The Fiery Furnace is the one part of Arches National Park where the Park Service wants you either with a ranger or with a permit and an orientation. The reasons are practical: the area is a maze of narrow passages between tall sandstone walls, with dead ends, and the park says GPS units work poorly there. From Provo it is a long drive to find that out unprepared, so here is how the system works.
Quick facts
| Option | Cost (per NPS pages) | Reservation window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-guided permit | $10 per person | 2 to 7 days ahead | Up to 6 people, ages 5 and up, day use |
| Ranger-led hike | $16 per person | Up to 7 days ahead on the page we read | Spring through fall, ages 5 and up |
Prices and windows come from NPS pages we fetched Nov. 2, 2026. A later NPS page has listed different fee figures, so treat Recreation.gov as the final word.
Self-guided permits
Book at Recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777. You cannot reserve in person. Each permit covers one date, for day use from sunrise to sunset. Pick up the permit at the Arches Visitor Center the day before or the day of the hike; everyone in the party must be present, and the park asks you to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for paperwork. Everyone watches the permit video and attends the orientation talk. The permit is for private groups only; commercial groups are not allowed.
The park notes permits often sell out quickly in busy season.
Ranger-led hikes
Rangers normally lead hikes spring through fall. The page we read lists $16 per person, says children under 5 are not allowed and says an adult must accompany children 12 and under. It calls the hike physically demanding: you walk and climb over broken sandstone, cross narrow ledges above drop-offs, jump gaps, squeeze through tight spaces and walk through loose sand. Everyone must finish once they enter the maze.
What to wear and carry
Sturdy shoes with gripping soles, at least a quart of water each, a backpack so your hands are free, and layers. Skip tripods.
Planning from Provo
Arches no longer needs a timed-entry reservation in 2026, as we explain in Arches entry reservations: what happened, but Fiery Furnace still does. Because permits are booked within a week of your hike, build the permit into a Moab overnight rather than a day trip; our Moab from Provo guide covers the drive and lodging. For a different kind of scrambling closer to home, see Goblin Valley and the San Rafael Swell, and for the full park list see Utah's national parks from Provo.
Who should skip it
Anyone with young children, a fear of heights or limited mobility, or who wants an easy half hour. The park's own description says the area requires stamina and agility. Sturdier alternatives with marked trails are in the main Arches park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hike the Fiery Furnace?
How much does a Fiery Furnace permit cost?
How far ahead do I reserve?
How big can a self-guided group be?
What do I have to do before a self-guided hike?
Why can't I just walk in?
Who should choose a ranger-led hike?
What should I bring?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Fiery Furnace Permits, National Park Service. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Fiery Furnace Hikes, National Park Service. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Arches National Park Lifts Entry Reservation Requirement for 2026, National Park Service. Checked November 2, 2026.
