Fiery Furnace Viewpoint

To reach this location follow the Arches National Park Road, until you reach the turn-off for Fiery Furnace Viewpoint on the east side of the road. The road will take you to a tear-dropped-shaped parking lot that is quite busy most of the time and finding space can be difficult sometimes. Inside the loop of the parking lot, you will find a standard vault toilet and the trail to the viewpoint is located on the east side of the parking lot. Take the short 0.2-mile trail to the viewpoint to see the spectacular and unique landscape of Fiery Furnace. At the time of our visit, we were not allowed to hike the trail, which requires a permit and U.S. Park Services guide. We were still able to enjoy an extraordinary view of the towering Entrada Sandstone fins and deep fissures, which make up this stunning landscape.

We stopped at the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint there is a nice size parking area and restroom facilities. From the parking lot you can take an easy .2-mile out-and-back trail to the viewpoint which takes about 5 min to complete. The viewpoint offers some spectacular views of the area. The Fiery Furnace refers to a natural labyrinth of narrow passages between towering sandstone walls. At around sunset, it is said, that the light makes the rock faces glow like a wood-fired furnace. Which is how this area got its name. You must take a guided tour or have a permit to hike this area as it is easy to get lost.

If you dont have a hike permit stop here for the viewpoint anyway.

We visited with family and it remains a highligbt of our visit to the area. We did an unguided tour whi h was fun because it was a bit like a maze. Incredible rock formations, valleys, paths, cul-de-sacs, vantage points. If you like exploring then this is the place to be. Would suggest ewely morning to avoid the hear of midday son. And take plenty of water! The walk is moderate and you should give yourself 2-4 hrs depending on how lost you want to get.

Hiked the Fiery Furnace. It was the most challenging hike I’ve hiked in a while. Get your permits a week in advance. They only let so many hike this trail. Got lost several times but was worth it. If your not up to climbing over boulders, through narrow spaces or heights this is definitely not the hike for you. If you do hike it make sure you have plenty of water and something to snack on. Over all it was an amazing and beautiful trail!

Our goal was to make it to watch the sunset at Fiery Furnace but we were a few minutes late😕 But it was still a beautiful place to be at in Arches.

You can't really get an idea of what the Fiery Furnace area is like unless you hike in it. And for that you need a permit.

One of the nicest viewpoints in the park. Parking is available but fills up quickly during peak season. A permit is required should you want to self-explore the area.