Arches National Park is famous for its stunning natural arches and is one of the top destinations for anyone exploring Utah. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Moab, especially something a little more adventurous than the usual sightseeing, the Fiery Furnace Trail is a great choice. This hike stands out because there’s no marked path to follow. Instead, you’ll make your way through a maze of tall, narrow rock formations made of red sandstone, known as “fins.” These walls were formed by erosion and create a natural labyrinth that’s both beautiful and exciting to explore.
For families planning a Utah hiking trip or anyone searching for the best hikes in Moab, Fiery Furnace is definitely worth adding to your list. It’s especially fun for older kids and teens who enjoy climbing, crawling, and problem-solving along the way. Among all the things to do in Arches National Park, this trail offers a hands-on adventure that’s challenging, rewarding, and truly one of the most unforgettable hiking trails in Utah.
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Where is the Fiery Furnace Trail?
Fiery Furnace is located inside Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. The trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from the park entrance.
Closest airports to Arches National Park
What You MUST Know Before Hiking Fiery Furnace
Fiery Furnace isn’t a hike you can just show up for. It does require a bit of planning, but the experience is absolutely worth it. If you’re planning to explore the trail on your own, you’ll need to reserve a special permit in advance and pick it up in person at the Arches Visitor Center. It may sound like a lot at first, but we’ll guide you through the steps so you know exactly what to do before starting this unique and unforgettable adventure.
Step 1: Make a Reservation Online
To hike the Fiery Furnace on your own, you’ll need to reserve a Permit in advance. Permits must be booked online or by phone. You can’t get one in person or on the same day without a reservation.
Permits often sell out during peak seasons, especially Spring and Fall, so try to book early!
Do You Need a Timed Entry Ticket with a Fiery Furnace Permit?
If you’ve already reserved your Fiery Furnace permit, great news! You do not need a separate timed entry ticket to enter Arches National Park. Check the official website before you go, since the National Park rules often change. Just show your permit at the entrance gate on the day of your hike. (This also applies to campers, backcountry permit holders, and special use permits.)
Prefer a ranger-led hike?
If you’d rather go with a guide, the park also offers ranger-led Fiery Furnace hikes—a fun, educational option that’s great for first-time visitors or families. Learn more here: Fiery Furnace Ranger-Led Hike Info
Step 2: Pick Up Your Permit at Arches Visitor Center
After you reserve your permit online, you still need to pick up the physical permit in person at the Arches National Park Visitor Center. Everyone in your group must be present when picking it up.
Here’s what happens at pickup:
You can preview the video here, but you still have to watch it in person to receive your permit.
Permit Pickup Hours
You can pick up your permit either the day before or the morning of your hike at the Arches National Park Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center stops issuing permits 1 hour before closing, so don’t cut it too close!
Weather Closures & Cancellations
The Fiery Furnace trail may close unexpectedly if there’s snow, flooding, or other unsafe conditions. If that happens, your reservation and any issued permits will be canceled automatically, and your fees will be refunded.
Key Rules to Know Before You Go
To protect this fragile environment and keep hikers safe, there are a few rules you’ll need to follow:
Driving to Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park: What to Know
After picking up your permit, you’ll need to drive about 30 to 45 minutes from the Visitor Center to the Fiery Furnace trailhead. It’s a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful parts of Arches National Park, so take your time and enjoy the views along the way!
There’s a small dedicated parking lot with vault toilets, but no bathrooms along the trail. Don’t forget to go before you start hiking.
What to Expect on the Fiery Furnace Trail
This hike is more like a natural obstacle course. You’ll:
While there are trail signs, they’re not always easy to follow. To stay on track, it’s best to download a map from AllTrails or another reliable hiking app before you head out.
What you’ll see: Arches and Viewpoints
While the Fiery Furnace is more about the experience than reaching a specific destination, there are still some cool stops along the way:
Some of the arches and viewpoints aren’t marked on Google Maps, but we were able to find them using the AllTrails app while hiking. We actually visited all of them, but to be totally honest, we couldn’t remember which photo was which once we got home. So the photos in this post are a bit out of order, but hopefully they still give you a good feel for the trail. Thanks for understanding!
One of the best things about this trail is that it’s never too crowded. Because of the permit system and group limits, it really felt like we had the place to ourselves, a peaceful and adventurous experience all at once.
What to bring on the Fiery Furnace Hike
A successful Fiery Furnace hike starts with the right gear. Since you’ll be squeezing through narrow slots, scrambling over sandstone, and dealing with that unpredictable desert weather, it’s important to be prepared. Here’s what we packed—and what we’d definitely recommend bringing along!
Don’t forget—you’ll need a National Park Pass to enter Arches. If you plan to visit more than three parks a year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass is a great value.
Is Fiery Furnace Good for Kids and Teens?
Absolutely. In fact, our teens loved this trail! It offered just the right amount of challenge to keep them engaged and gave them a sense of independence, without feeling too difficult or risky. They were climbing, laughing, and even navigating parts of the route on their own.
This trail is one of the best hiking experiences in Moab for adventurous families, especially those with older kids or teenagers. If you’re planning a teen hiking trip or looking for fun things to do in Moab with kids, Fiery Furnace is a great choice.
However, keep in mind that children under the age of five are not allowed to hike this trail due to safety concerns. It’s best suited for kids around 8 and up who are comfortable scrambling over rocks and being on their feet for a couple of hours.
Best Time to Visit Fiery Furnace
We hiked in mid-March, and the weather was perfect—Cool at the start, but we warmed up quickly from all the movement.
Summer Warning: The name Fiery Furnace is no joke. In the summer, this trail gets dangerously hot with little shade. If you go in warmer months, bring extra water and start early in the morning.
Final Thoughts: Why Fiery Furnace is one of the Best hikes in Moab for Families
Fiery Furnace isn’t your typical national park trail. It’s hands-on, slightly wild, and totally unforgettable. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Moab, this trail should be at the top of your list.
It’s perfect for families who love a little adventure and especially fun for teens who are often hard to impress. Just make sure to plan ahead, pack smart, and don’t forget your permit!
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