One of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the country has been closed indefinitely, raising concerns about access to God’s creation and the stewardship of our national parks. Arches National Park in Utah recently announced that Fiery Furnace, a unique and challenging hiking area, will not be available for visitors “until further notice.”
The announcement was made on March 23, and an alert was posted at the top of the National Park Service web page for Fiery Furnace, according to Axios. The alert does not specify when the area might reopen, only stating, “We look forward to offering these services soon.”
Fiery Furnace is described as a maze-like wonder of “irregular and broken sandstone … narrow ledges above drop-offs,” and loose sand, making it a striking example of the beauty of God’s handiwork. The park previously limited access to only 100 visitors per day, emphasizing the importance of careful preservation of this fragile landscape (Axios).
The closure has sparked discussion about the impact of government decisions on public lands. While the National Park Service did not officially cite a reason for the shutdown, Axios reports that a park spokesperson suggested it was linked to hiring delays for seasonal workers. “Normally, (seasonal workers) would have been here by this time, and we could have offered those services, but that got a little delayed this year,” said park spokesperson Karen Henker.
According to Axios, the Trump administration had implemented a hiring freeze that rescinded job offers to about 5,000 seasonal workers, though public outcry later led to the reinstatement of many positions, with more than 2,000 seasonal jobs added back. This staffing uncertainty may have played a role in limiting the park’s ability to offer ranger-led tours or issue self-guided permits.
For Catholics, this situation serves as a reflection on our moral duty to care for the environment. As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’, “The Earth is essentially a shared inheritance, whose fruits are meant to benefit everyone.” Public lands, including national parks, allow people from all walks of life to experience the grandeur of God’s creation. However, when funding or staffing shortages prevent access, it raises the question: Are we doing enough to ensure the beauty of nature remains accessible to all?
This closure is an opportunity to reflect on our responsibility to advocate for the protection and maintenance of our national parks. Whether through responsible tourism, public advocacy, or prayer for those tasked with preserving these landscapes, we are called to be good stewards of the world God has entrusted to us.
As we await further updates on Fiery Furnace, let us remember the words of St. John Paul II: “Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of creation.” May we work to ensure that future generations can continue to witness the beauty of places like Arches National Park.
Sources: Axios, National Park Service
