Via Ferratas
Nestled amidst the majestic San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Ouray stands as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures. Among its many attractions, the town boasts a trio of exhilarating Via Ferratas that beckon adventurers of all levels. Ouray's three Via Ferratas are a testament to human ingenuity, blending the natural beauty of the rugged landscape with engineered pathways and iron rungs.
These exhilarating routes offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the vertical world, allowing climbers to traverse sheer cliffs and towering rock faces while safely secured to steel cables. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a novice adventurer, Ouray's Via Ferratas provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of this breathtaking alpine playground.
The Four Via Ferrata Experiences
-
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
This route has 1,200 ft elevation gain. Plan on 3-4 hours from start to finish.
Difficulty - Beginner to Advanced
Minimum age: 8
~ Two sky bridges
~ Optional hard route
~ Explore old mine buildings and equipment
-
Uncompahgre Gorge - Downstream
Plan for a 3+ hour adventure. If it is during peak season it can take longer. This route is free for the public to use. We recommend if you are uncomfortable, or unfamiliar with via ferrata’s to get a guide.
Difficulty - Beginner to Intermediate
~ You can rent gear from town
~ You will need to hike about a half mile from Camp Bird Road
~ ALWAYS check in with the ranger
~ Open 8am - 4pm daily May through October (weather dependent)
~ Two sky bridges
~ Optional spine route (hard climb)
-
Uncompahgre Gorge - Upstream
Plan for a 3+ hour adventure. If it is during peak season it can take longer. This route is free for the public to use. We recommend if you are uncomfortable, or unfamiliar with via ferrata’s to get a guide.
Difficulty - Intermediate to Advanced
~ You can rent gear from town
~ You will need to hike about a half mile from Camp Bird Road
~ ALWAYS check in with the ranger
~ Open 8am - 4pm daily May through October (weather dependent)
~ One sky bridge
~ One suspension ladder
~ One “jump” section that takes you across the whole gorge
-
Triple Crown
Experience the thrill of conquering three of Colorado's most breathtaking via ferratas in just three days. This exclusive package offers adventurers the unique opportunity to traverse the Ouray Via Ferrata, the Telluride Via Ferrata, and the exclusive Gold Mountain Via Ferrata, each presenting its own set of challenges and awe-inspiring views.
This trilogy package is designed for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and adventure of Colorado's high country, with the convenience of an organized itinerary and the assurance of expert guidance. Whether you're a seasoned climber or new to the via ferrata experience, this three-day journey promises an unforgettable adventure across some of the most exclusive and scenic routes in the San Juans.
Guides and Rentals
-
Basecamp Ouray
Using Basecamp Ouray for the via ferratas is an excellent choice for climbers seeking expert guidance and top-notch equipment. With knowledgeable instructors and a variety of guided experiences, Basecamp ensures you have everything you need to safely explore the via ferratas in Ouray, making your climbing adventure both thrilling and memorable.
-
Cirque Guides
Cirque Guides are "Your Partner in the Mountains". We are a small guide service owned and exclusively operated by its 3 owners, certified guides who are local residents of the San Juans and have over 60 years of experience combined. Cirque Guides will carve the best outing possible in Ouray County and beyond.
-
Mountain Trip
Mountain Trip provides an unforgettable ice climbing experience in Ouray, Colorado, led by highly skilled guides who are passionate about the sport. With tailored trips designed for climbers of all levels, they take you to the most iconic ice routes in the area, ensuring safety and fun every step of the way. Whether you're just starting out or seeking to tackle more challenging climbs, Mountain Trip offers the expertise and personalized attention to help you achieve your ice climbing goals in the stunning San Juan Mountains.
-
San Juan Mountain Guides
San Juan Mountain Guides offers an exceptional ice climbing experience in Ouray, Colorado, with expert instructors dedicated to helping climbers of all skill levels. Their tailored guided tours take you to some of the area's most stunning ice routes, ensuring a safe and exhilarating adventure in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced climber seeking new challenges, San Juan Mountain Guides provides the expertise and support to make your ice climbing dreams a reality.
The Uncompahgre Gorge Ouray Via Ferrata
The Ouray Via Ferrata brings thrill and excitement to even the most seasoned climber while offering kids a family-friendly experience.
Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge adjacent to the Ouray Ice Park, this exciting new attraction extends the fun from winter to summer.
Features of the Ouray Via Ferrata include:
approximately 4000+ linear feet of anchored cable protected / rung enhanced trail
two technical exits of roughly 200 feet each
one 35′ long cable wire bridge across the Uncompahgre Gorge at the South end start of the route
one ascending “Sky Bridge” at the North end of the route spanning the gorge for approximately 75′ at 35 degrees in angle
wide variety of vertical and horizontal route sections with an exciting and varied movement designed, implemented, and installed by local climbing professionals and engineers
a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the world-famous Uncompahgre Gorge in the summertime!
The route is designed to meet or exceed all current ASTM and CEN (European) safety standards. In fact, the Ouray Via Ferrata is expected to be the first free public Via Ferrata in the US built to modern safety standards.
The Via Ferrata is free to use, but safety protocols are in place for both gear and use. Local guide stores offer gear rentals for an affordable price along with guided tours to make the experience memorable. If you are interested in purchasing gear, Ouray Mountain Sports, located on Main Street, can help you make the right selection.
Rules and regulations
Pulled from the Ouray Via Ferrata website
Minimum Required Equipment on the Ouray Via Ferrata include:
EN958 Certified Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System (EAS)
EN12492 Certified Helmet – Mountaineering
EN 12277 Certified Harness – Mountaineering
Use of non-certified or improvised equipment may result in death or serious injury
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR LEGIBLE LABELS AND CONDITION!
Climbers weighing less than 90 lbs or more than 265 lbs must utilize a supplemental belay system on sections with significant vertical climbing. All climbing rungs and cable bolts are approved belay points, DO NOT belay anchored to the cable.
The route is one-way, from South to North. Designated passing areas are available on the route – slower parties are requested to allow faster parties to “play through” where safe and appropriate. Clipping around climbers is easily done at flat sections. DO NOT DISCONNECT FROM THE CABLE TO PASS!
No more than two users on a single span of safety cable between anchors – maintain proper spacing!
The route requires significant arm and leg strength and should only be attempted by fit and healthy persons. Anyone under 16 years of age requires adult accompaniment. There is one emergency bail point before the Sky Ladder – it is a vertical climb up and out to a trail above the canyon
There are many elevated high exposure areas – persons with a fear of heights should carefully consider if this is an appropriate activity
Any individual or child attempting the route must have a minimum reach of 62″ from the ground
ALWAYS travel with BOTH lanyard carabiners attached to the cable. Transfer one lanyard carabiner at a time when passing bolts. Climbing rungs may be used as intermediate lanyard connections for longer reaches between cable sections if needed
A minimum of one leash must be attached to the safety cable at all times on the Via Ferrata from beginning to end. NEVER unclip both leash leads at the same time!
Climbing slings, tethers, and other improvised “leash” connections are not acceptable and are dangerous
The route is approximately 1.25 KM long and takes between 2 and 3.5 hours to complete. It requires several crossings of the canyon on bare wire cable bridges and has extensive climbing and descending on rungs and sheer cliffs
User assumes all risk from use
In case of emergency call 911
Explore the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata with this interactive map
This is an interactive map, you click the circle spots on the route and it will take you to that section of the route. At any time you can click the home button and it will return you to this screen. When you are in the location, click and drag around this 360 degree view!
Map courtesy of Basecamp Ouray