The term via ferrata is Italian for “iron path”and is a protected path with ladders and basic protection aids. They’ve existed in the Alps for centuries as a way to help connect villages to their high pastures. Telluride, Colorado has had a via ferrata for several years now that was constructed by a man named Chuck Kroger and later finished by his friends after he passed away from Cancer. While I have climbed the via ferrata in Telluride 11 times with my previous yoga retreat groups and the aid of the guides at San Juan Outdoor Adventures, this was my first year climbing the newly opened Ouray Via Ferrata.
If you decide to book a spot on my Backcountry Retreat in 2021 then you’ll have the opportunity to climb the Ouray Via Ferrata with a guide from San Juan Mountain guides on our free day. They’re also who I highly recommend if you happen to be visiting the town of Ouray and want a guided trip from hikes to 14ers to the Via Ferrata. However, if you have the skills and want to climb the Ouray Via Ferrata without a guide here are some tips for you!
First, you should know, I climbed the Ouray Via Ferrata with a guide then without a guide. Not having the assistance of a guide is obviously more of an inherent risk as you are “on your own,” but if you have the gumption and ability then it’s a wonderfully empowering experience!
First, obviously, you’ll need gear. We rented our harnesses and Via Ferrata specific lanyards at the San Juan Outdoor adventure store on 7th and Main Street. It’s $35 for both or just $25 if you only need a lanyard. You must have a Via Ferrata specific lanyard and at about $186 each retail price, it’s not a piece of equipment you’d want to just go out and buy if you aren’t climbing something like this all the time. You can also rent helmets at the shop (which you’ll need) and you want to make sure you have a pair of gloves and sturdy shoes as well. The guide shop can also point you in the right direction to where to start your climb which happens to be on the other side of the canyon at the Ouray Ice Park.
Please note, the rental shop said they wouldn’t rent to novice climbers so if you are unprepared or do not have climbing experience it’s best to go with a guide!
Once you have your gear you’ll be greeted at the start of the Via Ferrata by a ranger who will make sure you have the proper equipment and are fully aware of what you are committing too. There’s also a halfway point where you can exit the Via Ferrata if you become overwhelmed and disks along the route with numbers on them should you need to call 911 to be rescued. I had service the whole time in the canyon while climbing.
After consulting with the ranger and making a donation at the start of the climb (it’s free after all so why not help keep it that way!) we were off! You move along the obstacles with the help of the cables and iron rungs and you are always clipped in with the lanyards. You will have to move your clips around obstacles and slide them up and down the cables so it’s best to be mentally prepared and get the feel of how they move along with you. There’s never a point where I felt unsafe, but there’s a lot of upper body strength required to hold on to the rungs and you certainly must pay attention to your hand and foot placement. I always get in the habit of looking where I want to step before moving forward so I can set myself up for success!
Moving along the Ouray Via Ferrata is like being on a roller coaster. There’s a lot of up and down as well as traversing. There’s exposure and water rushing under your feet and rocks to climb up and down. The Via Ferrata in Telluride is different because there’s only one spot of big exposure, but there’s also many parts where you aren’t clipped in because you’re just hiking along the cliff face. There’s certainly more of an element to hiking and traversing in Telluride as opposed to climbing up and down ladders as there is in Ouray.
Weather pending, the Ouray Via Ferrata is open 8am-4pm and will continue to be open until the end of October. It’s best to check with the guide shop before going to ensure it is open before making plans. After October the other side of the canyon will prepare for ice climbing by dripping water down the canyon walls and letting it freeze overnight. After October Ouray VF will remain closed until next year around Memorial Day.
Guided or unguided you are sure to have a great time on Ouray’s newest attraction. This was such a wonderful addition to my Backcountry Retreat and really allowed the participants to test their limits and empower themselves. While this climb is not for the faint of heart, those who do attempt it will be rewarded with amazing views through the canyon and a feeling of accomplishment. Be sure to arrive early during the weekends in the summer as the wait times can be quite lengthy and in July it took us four hours to complete as opposed to going solo on a weekday where it took us 2 hours. Be prepared to wait until you reach a passing zone if you get stuck behind slow groups. The via Ferrata is one way so you won’t have to worry about any awkward passing moments. Most of all have fun!
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