Fiery Furnace — Attraction in Four Corners States

What a fantastic experience! When applying for a permit, don't give up. My husband and I both had our computers open, signed into our accounts and the site open to the permit page. We refreshed our screens at exactly 8:00am and we both got a sold out message. We had heard that people release tickets when they reserve too many so for the next 28 minutes we refreshed our screens. First I got one. A few minutes later, he got one. Do not be afraid to buy them individually. Also, we met a few people who said they got them in the middle of the week, so if you don't get them the day of release, try again throughout the week. Although you don't need a timed entry with a permit, we had a 6am timed entry and went straight to the trailhead to get an early start and fully utilize our day. Most people stated in the reviews they hiked 2-3 miles and spent 2-4 hours inside. We walked 9.8 miles, and spent 7 hours inside. Every minute was amazing. We tried to cover every single inch. We saw arches/points of interest that we are sure most did not. Any interactions we had with people they seemed to have only seen the known arches. There were so many amazing places to crawl through, and come down a completely new canyon/rock scramble. Make sure to walk past the Dead Ends, and then if there's a path that keeps going past the named arch, keep going, you might find another, or something else really cool. We are right around the age of 60, so these adventures are not just for the "kids," although I felt younger than I have in a long time at the Fiery Furnace. If you are lucky enough to get a permit, I strongly recommend you slow down, search for crevasses to crawl through and paths off the main route (don't step on the crust!) and let yourself fully enjoy this really...

The Fiery Furnace is a popular area in Arches National Park for special hikes within a labyrinth of narrow passageways which weave through towering sandstone fins and walls.

Note: special permits or ranger guides are required to explore Fiery Furnace. You can inquire and make reservations through the NP Visitor Centre.

If you are not planning or able to hike Fiery Furnace but still want to see the extraordinary land formations, there is a fine viewpoint along the Arches Scenic Drive north of the turnoff to Wolf's Ranch and Salt Valley Overlook, just south of the Fiery Furnace trailhead.

Here you find trail and geology information, explaining the colouration and interesting shapes of the Fiery Furnace. You can also see the clusters of sandstone fins which shape the landscape in such peculiar ways from up close at this viewpoint.

We very much enjoyed our 15 minute stop at this viewpoint. Bring binoculars and you can have better looks into the crevices that start to take shape at the towering fins. The deep 'reds' in the sandstone walls give the land formations intense and radiating colour as well. Its beautiful and remarkable to see, no less impressive than the many arches scattered round the park. You'll be glad you made time to stop here visiting Arches...

I am a huge fan of adventure. Going somewhere that is not the standard path. The Fiery Furnace is in a way that opportunity. If you're coming to the area, plan ahead and get in there.

Things you should know: You have to get a permit to enter the furnace. You have an option of going alone, though this is unadvised for most. Or to go with a Park Ranger. You MUST reserve your place with a Ranger early as they only do so many each day. It can be very dangerous to go alone as you will have no reception and no GPS inside.

Come prepared: Make sure you have a good amount of water (especially in the summer months), proper attire, flash light, and proper footwear. There is not a manicured path. You'll be having to get creative in some areas to get around.

Go early! If you're starting in late you might find you lose the light before you get out.

That said, it is well worth it. Get in and have a good time. Just plan ahead...