Fiery Furnace | Moab

The Fiery Furnace is a complex network of narrow sandstone canyons located within Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. It is characterized by its labyrinthine passages and towering rock formations.

Visual Characteristics

The formations consist of Entrada Sandstone, exhibiting a reddish-orange hue. The canyons are characterized by fins, arches, and balanced rocks, with passages varying in width from less than one meter to several meters. Vegetation is sparse, primarily consisting of desert grasses, juniper, and pinyon pine clinging to ledges and canyon floors.

Location & Access Logistics

The Fiery Furnace is situated approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of the Arches National Park entrance station. Access is via the park's scenic drive, turning off onto the unpaved Fiery Furnace Viewpoint Road. Parking is available at the trailhead. Access to the Fiery Furnace itself requires a permit, either obtained in advance online or in person at the park visitor center, or by joining a ranger-led tour. Self-guided exploration is restricted to designated routes. Public transport is not available within the park.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Fiery Furnace is a product of natural erosion processes acting on the Entrada Sandstone. Over millions of years, differential weathering and erosion by wind and water have carved the intricate maze of canyons and fins. The area is part of the Colorado Plateau, a geologically diverse region shaped by uplift and erosion.

Key Highlights & Activities

Navigating the narrow passages and observing the unique rock formations are the primary activities. Ranger-led tours offer guided exploration of the maze. Self-guided exploration requires a permit and adherence to marked routes. Photography opportunities exist within the canyons, particularly during sunrise and sunset.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the nearby Devils Garden Trailhead. There is no developed infrastructure within the Fiery Furnace itself. Cell phone signal is unreliable within the canyons. No food vendors are present within the Fiery Furnace area; visitors should carry water and snacks.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is during the early morning or late afternoon when the low-angle sun illuminates the sandstone. The optimal months for visiting are April, May, September, and October, offering moderate temperatures. Summer months (June-August) can experience extreme heat. No tide considerations apply.

Facts & Legends

The name "Fiery Furnace" is attributed to prospectors who, upon seeing the area illuminated by the setting sun, described the glowing red rock as resembling a furnace. A specific tip for visitors is to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction, as the sandstone surfaces can be uneven and slippery.

Nearby Landmarks

• Delicate Arch (3.5km Southwest)
• Landscape Arch (4.0km Southwest)
• Windows Section (4.8km West)
• Balanced Rock (5.0km West)