Closure of Fiery Furnace Trail at Arches National Park
The National Park Service has announced the temporary closure of the Fiery Furnace trail at Arches National Park in Utah, citing staff shortages as the primary reason. Visitors will no longer have the option for ranger-led tours or self-guided permits during this indefinite closure period.
About the Fiery Furnace
The Fiery Furnace is renowned for its challenging terrain, attracting seasoned hikers looking for an adventurous experience. The landscape features a maze of sandstone, with paths that require climbing over irregular and broken rock formations, crossing narrow ledges, and navigating through loose sand. Hikers often need to leap across gaps and squeeze through tight spaces, using their hands and feet to maintain balance and support.
Impact of Staff Shortages
The root cause of the closure is linked to a hiring freeze implemented during the Trump administration, which affected staffing across multiple national parks. More than a thousand employees were laid off, and offers for around 5,000 seasonal positions were rescinded, leading to significant staffing gaps at various sites, including Arches National Park. This has raised concerns among seasonal workers, many of whom plan their year around National Park Service (NPS) scheduling.
“We were told that we were safe from this, that our jobs still existed and we would continue to be hired,” said one seasonal worker who faced a rescinded job offer. “I plan my year around NPS seasons, including renting apartments, putting in notices at my off-season jobs, and making hotel arrangements for travel. I don’t know where I’m going at this point.”
Future of the Fiery Furnace
As the National Park Service continues to address staffing issues, the exact timeline for the reopening of the Fiery Furnace remains uncertain. Previously, visitors could join ranger-led excursions or obtain one of 75 self-guided permits each day. The current closure has left many outdoor enthusiasts disappointed, eager for the trail’s return to accessibility.
The National Park Service aims to prioritize safety and visitor experience during this challenging period, seeking solutions to restore staffing and reopen popular hiking trails.