This might’ve been my favorite hike of the big 5 Utah parks. If you’re up for a physical and mental challenge with amazing canyon views and unique arches, this is the one. Not for the faint of heart though. You will need to slide thru narrow canyons, jump across 2-3 feet gaps, and Spider-Man stem on the walls. On top of the physicality, there are minimal trail markers, so we got lost 4 times. Highly recommend the AllTrails offline map, it was a lifesaver. Be sure to check out all the dead ends, they are worth it and reveal some unique features. And bring plenty of water, this hike takes 2-4 hours total. The photos don’t do it justice, this hike is beautiful throughout! You need to buy a permit 7 days in advance to hike this trail. You can either go with a ranger or self guided (recommended). You pick up the permits at the visitor center. Make sure you go counterclockwise, the start of the trail is just right of the trailhead sign.

We know the Fiery Furnace took us 4 hours and 17 minutes to complete. And when my phone died an hour before we finished, we had completed 4.2 miles up to that point. So, somehow this 2 mile trail turned into over 5 miles. Though we were having fun, at least until the last 40 minutes trying to find our way out. This was the longest hike by far we've done as a family. One thing's for sure, it's an experience we will never forget!

Yes, you need a permit. But it allows you to enjoy a fantastic hike off the beaten track, away from the usual trails and Instagram photo spots. You can explore the area at your own pace, choosing routes that are more or less technically challenging. There's a marked trail with arrows, and countless variations for you to discover on your own.

I booked a ranger-led tour rather than navigating the maze independently on my first visit, and it was the right call. The Fiery Furnace is a dense labyrinth of sandstone fins with no marked trail, and our ranger stopped at junctions to explain why each turn mattered. The formations were tighter and more dramatic than anything else I saw in Arches. On a return visit I got the self-guided permit, downloaded a detailed map, and went at first light when the narrow passages were still cool and the fins glowed in warm early sun. Both versions of this hike were excellent for completely different reasons.

So fun! Every time I go to Moab, I go to Fiery Furnace. I even take my dog!