Colorado has it all: rock climbing, hiking, biking, caving, camping, skiing, and exploring. However, some of the best destinations in the state can only be seen with a bit of ingenuity and (dare I say) craziness, and that’s where the Colorado Via Ferrata routes come in handy.
The Via Ferratas in Colorado take you on stunning outdoor adventures over rock, iron, cables, and ladders. It’s an accessible excursion for just about anyone, and it comes in all shapes and sizes across the state.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the best Colorado Via Ferrata adventures.
What Is a Via Ferrata?
A Via Ferrata is a fusion of mountaineering and rock climbing. Builders have carved paths into the rocks with metal rungs, super-strong cables, vertical ladders, and bridges to make extreme routes accessible to everyone. Via Ferrata stands for “iron path” in Italian, and you’ll understand the name more as you climb along man-made features.
You’re tethered to the route via a Via Ferrata lanyard, which attaches to your climbing harness and has two lanyards with carabiners on the end. You clip these carabiners onto the cables and wire ropes, and it glides along, ready to protect you in case of a fall.
When switching to another cable or rung, you simply detach one lanyard, attach it to the new cable, and then follow the same process for the second lanyard once you’re securely attached.
That’s it.
But we won’t pretend that it’s that easy. While you don’t need to be a seasoned climber or superhuman to do a Via Ferrata, you will need a bit of bravery and composure. At times, you’ll be teetering on the edge of a cliff over super-exposed sections of rock and water. You’ll need to muster your courage to push through the mental limitations and beat out your “fear of heights.”
A Via Ferrata is more than just a physical journey—it’s a dance with nature, an intimate conversation between you and the mountains. It teaches you to trust in your abilities, embrace the unknown, and find solace in the vastness of the vertical world.
It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the most unforgettable experiences lie just beyond our comfort zones.
12 Best Colorado Via Ferrata Adventures
1 & 2. Ouray Via Ferrata
- Location: Ouray, Colorado
- Accessibility: Unguided Via Ferrata, so you can explore it whenever the Ouray Ice Park is open
- Restrictions: You’ll need a certified Via Ferrata lanyard, plus gloves and a helmet
The Ouray Via Ferrata offers 2 routes: the Downstream Route and the newest Upstream Route. Both routes provide incredible views of the Uncompahgre Gorge. You’ll be dangling on the cliffside above a roaring river, clutching to rungs and rocks as you make your way across.
You’ll traverse incredible entry-and-exit point suspension bridges, climb vertical ladders, and cross precarious ledges. It’s an adventure, that’s for sure—so be ready to hold your breath.
Downstream Route
The Downstream Ouray Via Ferrata route is ranked as a 4b on the Fletcher/Smith Italian VF Scale, meaning it’s a technical climb with moderate commitment. Since these are one-way routes, you’ll have to continue once you start, and there aren’t a whole lot of bail points.
Upstream Route
The Upstream Route is rated 4.5b (slightly harder than the Downstream Route). If you haven’t done a Via Ferrata before, you should do the Downstream Route first. And if you’re feeling extra uncomfortable, consider hiring a local guide to take you. They’ll show you the ropes (literally) and can give you the much-needed confidence you need to make this a successful outing.
3. Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
- Location: Ouray, Colorado
- Accessibility: Only accessible through Gold Mountain Ranch
The Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is a vertical historic tour of southwest Colorado’s mining roots and the San Juan Mountains. It’s an exclusive experience that is only accessible through Gold Mountain Ranch and its partnered guiding services.
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is a bit more inclusive than the Ice Park’s Upstream and Downstream routes. For starters, you’ll have to use a guide. There are also plenty of optional routes along the course, giving thrill-seekers a chance to push their limits while allowing non-climbers to enjoy the experience within their comfort zones.
The trip culminates with a long, exposed bridge that traverses a canyon. You’ll feel the breeze—that’s for sure.
4. Telluride Via Ferrata
- Location: Telluride, Colorado
- Accessibility: Unguided Via Ferrata experience
Telluride’s Via Ferrata (also known as the “Krogerata”) offers a technical, exposed climbing experience. The builder intentionally ditched cables on certain parts of the route, forcing climbers to use the raw rock. Unlike the other Via Ferratas we’ve mentioned so far, there’s no bail point along the Telluride Via Ferrata—once you commit, you’ve got to keep going.
This is a one-way, east-to-west route. You’ll start off of Bridal Veil Falls Road, a few switchbacks up toward Bridal Veil Falls. The Via Ferrata ends at Marshall Creek, where you’ll follow a trail back down to the Bridal Veil Falls Road, where you can hike back to your car.
While it’s technically easier than Ouray’s Via Ferrata, it has considerable exposure, especially in the un-cable sections. However, it’s only rated a 2b.
