After an 18‑day shutdown blamed on staffing shortages, Arches National Park will again issue self‑guided Fiery Furnace permits for visits beginning April 15. Daily ranger‑led tours are slated to resume May 4, just in time for the spring rush.
Park lovers who scrambled to adjust their itineraries can breathe easier: the labyrinth of narrow sandstone passages known as Fiery Furnace is coming back online. Officials confirmed Thursday that online and in‑person permit sales will reopen this week, restoring access for the roughly 100 hikers allowed in each day and averting a longer disruption at one of Utah’s marquee hikes.
Why Arches National Park shuttered Fiery Furnace in the first place
Staffing gaps—not trail damage—forced the March closure, according to park superintendent Patricia Trap. Seasonal rangers who monitor the area were caught in a wider hiring backlog that traces to past federal workforce freezes. “Once those employees arrive, normal operations follow,” the park’s notice explained. Sound familiar? Similar shortages have temporarily closed campgrounds from Yosemite to Shenandoah in recent years.
New Interior Department approval rule raises questions about local decision making
The reopening comes on the heels of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s new directive: any future trail or campground closure now needs sign‑off from National Park Service headquarters and the department’s assistant secretary. Conservation groups are skeptical. “It’s micromanagement at its worst,” said Kristen Brengel of the National Parks Conservation Association, arguing the rule adds red tape just as parks brace for peak visitation. Will local superintendents still be able to act quickly when safety is on the line?
What visitors need to know before booking Fiery Furnace permits this spring
Before you grab your day pack, check the key dates and rules below.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| April 15 | Self‑guided permits become valid again |
| May 4 | Daily ranger‑guided tours resume |
Permits cost $10 per person and must be picked up in person after watching a short orientation video—no exceptions. The hike involves scrambling, tight squeezes, and zero cell service, so sturdy shoes, water, and a sense of direction are essential. Got a group larger than ten? You’ll need to split into smaller parties to protect the fragile sand‑stone fins. Here, you have a quick tips for a smooth visit:
- Reserve online as soon as slots open.
- Arrive early; parking fills before 9 a.m.
- Pack out all trash—there are no bins on the route.
Fiery Furnace’s comeback is welcome news for adventure seekers and local businesses alike. Still, the episode underscores how thin staffing can ripple through the park system. Heading to Arches this spring? Secure your permit, follow leave‑no‑trace guidelines, and keep an eye on official alerts—just in case.