards the canyon floor below. A few pillars of sandstone may be seen among the rockwalls as well as a decent amount of plant growth on the floor.

Looking down into a large open area of the canyon, where some shrubs have taken root among the sandy soil. On the far edge, multiple spires of sandstone may be seen rising from the rock wall.