Krill Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:1, max ↨115ft
Red Tape: Shuttle:None Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 18 May 2017
"Please check with the park for current canyoneering regulations when you pick up your permit.. 7 hours includes Lomatium, and we used an unorthodo |
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| Best season: | Fall, Summer, Spring
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38.7459, -109.5610
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WaterflowIntroduction[edit]
Krill (aka Belly of the Whale) is one of two well-known canyoneering routes in the Fiery Furnace. This route is frequently combined with the other well-known route, Lomatium, but both routes can be done independently. To keep things clear and organized this page details the beta for Krill while a separate page details the route for Lomatium.
Fiery Furnace Beta and Conservation Considerations[edit]
Contrary to popular belief, Arches National Park does not prohibit the publication of beta for the Fiery Furnace. However, published beta for canyoneering routes in this area remains scarce for two primary reasons:
1 Complexity of the Terrain The Fiery Furnace is a labyrinth of intricate fins and spires, making navigation particularly challenging. GPS accuracy in this area is often unreliable, rendering it nearly impossible to provide consistently useful beta. While GPS devices technically function within the Furnace, the dense concentration of towering fins, walls, and crevices creates significant positional errors. For instance, within just 20 lateral feet, the elevation can shift dramatically multiple times. As a result, a GPS device may indicate that you are on one side of a fin when you are actually on the other side, or even on top of it.
2 Sensitivity of the Environment The Fiery Furnace is the most protected and controlled area within Arches National Park--Rangers regularly patrol in the Furnace. The National Park Service aims to balance public access with the preservation of this fragile ecosystem. Many canyoneers are understandably cautious about drawing attention to the area, as increased visitation by novices or unprepared individuals could lead to:
- Environmental degradation.
- Damage to the unique formations.
- A rise in rescue operations.
There is a real concern that these impacts could prompt the Park Service to impose restrictions or even ban canyoneering in the Fiery Furnace altogether. This concern is a major reason why the canyoneering community tends to remain discreet about publishing beta for this area.
Sharing Information Responsibly[edit]
Although the Park Service does not explicitly prohibit the publication of beta, it is important to approach the sharing of information about the Fiery Furnace with care. By doing so, we help protect this special area and ensure its accessibility for future generations of canyoneers.
To encourage good practices, an attempt has been made to outline the canyoneering routes in this area. However, due to the labyrinthine nature of the terrain, many may still find it difficult to navigate solely based on published beta. As a result, a tradition has emerged in the canyoneering community for individuals experienced with these routes to lead others through the routes for their first time.
By adhering to these principles, we can help preserve the beauty and accessibility of the Fiery Furnace for years to come.
Notes On Using a GPS in the Furnace[edit]
Navigating the Furnace with a GPS is not impossible, but it is also not easy for everyone to do. If you have the necessary skills and preparation you may be able to us a GPS in conjunction with the GPX files on this page. Here are the key considerations:
Terrain Awareness: You must be proficient in visually interpreting the terrain and understanding your surroundings. This includes recognizing which areas are traversable and maintaining a clear sense of your position relative to the landscape.
Satellite-Image Base Map: A satellite-image base map is essential, as traditional topographic maps are ineffective in the Furnace's complex and dynamic environment. You'll need to compare visible features, such as canyon walls, to the map image to verify your location despite what the GPS may indicate.
Relative Positioning: GPS devices may not be able to display your precise position in the Furnace and should be considered a relative position in this area. For instance, you could be on one side of a rock fin while the GPS indicates a different location. This is why a satellite-image base map is critical—it helps you visualize the terrain accurately to use as a check against what the GPS is indicating. Topographic lines alone are insufficient due to the Furnace’s dense and rapidly changing landscape.
Approach[edit]
As mentioned, the Fiery Furnace is a natural labyrinth, making detailed route descriptions of limited use, but an attempt will be made here. Krill can be approached in two different ways: either as an add-on immediately after completing Lomatium, or as a standalone route starting from the Fiery Furnace entrance.
Add-On to Lomatium[edit]
If you are linking Krill onto Lomatium, follow the Lomatium exit beta. After the second rappel, walk only a short distance south toward Skull Arch. Before you reach the arch, you will pass a rubble-filled side drainage on your right (north). This steep, debris-strewn channel is the start of the Krill approach.
If you overshoot and reach Skull Arch, simply turn around and look north—the same rubble drainage will be directly in front of you.
Krill-Only Approach[edit]
You can skip Lomatium altogether and approach Krill directly from the Fiery Furnace parking lot.
From the parking lot, begin by locating the two access paths used for the ranger-led (and self-guided) route. The ranger-led route travels counter-clockwise through the Fiery Furnace, and these two paths represent its end and beginning.
- Southern Section – This is the starting point of the ranger-led route, which loops counter-clockwise through the Fiery Furnace.
- Northern Section – This is the endpoint of the ranger-led route.
Take the southern path. This path begins as a clear, well-worn trail heading south and east from the parking lot. It is easy to follow at first, but quickly transitions from a trail into a route. You will soon reach a natural drainage, and from here you will be at the southern end of the furnace (which is the bottom and section of lowest elevation) and you will generally follow the drainage eastward.
