Gold Mountain Via Ferrata (Ouray)

Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is the most vertical and European-style Via Ferrata in the Ouray and Telluride region. It climbs 1200 feet straight up the sandstone dihedrals, overhangs, and ledges of privately-owned Gold Mountain. Highlights include the path routing through an old mine tunnel with mine cart tracks for the Memphis Mine and buildings used over a hundred years ago. The route splits briefly between an easy and hard path to access the start of the mine tunnel. Those who have done via ferratas in Europe will appreciate the exposure of more strenuous path. The construction places abundant rungs and well-looped cables right where they are wanted. Unlike the other two nearby via ferratas on National Forest Land: the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is on private land and its construction was funded by commercial and private parties. The land agreement requires hiring a guide through Basecamp Ouray. When guided on this Via Ferrata, clients get the route to themselves without pressure from faster or slower parties. Book trips: https://basecampouray.com/gold-mountain-ranch

Start at Basecamp Ouray (https://basecampouray.com/), located at 630 Main Street, Ouray, Co 81427, next to Canyoning Colorado (https://canyoningcolorado.com/) Basecamp Ouray shuttles clients to the base, unlocks the entrance, and guides the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata route.

Photos from the vertical route: