Explore the San Juan Mountains on the beautiful Ouray Via Ferrata. This through “hike” is a safe way to traverse the cliffside Ouray Snow Park during the summer months with gorgeous views and a suspension bridge.
Ouray, Colorado, population 998, is a small mountain ski town that serves over 300,000 visitors per year. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ourray attracts visitors for its natural beauty and array of outdoor activities. Among these activities is a new Via Ferrata that was added to the town in 2020. A Via Ferrata, meaning “Iron Path”, is a horizontal climbing route built with steel cable fixed into the rock, making for a safe and unique rock climbing / hiking experience. The route includes over 4000 feet of protected cable, a cable bridge, and a sky bridge.
Where is the Via Ferrata Located?
The Via is located across the river from the Ice Climbing Park in Ouray – it’s on the south side of town up Million Dollar Highway.
What Can I Expect on This Via Ferrata Route?
The route begins on the southeast side of the lake, where a guide will check you in and make sure you have the proper climbing equipment. A climbing harness, climbing helmet, and Via Ferrata EAS (energy absorbing system) are required to climb. The EAS system includes 2 locking carabiners that allow you to switch cable systems while always staying attached to a cable. EAS systems and other gear required to climb this Via can be rented in town, or you can bring your own gear.
If you plan to do the Telluride Via Ferrata, you can purchase an EAS system for about the same price as a rental. I used this Black Diamond EAS while doing both trails – it was easy to switch cables and has held up very well with time.
The Via Ferrata starts on the suspension bridge over the river, taking you to the northeast side of the wall. Depending on the water level, this section is only about 10 feet above ground. The highest elevation here is about 60 feet. Compared to the Telluride Via Ferrata, which is about 600 ft off the ground for most of the trail, this is an easy transition to the world of Via’s.
How Do You Move Along the Via?
Built-in ladder rungs aid movement for your hands and feet along more exposed portions of the trial. Parts of the trail allow you to walk along narrow dirt trails, others require you to climb vertically, others horizontally.
What Is There to See on This Via Ferrata?
The Via is set along the Uncompahgre River and the views are stunning. I cannot stress enough the natural beauty of the landscape throughout the route. Adrenaline will be pumping through your veins as you climb higher and higher, awaiting the favored feature of the hike: The Sky Bridge. Hung above a free-flowing waterfall, there’s nothing but rushing water beneath your feet and beautiful views of the mountains above.
The climax of the route is the air ladder, which bridges the gap between two mountain spans. It is an exhilarating climb on metal ladder rungs. It is sure to get your heart pumping as you ascend above the canyon walls to expose the mountains above.
How Do You Get Off the Via Ferrata?
Once you’ve started the journey, the safest way to exit is to finish through to the end. The Ouray Via Ferrata only allows south to north travel. At the end of the route, there’s a metal bridge that takes you across the river and back to the parking lot.
When Is the Best Time to Do the Ouray Via Ferrata?
This Via is open from May 1 – October 31 from 8am-4pm (check here for updated hours). Since the wall is west-facing and we did the route in the heat of summer, we arrived early so that we could complete the route in the shade. We were also treated to no lines and only 1 other group along the way.
What Should I Bring On My Via Ferrata Experience?
The following items are required in order to use the Via Ferrata. There is a guide at the trailhead who checks for proper, certified gear.
- Certified Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System (EAS)
- Certified Mountaineering Helmet
- Certified Mountaineering Harness
Depending on the size and speed of your group, you may want to bring a hydration pack with water and snacks.
That’s everything you ned to know to confidently approach the Ouray Via Ferrata! It’s a great addition to any Colorado vacation. Drop me a comment below and tag me @granola.guide if you visit this Via!