Ouray’s Three

Via Ferratas

Make sure to read the rules and regulations for there have been changes as of May 2023.

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.

Downstream route of Ouray Via Ferrata
Upstream route of Ouray Via Ferrata

Gold Mountain

Uncompahgre Gorge - Downstream

Uncompahgre Gorge - Upstream

Gold Mountain Via Ferrata

Gold Mountain Via Ferrata

  • This route has 1,200 ft elevation gain. Plan on 4-5 hours from start to finish. This includes arriving at Basecamp Ouray to start.

  • This is a private Via Ferrata. In order to scale Gold Mountain, you will need to go through Basecamp Ouray for a guide.

    ~ Two sky bridges

    ~ Optional hard route

    ~ Explore old mine buildings and equipment

Ouray Via Ferrata - Downstream

Ouray Via Ferrata - Downstream Route

  • This is the easiest route. If you are solo and an experienced climber, expect 3-4 hours.

    If you are with a group, or with a guide, expect 4-5 hours.

  • 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.

    ~ 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

    ——-

    ~ Two sky bridges

    ~ Optional spine route (hard climb)

Ouray Via Ferrata - Upstream Route

Ouray via Ferrata - Upstream Route

  • This is the easiest route. If you are solo and an experienced climber, expect 3-4 hours.

    If you are with a group, or with a guide, expect 4-5 hours.

  • 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 and start with the downstream route.

    ~ 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

    ——-

    ~ One sky bridge

    ~ One suspension ladder

    ~ One “jump” section that takes you across the whole gorge

GUIDES & Equipment

See availability in local shops that can elevate your experience for any of our three Via Ferrata’s

Climber hanging on the spine of mountain side of Ouray Via Ferrata

The 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.

More to know…

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!

Climber on side of via ferrata
  • 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