5. Royal Gorge Via Ferrata
- Location: Cañon City, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
Welcome to the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata, a breathtaking and daring adventure that will take you to new heights in Cañon City, Colorado. Prepare yourself for an experience that combines jaw-dropping natural beauty with the thrill of conquering one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
This Via Ferrata offers a unique perspective on the magnificent Royal Gorge Bridge. As you embark on this adrenaline-fueled journey, you’ll find yourself traversing along the canyon’s sheer cliffs, suspended above the roaring Arkansas River. Look up, and you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the towering rock walls and the Royal Gorge Bridge itself—a marvel of engineering that spans the vast chasm below.
Remember that the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is a demanding adventure requiring moderate fitness and a head for heights. You can hire a trained mountain guide to lead you on the full 5 hour-adventure, or you can opt for a shorter 3-hour trip.
The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is a great entry-level climb into the world of Via Ferratas.
6. Granite Via Ferrata
- Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
The Granite Via Ferrata has you climb 220 feet in just about a mile. You start the course by taking a zipline to the base of the Collegiate Peaks. After a short climb along the Via Ferrata, you’ll get to experience a 60-foot free fall before beginning across the suspension bridges and high wires. The adventure ends with a 70-foot rappel.
You get to taste a little bit of everything on this adventure, all while embracing granite cliffs above the raging Arkansas River. This Via Ferrata is designed to cater to both beginners seeking an introduction to the vertical realm and experienced climbers hungry for a new challenge.
It’s a guided half-day tour that’s appropriate for anyone ages 12 and up.
7. Mt. Evans Via Ferrata
- Location: Idaho Springs, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
As you begin your ascent, you’ll find yourself navigating vertical sections, exposed traverses, and challenging obstacles, all while being rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.
The Mt. Evans Via Ferrata is operated by the same folks over at the Granite Via Ferrata, and it’s no less professional (or jaw-dropping). Like the Granite Via Ferrata, you’ll experience climbing, ziplining, rappeling, and a 50-foot free fall.
It’s a guided-only adventure that’ll take about half a day and is available for anyone ages 12 and up.
8. Peregrine Arete Via Ferrata
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
The Peregrine Arete has climbers ascend 600 feet up a vertical cliff as they soak in views of Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s a nix mix of rock features, steel steps, and ladders to keep things fresh and exciting.
You’ll start with the most physically demanding moves of the day before traversing over to a super-exposed section. After that, it’s easy-breezy as you soak in the views along the crest of the ridge. This family-friendly adventure can accomodate all skill levels (even those below the age of 12), so this might be a good entry-level way to test out Colorado Via Ferrata adventures.
9. Cloud Ladder Via Ferrata
- Location: Estes Park, Colorado
- Accessibility:
Looking to take things to the next level? The Cloud Ladder Via Ferrata is considered the advanced Via Ferrata option in Estes Park, and it’ll definitely get your heart racing. You’ll find plenty of airy ladder climbing and bridge crossings that’ll get even the most experienced rock climbers a shot of adrenaline.
Unlike the Peregrine Arete, The Cloud Ladder becomes more difficult as you climb. It’s a rock climbing, mental, and endurance challenge—so you’ll need to bring your A-game.
10. Cave of the Winds Via Ferrata
- Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
The Cave of the Winds Via Ferrata takes around 3 hours to complete, and you’ll get to experience iron rungs, rock, zip lines, and more as you traverse limestone cliffs and alpine mountain paths. Via Ferrata Canyon Tours designed this to be an entry-level experience, so don’t worry if you’re a Via Ferrata newbie.
11. Lawson Adventure Park Via Ferrata
- Location: Dumont, Colorado (off I-70)
- Accessibility: Guided tour
The Lawson Adventure Park Via Ferrata has you climb 250 feet over rock, cable, and steel rungs. It’s a beginner-friendly Via Ferrata that takes only around 1.5 hours and ends with an optional zipline descent.
12. Captain Zipline Via Ferrata
- Location: Salida, Colorado
- Accessibility: Guided tour
The Captain Zipline Via Ferrata provides a fully-guided build-your-own adventure. The park offers 4 routes:
- Yellow (Mountain Goat): Entry-level route to learn how all the equipment works.
- Green (Diamondback): 600-foot long course with basic ledges. Once you finish, you can decide to continue on Blue or Black.
- Blue (Fortress): ~3,300 feet in length. The route climbs along the Arkansas River and ends with a 150-foot swinging bridge.
- Black (Victory Ridge): Most demanding route. Requires intermediate-level rock climbing skills and strength.
Go Climb a Colorado Via Ferrata
Nervous about getting started with a Colorado Via Ferrata? You’re not alone. That’s why dozens of local guide companies offer (or require) full-service tours of practically any Via Ferrata in Colorado. You can even find guides for unguided Via Ferrata experiences, like the Ouray Ice Park.
Ready to make it happen? Plan a trip to any of these beautiful locations, rent the gear, and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime.
Looking for a different kind of adventure? Check out everything Colorado has to offer.
