This Popular National Park Attraction Will Close Indefinitely This Summer
Fiery Furnace in Utah’s Arches National Park, popular with hikers and climbers, will shutter this summer.
Getty Images
The sun brightly illuminates the red rock formations of the Fiery Furnace area of Arches National Park, contrasted by dark storm clouds in the background. The park road can be seen in the foreground.
Spring typically signals the return of hikers and sightseers to Arches National Park’s most adventurous trail, but this year, the park’s iconic Fiery Furnace will be off-limits. Park officials announced the closure this week, citing critical staffing shortages that have left them unable to safely manage the area known for its highly technical zones marked by twisting canyons, slickrock fins, and maze-like passageways.
Access to Fiery Furnace has historically been limited by a strict permit system to protect the fragile geological environment and assist visitors navigating the complex terrain. Visitors could either take a guided ranger tour—open to only about 14 to 42 guests per day—or snag one of 75 daily permits for self-guided hikes. But both options have been shut down for the 2025 season. Without enough seasonal employees to issue permits, lead tours, and handle potential rescues, park officials say keeping the area open isn’t possible and would be a danger to the public as well as the remaining staff.
dndavis / Getty Images
The staffing gap stems from what’s been a chaotic winter for the National Park Service. In February, the Department of Government Efficiency laid off over 1,000 permanent employees and canceled job offers for thousands of other seasonal workers within the National Parks System. Although a court order recently reversed those cuts, many parks, including Arches, are still struggling to rehire and train the staff needed to resume normal operations.
More Videos From Sunset
That’s particularly true for the Fiery Furnace, where a single search and rescue operation can require up to ten staff members because of its difficult terrain. The hike’s lack of clear trail markers and need for technical hiking knowledge often leads to lost or injured visitors, making it one of the park’s most staff-intensive zones.
As visitation ramps up with spring break crowds throughout Arches, park officials are urging visitors to choose other hikes and plan carefully. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for reopening.
