Morning solitude
We’ve just returned back into Moab after spending 3 days dry camping at Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park. The campground is situated at the very end of the 18 mile long road into the park, with a 1200 ft
Devils Garden Campground in the distance
elevation gain from the entrance. There are flush toilets and water faucets available to fill water bottles but other than that, no facilities whatsoever.
Crabbing a large fissure
We spent our time hiking and exploring all the beautiful arches and rock formations in the park. Approximately 5 months ago, when I was making the reservations, I signed us up for a Ranger guided tour of the Fiery Furnace (so named because of the way it glows when the afternoon sun hits it). This is a region of the park that is off-limits to the general population, unless you get a backcountry pass and watch a video, or go with a ranger. There are no trails to speak off, just scrambling up
A narrow ledge led to Surprise Arch
Barely room for the Camelback
and down slickrock, walking on narrow ledges, jumping across cracks, butt scooting down rocks and squeezing through narrow slots, etc. One
hour into it and I was tired; 2 hours into it and
my legs were like noodles. The pace was fast, much faster than I would have liked and
at 3 hours the tour was done and so was I. I could barely walk out of there! It was beautiful but the toughest thing I’ve ever done.
One of the slots
Up into the maze
The Three Wise Men
Spectacular desert storm
North Window Arch
A storm system came in (thankfully not while we were in the Fiery Furnace) which made for some really dramatic lighting. After a day of recuperation, I regained my ability to walk and continued our explorations. Even though we had 3 days, we still didn’t get a chance to see it all and may head back in there from Moab if we have the time.
North and South Window Arches
Double Arch (Look closely – there are people there)
Sun and Sand Travelers 
Brings back memories. And, wow! Your images are wonderful (can you send the file for “spectacular desert storm”? – I need new wallpaper). Bully for you on the Fiery Furnace tour; it sure looks to be a challenge
Sure, will send you the file. Yes, I was so proud of myself for accomplishing the Fiery Furnace tour that I had to to into town and get a t-shirt made up. I would have thought the NPS visitor center would sell them, but no. They are missing out.
Cheers – looks good on the desktop!
Hope there are more to come.
These are the best shots thus far Caton’s!!! I love the one with you two with the Arch in the back ground. Keep them coming!!
Beautiful photos. That was an impressive trip in Fiery Furnace.
I thought perhaps it wasn’t named for the color of the rocks but for the slow death I was undergoing!!!
Wow! That’s all I have to say. Wow!
Too bad you’re not out here with us.
brings back lovely memories of our trip now almost 2 years ago, more in depth though and sorry it hurt you! how are you managing Leia, can she be off leash in the parks and if you leave her in Trixie is she ok with that? really enjoying following your happy trails!
Great to hear from you Allie. Laia loves it trekking but she can’t be on any of the NPS trails, so we leave her in the RV and she’s fine with that. We planned our trip around Nat Parks, State Parks, BLM land and National Forests and she is allowed everywhere in all those other locations. Too bad you’re not here with us!