Ouray Via Ferrata

The Ouray Via Ferrata route begins off the Ice Park Loop trail at the South end of the New Funteer access trail and crosses the Uncompahgre River, continuing North and ending just past the “Upper Bridge”. After turning off of the first switchback towards the ice park, follow the left fork up the two-way road (not the one-way road towards the box canon parking lot). It's best to park your car in the parking lot you hit ~2 minutes later (before the bridge), but you can also park along the side of the road after the bridge near the start of the Sutton Mine Trial and walk the Sutton Mine Trial towards the start of the VF. The route is varied with sections of narrow rock ledge, rungs across blank rock sections, climbing and descending sections and cable traverses – with the entire route protected by continuous safety cable.

Walk up the road from the parking lot. Cross the bridge over the river and keep walking until you see a sign that says "Ouray Via Ferrata". Follow the well established trail to the start gate for the via ferrata. There is a "safety officer" waiting before the start gate who will check to see if you have via ferrata lanyards (Sep 2020). If you are experienced with via ferratas or not, you'll get the spiel about via ferrata safety and the specifics of this course. Budget 10 minutes for the interaction.

Features of the Ouray Via Ferrata include: approximately 4000+ linear feet of anchored cable protected / rung enhanced trail two technical exits of approximately 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 interesting 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 summer time!