Fiery Furnace locates inside Arches Nationals Park, you can visit either by signing up to be part of a ranger program or get yourself a back country permit to explore inside. You have to plan ahead in order to get in the ranger guided program WAY AHEAD of time.
The first time I went was last summer, it wasn't as pleasant as I thought it would. We got a back country permit and watched an 8 minute video on what we need to pay attention to while we are in it. We were not allowed to step on any micro-biotic soil. These soil take decades to grow and they hold the soil together from erosion. NO STEPPING ON MICRO-BIOTIC SOIL. Ok, got it. I could do that, at least that's what I told myself.
Once you get down to the wash, there is no signs, markings whatsoever to tell you where to go and where you are. You are on your own to get in and out. It is sort of like being in a maze. Somewhat adventurous.
We started exploring and soon enough we found ourselves surrounded by micro-biotic soil and the only way to get out was to be stepping on them! I got frustrated and decided to turn back. It was difficult to continue my exploration knowing I was doing what I wasn't supposed to do.
We didn't get to see...anything. But we stopped killing those sacred dirt!
Several weeks ago, I went down to Fiery Furnace again without a ranger . This time, I paid very close attention to the 8 minute video. Asked the ranger several follow up questions on how to avoid my past experience and went down again. My experience was completely different this time. The rule was simple. If I was going to be stepping on those sacred dirt, I knew I wasn't supposed to be there and needed to back track! If you were going to be stepping on those sacred dirt, you are trying too hard and no, you won't see anything cool. All the cool stuff have very easy access.
I was in this big maze for 4 hours climbing every where and saw a bunch of cool stuff. I was in peace with myself this time that I did my part to protect the park.
Yes, I highly recommend getting yourself a guided tour if you are just there to see cool stuff and out. But if you want to be adventurous, get a back country permit and try your luck in finding cool stuff.
Again, if you are going to step on the sacred dirt, you are trying too hard. All the cool stuff have easy access.
Have a great time!
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