Ranger-led Programs

Learn about the park's unique geology from our guides and volunteers

NPS Photo by Andrew Kuhn

 

Park guides and volunteers offer a variety of interpretive programs every day, spring through fall. Program types, times, and locations vary throughout the year and are subject to last-minute change due to weather or other factors. Check at the Arches Visitor Center upon arriving for more details.

SPRING/SUMMER 2013 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Evening Programs 45-minute illustrated program at Devils Garden Campground Amphitheater. Topics change nightly. (**Astronomy programs may start later; check at the visitor center.)	March 15 - April 6 **8:00 p.m. nightly April 7 - May 4 **8:30 p.m. nightly May 5 - August 24 9.00 p.m. nightly
Guided Walks One mile/1.6 km on an easy or moderate trail. Participation is free; no advance registration.	March 24 - May 18 11:30 a.m. Windows Walk 1:30 p.m. - locations vary May 19 - June 15 11:30 a.m. Windows Walk 4:00 p.m. - locations vary June 16 - June 29 10:30 a.m. Windows Walk 4:00 p.m. - locations vary June 30 - August 24 9:00 a.m. Windows Walk 3:00 p.m. - locations vary
Fiery Furnace Tours (Please see full description below.)	March 10 - May 18 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. daily (reserve tickets online) May 19 - August 24 9:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. daily (reserve tickets online)

FIERY FURNACE TOURS

During the busy season, rangers lead three-hour, moderately strenuous hikes through the Fiery Furnace. Tickets must be obtained in advance for a fee.

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. To better judge the hike's difficulty, you can watch a video or view a photo gallery.

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.

Age Restrictions

Due to the tour's difficulty and length, children under five years of age are not permitted. Children twelve and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Fees

Tickets cost $10 for adults (13 and older); $5 for children (5 through 12); $5 for Interagency Senior Pass holders; and $5 for Interagency Access Pass holders.

Obtaining a Ticket

Tickets are sold at the front desk only during late fall (November) and early spring (late-February to early-March), or when cancellations occur (which is rare). Reservations for main-season tours should be made online at www.recreation.gov, up to six months in advance and at least four days before the date of the hike.