Arches National Park's Fiery Furnace Hike Closes Indefinitely Amid Staffing Crisis

Arches National Park in Utah has indefinitely closed the popular Fiery Furnace hike due to critical staffing shortages stemming from recent federal layoffs and a hiring freeze. This closure affects both ranger-led tours and self-guided hikes, disrupting plans for outdoor enthusiasts as the park grapples with an ongoing staffing crisis exacerbated by the rescinded job offers and firings of National Park Service employees. Seasonal workers, essential for managing the high visitor traffic—nearly 2 million annually—remain in limbo despite federal court mandates for their reinstatement. Park officials emphasize that without adequate staffing, they cannot ensure visitor safety and resource protection in the fragile ecosystem. The situation reflects broader challenges within the National Park Service, raising concerns about the long-term management of popular sites like Fiery Furnace. Until a full seasonal workforce is established, normal operations are unlikely to resume.