Fiery Furnace: The Path Narrows by photosynthesis

Photography • Landscape • posted on Jan 16, 2013

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Description

We had read about the Fiery Furnace tour at Arches & had made reservations months in advance, as we were advised to do. It turned out to be one of the two best hikes of our entire trip (the other one was in the Needles section of Canyonlands, which I've already posted photos from). This photo is the first of several I will post from this hike & shows the park ranger leading our group into a narrowing canyon. Here's some info about the Fiery Furnace tour from the Arches National Park site: "The Fiery Furnace is a confusing maze of high sandstone fins where it is very easy to become lost. Ranger-guided hikes are offered into the Fiery Furnace twice each day. Everyone attending the tour should be aware of the demanding nature of this hike and properly equipped for current conditions. During the hike, participants must walk and climb on irregular and broken sandstone, along narrow ledges above drop-offs, and in loose sand. There are gaps which must be jumped and narrow places that you must squeeze into and pull yourself up and through. In some of these places, you must hold yourself off the ground by pushing against the sandstone walls with your hands and feet. Due to the maze-like nature of the terrain, all participants are committed to completing the hike once they enter the Fiery Furnace. All participants must wear good hiking shoes or boots that have gripping soles. No sandals or high heeled shoes are allowed. Each person must carry at least one quart or liter of water. Water and other gear should be stowed in a backpack so that hands are free to be used to navigate the terrain." As it turned out, one of the participants on our tour had an issue & caused a little bit of a problem. More about that later...

Comments (20)

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bmac62

1:41AM | Wed, 16 January 2013

Exciting! I'm all in for following you through on this tour. Your photo captures the visual challenge and your words make me stop and think...would I really go with all those warnings? I am not as young as I like to think I am:) I'm on the edge of my chair...

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JuliSonne

2:00AM | Wed, 16 January 2013

Gigantic and overwhelming nature. The colors and shapes, the erosion due to weather influences. The nature creates itself again and again new. Fantastic shot with a touch of claustrophobia!

whaleman

2:02AM | Wed, 16 January 2013

What a thought-provoking image! I would love to see this but I know they would never allow it because I could never make it, LOL! Love to try though even to get part way, this is so beautiful!

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