My husband and I are not regular hikers but we have done some in the Canadian Rockies, New England, etc. Fiery Furnace has been recommended with a description of moderately strenuous but it is hard to know what that really means. My concerns are the trickyness of scrambling over boulders and the possible heat. We are going this week. Is it possible to give advice or are there any non-regular hikers out there who have done it? Thanks.

We were there a week ago and it was 106 degrees. We are not hikers, but we saw a notice that you have to sign up with a Park Ranger for the hike through Fiery Furnace. You might want to check that out.

The extended forecast shows highs in the mid to upper 80s for next week. That's in keeping with their typical high of 88 in September. I would not let that deter you from doing the hike - if you are really concerned, sign up for the morning hike. Just keep in mind it'll be a bit cooler then, and much of the hike is in the shade so temps in the 80s (with low humidity) doesn't sound so bad.

I've seen little children doing the hike - the scrambling isn't much to be concerned about. Look at the nps.gov/arch website - there's a photo album for the Fiery Furnace hike which gives an idea of what you'll be doing. Click on "Plan your Visit", then "Things to Do" and then "Ranger led programs" to get to the album.

Sounds like October may be an ideal time to do it.

eznmomma,

The Firey Furnace is one of my very favorite hikes! Temps are not really a major concern because in the shade of the "fins" you will be 15-20 degrees cooler! Take plenty of water regardless.

Yes, you do need to reserve the hike probably a day ahead. I believe it's still $15 per person and worth it. Takes about 3 hours, but part of that time you will be standing listing to the ranger. It's very informative.

There are a couple of places where you need to climb up rocks, jump over a small opening, squeeze though a very tight spot. Large (obviously overweight) people cannot fit. A couple places where you walk near the edge. Wear hiking/running shoes with good treads and you'll do just fine.

There is even one spot where you can wiggle though a "baby" arch - optional.

Hope this gives you an idea of what to expect.

PS - Our weather has turned the corner to early fall and temps are 10-20 degrees cooler than a couple weeks ago!

ncounty - we were posting at the same time. I know you will not have a problem with the hike, you're the adventurous sort! October is a perfect time to go!

Are you in CA or UT?

I was there in mid-May.

At that time of year the Firey Furnace Ranger hike starts at 4PM and lasts about 3- 3.5 hours.

It takes place in a part of the park that has no trails. You must either have a permit or go on the ranger-led hike.

It's not difficult at all. You go thru some very narrow places where it's difficult to get your feet down (picture two rocks close together). and also remember that you're at 6,000 feet of elevation.

I got there on a Wed evening and stopped in at the visitors center Thur AM to sign up. The next one that wasn't sold out (they take max 25 people) was the Sat afternoon.

They show you pictures of what you'll be doing and ask that you have proper hiking boots. This is more for traction than anything else.

It's a great late afternoon hike.

I was a bit concerned until we started since I don't do "difficult" even though I'm non-stop all day.

There were young people and old as well as a couple of families with 9-10 year olds.

The ranger who leads is constatly checking with the last person to make sure everybody is keeping up. He stopped numerous times to permit the stragglers to catch up.

It was a lot of fun. Go for it.

By late in the afternoon the temperature drops somewhat so heat shouldn't be an issue.

I imagine you'll go on the Delicate Arch hike (better do that as well). While there's nothing difficult on that hike, it's all uphill going (downhill returning) and is more strenuous than the Fiery Furnace. Just stop often to rest if you're tired and then continue. Plan it so you are at the Arch about an hour before sunset. Absolutely stunning views.

To give you an idea of both you can see my photos at:

www.travelwalks.com

Select the Utah 2008 trip.

Yes, it was a great hike! We are vacation hikers, but walk everyday, and we were fine. It did start to storm and we had to duck and cover, but the guide was great. I loved Arches.

You can also do the Fiery Furnace with a guide from www.deserthighlights.com
You can do a hike with them or canyoneering. Be sure you tell them you want to go Arches as they go many places. They are the only concessionaire allowed in Arches. We did Krill Canyon, the hardest one, and it was fantastic. You will see a lot more than you will see on the Ranger Guided tour. Generally they take only about 3-8 people on their trips. The guide will allow you to take as long as you want and he will give you great advice on how to scramble and get over rocks. Canyoneering ranks right up there with rafting the Grand Canyon for me. It is far less expensive.

You can do Fiery Furnace on your own, if you obtain the permits,etc. Do not attempt this, you will get lost.

Since you are going to be in Arches, consider Devils Garden Trail. And, of course, all the way to Delicate Arch.

Don’t miss that hike! My husband is claustrophobic and afraid of heights and he loved it. The hiking itself is not difficult. In fact you can do the hike in sneakers, boots aren’t required. There will be a couple of parts that will make you think “I can’t do that”. (The a part where you scoot across on your butt) But the ranger tells you exactly how to go across everything. There were 2 or 3 people who were older – 70+ and they were fine. If it’s going to be a warm day make sure you do the morning hike and wear jeans and long pants.

Hi Dayle,

I am in CA....just got back from Seattle last weekend. Congrats on being quoted in Fodors Utah!!! Very well deserved; any time I open a Utah question, especially Park City, you have already been on and always very helpful. I was amazed I was listed as well. I've been trying to earn it by advising on the US board more diligently, .

I too was concerned -- however very doable if you have a helping hand every so often. Let's face it -- I am fat (5 l0" 220 lb) and had no problem. I talk long walks weekly 4-5 miles. We had a family with a baby in a backpack!! Talk water -- they go slow and is was great fun!