Gold Mountain Isn’t Just A Place, It’s An Experience!
climbing the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
This morning my alarm went off right at 5:30 am…. I am NOT a morning person, but when my mind realized what we were going to do today, I jumped up and got ready for the adventure that awaits me in the San Juan Mountains. Driving down from Montrose, Colorado I had my Spotify playlist going with all my favorite songs. That made the 40-mile drive go by quick.
Swerving my car to and fro along the Uncompahgre River makes driving the roads exciting. With mountains scaling on both sides, I can’t help but to be distracted by the raw beauty. Accelerating through the last corner coming into town, I catch the glimpse of Mt. Abrams right smack dab in the center of sight. Basecamp Ouray is found on the west side of Main Street, almost in the center of the downtown stretch. This outlet center is a hub for multiple stores including Ray’s Jerky (great for snacks), Yankee Girl (great for breakfast), Ouray Shirt Company (for the Ouray gear), and downstairs at Colorado Made is an amazing selection of locally made art! Basecamp is at the far back of the building where you will find the friendly staff, sometimes dogs, and a room full of climbing fun! (Did I mention a remote working space too?)
We met Logan Tyler, owner of Basecamp Ouray, bright and early at 7:30 am. He was chipper and eager to take our group on his Via Ferrata masterpiece. He helped get us the gear we needed, ensured everything fit, and that we had the necessities like water, helmet, and sun protection.
Once ready, we took a short drive north to go to our starting point (about 3 minutes). Exiting the SUV, there it was… the towering red rock that awaiting our adventure. Some of us were grinning ear to ear, while others were thinking about what they got themselves into.
At the start, Logan said this is the most tricky. It incorporates everything you will encounter on the route (besides the sky bridges). The reason it starts like this is for people to test their capabilities mentally and physically. That way, you can figure it out while there is time to turn back. Because once you start, there is only one other spot to make an exit. Logan was an excellent mentor, coach, and guide. He helped walk us through what to do, what to expect, how to handle mental breakdowns (very important), and taught us about how he created this experience. I won’t spoil it, so be sure to find out for yourself!
Climbing this structure took my mind away from everything else that was happening in life. It forced me to focus on the present. Maybe it was the fear of not wanting to slip or fall that made me focus so much… Even then, I knew it would be safe if it were to happen. You are double locked in with the climbing system they have, so if one fails (which hardly ever is the case) the second is there for backup.
The first section was tricky, and took our group a little while to get the groove of the movement: climb up, stabilize, unclip one carabiner to move to the next stretch of cable, repeat for the second carabiner, regain balance, look to where you’re going, climb, repeat. Once you get the motions down, it is almost like yoga. Except you are on the side of a cliff.
There are multiple points along the route where Logan stops to talk about the history of what happened here. The Gold Mountain Mine was very active back in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can see reminisce of building structures, railways, tunnels, and even materials that they used! One thing that makes this adventure stand out compared to other Via Ferrata’s is the incorporation of Ouray’s history.
About half-way up, there are two options to get to the next point. One way was an easier climb, the other would be most difficult due to the sheer steepness and endurance to complete the task. Climbing up the difficult route got the arms and shoulders burning. Probably because I am not much of an arm day kind of girl… At the halfway point, my heart started to race. Not just because my muscles were screaming, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” But because of the jaw-dropping views.
Difficult Route on Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
Having my life depend on just a small cable to stand on and some lanyards to catch if I fall, allowed for a new perspective. It’s indescribable feeling in reference to what your eyes are seeing. The rugged mine buildings below, the piercing blue sky contrasting with the rocky peaks of the mountains, and a valley of vast beauty in all directions.
We all took a break to get some water after that section. Happy to say we all made it! Our next obstacle we found just on the other side of the old mining cart tunnel, the first suspension bridge. Heights don’t bother me, but for those who may be affected by it, make sure to find a point at the end, and just stare. That helps keep you from looking down and even helps with balance.
First bridge and mine cart tunnel
We continued to hike a little ways to go through an old blacksmith building. Be sure to get photos! Once again, the views are out of this world. This Via Ferrata goes up more than 1,200 feet in elevation, so you won’t be disappointed! The next portion of the climb reminded me of the beginning. It is a little more technical with having to switch the clips from the left side, to the right, and back. Then look up. There is it. The second longest sky bridge in America. The length of this suspension bridge is 273 feet, only missing the record by two feet! To me, this one was easier than the first because the footing wasn’t a round cable. It is a couple of inches wide and has grip on it. To others, it was harder, but they took their time and made it with no issues.
Once completing the bridge, we made our way on a path that went underneath the bridge to connect us with the last batch of cables before making it to the top. By then, we were all pro’s. At least, we thought we looked like we knew what we were doing by the end of it!
We were greeted at the top by another Basecamp employee who was our ride back. He was smiling and offered to get photos of us at the top. High-fives were going around, laughs, and best of all… we made memories to last a lifetime.
Before getting to the SUV, we came across another structure. It wasn’t a mine… IT WAS A BAR. Well, soon to be bar. Jokingly, Logan says, “typically when people are over hikes, you encourage them with, ‘oh there is a beer at the top (joking)’, now we don’t have to joke about it.”
The Gold Mountain Via Ferrata was an incredible experience. It incorporates fitness, self-awareness, building confidence, history, and Colorado mountain views you can’t get anywhere else.
KEY THINGS TO NOTE:
No prior experience is necessary
It is kid-friendly
You must wear your helmet
Gloves are smart to bring to help keep your hands from getting sore
They do large groups
It is a privately-owned route, so you have to go with Basecamp Ouray