Ouray Via Ferrata - Ouray, Colorado

Joy

Amazing experience at the Ouray Via Ferrata. We did the Downstream and Upstream Routes, both were super fun and adventurous. The Upstream Route was a bit more athletic, and our climbing backgrounds helped with some of the arm strength and exposure; the Downstream Route is great for people who maybe don’t have a climbing background and want to ease into via ferratas more. My boyfriend did the Sky Climb which he really enjoyed and I did the ladder which was fun. Highly recommend! It’s a great adult jungle gym! 🤸🏼‍♀️🤸🏻

Christina G.

The first time my husband and I did a Via Ferrata was here at the Ouray Via Ferrata. We absolutely enjoyed it! It was scary at times, but we had a blast and we always felt safe. After we went, we ended up taking my sister and brother-in-law back and they loved it too. I plan to take more people. It’s such an amazing experience!

We only have done the half day trail as the new, full day trail wasn’t finished when we last went. The half day trail takes about 3-5 hours, so if it’s your first time doing Via Ferrata, you may want to do that one. There is also two times you can exit early, if you don’t feel comfortable going further on the trail. Also, there are two ways to exit at the end of the Ferrata, one is a bridge and the second is a Sky Climb; I posted an image of the bridge and Sky Climb for reference.

Either way, I couldn’t recommend this experience enough! And you can’t beat the views!

Katie F.

The new upstream route is incredible! We rented the harnesses from San Juan guides and did it ourselves. It was our first Via Ferrata and took us just short of four hours, with lots of photo stops. Beautiful scenery through the canyon and an amazing mix of cable bridge, ladder, traversing, upclimbs and down climbs. I thought it was pretty mild and didn't require any special skills until the bailout bridge. After that, it got a bit trickier, like I had to use my climbing skills to look for holds and body positions. In general, it felt built for tall people and I used every inch of my legs in many places (I'm 5'8"). Fantastic day, thanks Ouray for building this amazing adventure and allowing it to be affordable and accessible! Oh and the via itself is close to town but obviously doesn't start on main street itself (~5 min drive or longer walk from town)

Matthew M.

DO THIS! What a phenomenal, exhilarating experience. Our guide, Jason, was absolutely wonderful: knowledgeable, helpful, fun, good humored. Gorgeous scenery from a unique perspective. Not overly challenging (though not a walk in the park—which is good!) and you feel totally safe and secure. Great pics, to boot—one made our Christmas card! 😀

Corinne A.

If you're in search of an exhilarating (& safe) adventure look no further. From our first phone call inquiry to the very end of our adventure their customer service and safety standards were phenomenal. We started our morning at San Juan Mountain Guides to grab safety gear & meet our guide for the day. I cannot say enough wonderful things about our guide Derrick. A true professional & Mountain Man, Derrick answered all of our questions & made us confident & at ease throughout the whole experience. He had a unique sense of my comfort & capability level & knew exactly when to step in when I needed a little guidance. Thrilling views & a sensational experience this is an absolute must!

christina R.

Just finished yet another family adventure day on the Ouray Via Ferrata with San Juan Mountain Guides and Nate Disser, who is a true professional. I am typically way out of my comfort zone on these outings, but Nate's calm and clear direction inspires confidence and always creates and incredible experience. In the midst of a stressful few months, this was a much needed getaway to fresh mountain air and a perfect distraction to focus on breathing and taking in the incredible views. Thank you for an awesome experience yet again and for all of the safety reassurances from the gear and route rigging to all of the COVID-19 safety guidelines in place! We will be back!

Jacob D.

If you climb at all, no need for a guide. It’s free! The upstream route is waaay more fun than the downstream, but it is definitely more strenuous. We did the upstream (full extension, no suspension bridge) and the downstream in one big day! Would highly recommend. You can go fast and finish them in 3 hours and 1.5 hours respectively.

Ray

This via ferrata was amazing. My 3 friends and I had little to no experience with vi ferratas and made it through perfectly fine. I don’t think a guide is necessary for this course although if you’re not athletic but still adventurous it might be advised. This course is an absolute must do if you’re in Ouray. Views are incredible and the course is one of the most fun I’ve had in the mountains. Really appreciate the owner opening this to the public free of charge as long as you bring the proper gear. Can recommend this enough and strongly advise buying a beer after you’re done from his brewery in town!