Fiery Furnace

Fiery Furnace is a slot canyon network in Arches National Park with narrow passages between towering red sandstone walls that twist and turn unpredictably. The maze-like layout means walkers often need to navigate tight sections and squeeze through rocky passages to reach different areas.

Water erosion and wind carved these passages through red sandstone layers over millions of years, shaping the canyon system visible today. The same forces continue working slowly on these rocks.

Native American tribes inhabited this region and left archaeological evidence of their presence among the sandstone formations of the Fiery Furnace.

Entry requires a permit and an orientation video at the visitor center before you can walk through the canyons. The route is complex and easy to lose track of, so pay attention to trail markers and nearby landmarks.

The rock walls glow in deep red tones when the sun is low in the morning and evening. This happens because sunlight bounces off the canyon walls and the narrow space intensifies the colors.