Arches National Park’s distinguished Fiery Furnace hiking area is officially closed until further notice as of March 23, 2025. The closure was motivated by staffing shortages, which are tied directly to federal hiring policies enacted recently.
The Fiery Furnace, known for its labyrinthine network of twisting sandstone walls and looming arches, has long been cherished by hikers looking for something different, an experience challenging yet rewarding. To maintain fragile ecosystems and protect visitor safety, the park first started a permit system in the 1990s to restrict the number of visitors and give them the option of ranger-led tours or self-guided permits.
Yet the current closure primarily arises from a federal hiring freeze and subsequent staff reductions instituted by the Trump administration earlier this year. Around 1,000 Park Service employees were laid off, while about another 5,000 seasonal job offers were rescinded. Some full-time employees have been reinstated by court orders, but the rehiring process has been slow, and many seasonal jobs are still vacant.
According to Karen Henker, spokesperson for Arches National Park, the staffing shortages create their own level of challenges: “Given the volume of visitation right now, we’re at a level where if we don’t have our seasonal workers to help us manage the front desk and issue permits, we have to put our full-time workers toward the basics.”
The challenge of managing and safeguarding the environmental integrity of the Fiery Furnace lies in that the uncanny topography arrangements pinch on the nerves of a hiker. The ledges are narrow and sometimes suspended above a drop-off, there are patches of loose sand, and interspersed among the narrow passageways are tricky chasms that might require a bit of a jump or a squeeze.
GPS units often have poor reliability in this kind of maze environment, further increasing the likelihood of guests getting lost. Hence, there is a need for trained staff when it comes to both guiding visitors and responding to emergencies.
No time frame has been given regarding the reopening of the Fiery Furnace, though it has been stated operations will continue once sufficient staffing levels have been reinstated. Those looking to visit are strongly encouraged to explore other offerings at Arches National Park and check the official park website for current conditions and closures.
The closure highlights the widespread effects of staffing challenges facing the national parks system and their ability to provide guided experiences and maintain access to some popular sites. Anyone planning to travel to any national parks should keep checking in for the latest information related to trails and area closures, as well as any changes in permit requirements or tour opportunities.
