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]
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. 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. 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 pinpoint your location.
Relative Positioning: GPS devices provide a general location but may not show your precise position. 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. The two known canyoneering routes in the Fiery Furnace are Lomatium and Krill, often completed together. However, it is possible to do them separately. This beta describes the standard approach to Lomatium, which concludes near the start of the approach to Krill. At that point, you can either continue to Krill or exit the Furnace. The exit route follows the ranger-led tour path, which also serves as the approach for Krill if doing that route alone.
Krill Approach[edit]
Note: You can avoid Lomatium altogether and head straight to Krill by taking the main trail, the one the ranger-led hike uses, which is well-worn and marked with directional signs, for about 15 minutes. At one of the "dead end" signs, take the spur to Skull Arch. From Skull Arch, continue northerly and scramble up the boulder field. This is also the exit for Lomatium if doing only that descent.
Few sections in the Furnace are slightly wider and feel more canyon-like. One such area lies between the last rappel of Lomatium and Skull Arch. When exiting Lomatium and heading down the natural drainage, you’ll pass a "side canyon" (if you can call it that) with a large boulder pile on your right. If you stand at the base of Skull Arch and look northward, this rubble-strewn side canyon will be directly ahead. This boulder field marks the approach to Krill.
Approach to Krill The approach begins with a steep climb through the boulder field. This section involves crawling around, under, and through rocks. While the fall exposure is minimal, 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]
Krill (aka Belly of the Whale)[edit]
The Krill route features a single rappel into a dark chamber, known as the “Belly of the Whale.” This free-hanging rappel is anchored by three aged pitons. Midway through the descent, the chamber flares out, resembling the interior of a whale’s belly, giving the route its name.
Once you complete the rappel and retrieve your ropes, continue downslope. You’ll encounter a 40-foot section of sloped rock. While it appears to require a rappel, it can be carefully downclimbed using body friction. If necessary, set up an anchor for a rappel or assist everyone but the last person.
- R1: 120? ft - Anchored from three old pitons.
Exit[edit]
Krill 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 untill you reach the main drainage of the ranger-led tour route.
Main Drainage of the Ranger-Led Tour Route[edit]
One in the main drainage it will eventually turn westward. Along this section, you will encounter some rocky obstacles and narrow cracks that require downclimbing. Due to the complex, labyrinthine nature of the Fiery Furnace, describing this part of the route in detail is difficult. However, your best guide is the natural watercourse that winds through this area. This sandy, distinct path is easy to recognize, although you may need to leave it briefly to bypass rocky obstacles.
At some point, you will need to leave the watercourse and head up a well-traveled, rocky path to the west that leads back to the parking lot. Be cautious—this turn is easy to miss. If you find yourself heading south through multiple twists and turns, you have likely passed the turnoff.
Once you are on the rocky path, it will gradually transition into a defined trail. This trail corresponds to the eastern trail described earlier that leads from the parking lot.
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 : Lomatium Canyon