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Completed in the Spring of 2020, the Ouray Via Ferrata is one of Colorado’s latest and most exciting adventure routes. The 4,000+ft route along the Uncompahgre river was designed by a team of experienced engineers and local climbing professionals. It shows that the distinctive blend of climbs and descents, narrow rock ledges and cable traverses make for a challenging but highly engaging and rewarding Via Ferrata. And you can’t forget the highlight of the trip — the 75-foot “Skybridge”. This ladder bridge at the North end of the route is unique to Ouray’s Via Ferrata and is something every self-proclaimed outdoors adventurer must experience.

  • Have a go at Colorado’s newest thrilling adventure route

  • Revel in the Uncompahgre Gorge’s scenic vistas

  • Try out the 75-foot “Skybridge”, the first of its kind in North America

Available itineraries

Private Ouray Via Ferrata Tour

Head to the San Juan Mountains for a day of engaging climbs along the cliffs of the panoramic Uncompahgre Gorge. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced local guide who will make sure your trip goes by safely and smoothly. This family-friendly Via Ferrata in the “Switzerland of America” makes for the perfect introduction into the world of guided climbing on the San Juan mountain range.

Standard Ouray Via Ferrata Tour

Test out Colorado’s most exciting new climbing route under the watchful eye of a guide on the Ouray Via Ferrata! Overcome 4,000+ linear feet of anchor-protected and rung-enhanced trail with great terrain variety and a “Skybridge” that you have to see to believe. And when you need a break, stop and take in some excellent views of the ice park gorge and the Uncompahgre river along the way.

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Meet your guides

Mountain Trip
5.00
Mountain Trip
Mountain Trip has a lot of experience leading teams of climbers on the Seven Summits. Their professional certified guides are thoroughly familiar with each destination. They’ve been guiding climbers in Denali and the Alaska Range since 1973 and were one of the original permitted concessionaires for leading guided expeditions in the Park, and they’ve grown to help more climbers ascend Denali than any other guide service!
Bill Allen
5.00
Bill Allen
AMGA Certified Ski Guide and Co-Owner/Lead Guide of Mountain Trip
AMGA Certified Ski Guide and Co-Owner/Lead Guide of Mountain Trip
An Oregon native, Bill grew up playing in the Cascade Mountains, where he fell in love with the outdoors. His guiding career started over 20 years ago in Alaska and has taken him to all of the Seven Summits (thrice to the top of Mount Everest). Although he spends most of his time in the San Juan Mountains, he retains his love for Alaska, where he has guided around 30 expeditions on Denali.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Great Experience - Thank You!
Mark K. (source: Tripadvisor)

I completed both the Telluride and Ouray Via Ferratas. The Telluride Via Ferrata was with Jonathan and Micah, and the Ouray Via Ferrata was with Micah.
Both experiences were excellent.

Via Ferrata is Amazing
Tim B. (source: Tripadvisor)

This is an unbelievable adventure. Very safe, but if you’re afraid of heights this is definitely not even close to a good idea. Otherwise, if you like adventurous experiences (such as skydiving or even roller coasters) you should book this!

Via Ferrata
Chris T. (source: Tripadvisor)

The whole trip was wonderful, it was a great experience and also the staff was super friendly and very safe. Would definitely recommend!

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 4-5 hours of rock climbing
      • All technical climbing gear
      • Assistance arranging for post-trip activities in the area

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation
      • Accommodations
      • Food and snacks
      • Travel and/or rescue insurance
      • Guide gratuity
  • If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

  • No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

  • All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

      • Helmet
      • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
      • Ropes
      • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
      • Via Ferrata gloves

    Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

      • Trekking shoes or boots
      • Small pack
      • Rain jacket
      • Trekking shoes or boots
      • Water bottles (2 liters)
      • Food you can eat on-the-go
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
      • Lip balm
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • The group size for the private tour is usually between 1–4 people with one guide. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
      • For the standard tour, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. The cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
      • Certain groups may require a greater guide ratio to be compliant with the Ouray Via Ferrata, which may affect pricing.

    Climbing days in Ouray can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • Children under 16 must be on a private trip, and unaccompanied minors cannot join standard trips.
      • Route regulations state that participants should have a 62” reach, and that those under 85 pounds and greater than 265 pounds may need an additional belay. If anyone in your group is under 85 pounds, over 265 pounds, or has a reach shorter than 62”, please let us know.

    If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Ouray, most people fly into Denver International Airport. From there, you can take a 1-hour local flight to Telluride, CO, where you can rent a car for a just over an hour long drive to Ouray. Alternatively, you can take a 1-hour local flight to Montrose, CO, and then rent a car or take a shuttle to Ouray.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Telluride or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Ouray, Colorado, please refer to the official Colorado COVID-19 updates website.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • Day Trips Cancellations
    Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
    Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
    Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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