The ranger-led route is marked by small, directional arrows. These arrows are not always easy to spot, and you really should not focus on trying to find them. Continue eastward along this route for roughly 20 minutes. Eventually you will reach one of the "Dead End" signs—the correct one is obvious because the route continues well past the sign and the walls rise higher on both sides, giving the area a much more canyon-like feel; when you reach this sign, take the spur that turns northward.”
This section of the Furnace becomes more canyon-like, with higher walls on either side. When you reach Skull Arch, stand at its base and look north. Directly ahead is a rubble-filled side drainage—a steep, boulder-strewn chute. This is the start of the Krill approach. If you were exiting Lomatium, you would encounter this same drainage coming from the opposite direction.
Krill Upclimb[edit]
The start of Kill begins with a steep upclimb through the boulder field. This upclimb is technical enough in its own right to be considered part of the route rather than part of the approach. This section involves crawling around, under, and through rocks. While the fall exposure is mostly low there are some points that have a bit of exposure and some moves can feel awkward. Partner assistance is crucial here, as not everyone will find this terrain comfortable.
- Begin with a steep climb through the boulder field, crawling around, under, and through rocks. Partner assistance is crucial for awkward moves.
- At the top, navigate west between two fins to a flat, rounded spot marking a break in the west fin.
- From the flat spot, head south to a small slot and chimney through it until it ends.
- Exit the slot westward by lunging across and scrambling up the rounded surface using friction.
- Continue south into another slot. Look for a boulder pile and rabbit hole requiring a downclimb. Progress as the slot narrows.
- Shimmy through tight constrictions until the canyon opens into easier terrain.
- Reach a downward-sloping shelf leading to the anchor point. Ensure cautious footing, especially on sandy or wet surfaces. Rope up and belay the first person to the anchor if necessary.
Descent[edit]
The Krill route features a single free-hanging rappel into a dark chamber known as the “Belly of the Whale.” The rappel is anchored from three old pitons that have been in place for at least 12 years as of this writing (12/25). Midway down, the chamber flares into a smooth, rounded cavity resembling the interior of a whale’s belly. That visual association is what led to the feature’s nickname, while the canyon itself takes the name Krill—a nod to the tiny creatures whales consume and a playful tie-in to the cavern’s whale‑like shape.
Once you complete the rappel and retrieve your ropes, continue downslope. You’ll encounter a 40‑foot sloping section of rock that looks like it might require a rappel but can usually be downclimbed with careful use of body friction. If needed, you can build an anchor and rappel this section or assist everyone except the last person.
Rappels[edit]
- R1: ~120 ft – anchored from three old pitons.
Exit[edit]
Navigating from here to the main drainage—part of the ranger-led tour route—can be challenging. The area is a complex network of fins, cracks, crevices, and slots, with multiple potential paths. Some will lead through, while others may dead-end. Use good judgment and avoid descending into any features your team cannot reverse.
While the general direction trends downward toward the main drainage, expect to scramble up and over obstacles as you make your way south. Take your time, assess each route carefully, and don't drop into anything you cannot reverse. Continue until you reach the main drainage of the ranger-led tour route.
Main Drainage of the Ranger-Led Tour Route[edit]
Once in the main drainage, follow it as it gradually turns west. You will encounter rocky obstacles and occasional narrow cracks requiring short downclimbs. The Fiery Furnace is complex and difficult to describe precisely, but the natural watercourse is your primary guide. Its sandy, distinct path is easy to identify, though you may briefly leave it to bypass obstructions.
Eventually, leave the watercourse on a well-traveled rocky path heading west toward the parking lot. This turnoff can be easy to miss—if you find yourself continuing south through multiple bends, you have gone too far. Once you gain the rocky path, it transitions into a defined trail that leads directly back to the Fiery Furnace entrance.
Red tape[edit]
Permits[edit]
A permit is required for any and all canyoneering within the boundaries of Arches National Park. Permits have group-size limits that varies depending on canyon or route. Permits cost $6 for a group and currently there is no quota limit, but that might change at some point in the future. A separate permit is required for each canyoneering route.
Permits must be obtained online through the link below and are available online 8:00AM MT one day in advance up to 5:00PM MT the day of the trip. The permit must also be readily available, printed or on a mobile device, during the trip should a ranger ask to see it.
- Permit Link: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251908
Group-Size Limits[edit]
Canyoneering groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people for this canyon.
Larger groups sharing the same affiliation (school, church, club, scout group, family, friends, etc., or combination thereof) may divide into groups smaller groups provided they do not occupy the same canyon, drainage, general area, or the same route on the same day and also have the necessary permits.
- Canyoneering regulations are available here: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/canyoneer.htm
Park Entrance Fee:[edit]
A NPS park entry fee or park pass is required. Additionally, a timed-entry reservation may be required to enter Arches National Park.
Timed Entry Reservations:[edit]
- Information about timed-entry reservations is available through the park's website: https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservation.htm
- Timed-entry reservations must be obtained online here: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10088426
Beta sites[edit]
Super Amazing Map : Krill Canyon