Hiking in Colorado offers nature enthusiasts exquisite views and breathtaking scenic routes. While this may be sufficient for some, others seek to amp up the adrenaline with mountaineering, rock scrambles, tricky terrain, and rock climbing. Luckily, Colorado offers adventures for every type of outdoor lover, including hosting some of the best via ferrata courses.
Via ferrata courses consist of climbing routes with challenging features, such as metal rungs, narrow bridges, steep climbs, steel cables, and other fixed anchors. Climbers are equipped with lanyards and other climbing equipment to successfully complete the course. These courses are found worldwide and require varying skill levels depending on the route.
Those seeking an exciting adventure can gather all the equipment necessary, and head to one of the eight via ferrata Colorado routes. Below, we explore six top ferrata route options for Colorado visitors.
Peregrine Arete and Cloud Ladder in Estes Park
First on the list of via ferrata Colorado courses is Peregrine Arete and Cloud Ladder, a hiking/climbing route combination which is situated in Estes Park. These are two separate via ferrata routes which vary vastly in skill level. Peregrine Arete is easy enough for beginners and children over the age of 12, while Cloud Ladder is considered one of the most challenging via ferrata options in the USA. Each route requires a guided ferrata tour and prior climbing experience.
The Peregrine Arete route takes visitors alongside a slim ridge, providing views of the stunning surroundings. The Cloud Ladder route instead takes hikers on a route that includes a steep cliff trek and multiple vertical ladders, which require a ferrata lanyard for each explorer.
Blue Sky Via Ferrata in Idaho Springs
About half an hour from downtown Denver, at the AVA Granite Via Ferrata Idaho Springs outpost, thrill seekers can explore the Mt. Blue Sky Via Ferrata. This route also requires a tour and a minimum age of 12 years, though it’s suitable for all skill levels, even those with no prior climbing experience. This unique route begins in the old mining town of Idaho Springs and takes climbers up the side of Mount Blue Sky (previously known as Mount Evans). During this excursion, visitors can see views of Idaho Springs, mountains, forests, and Chicago Creek. This route includes an array of activities, including rappelling, ziplining, rock climbing, and more.
Ouray Via Ferrata
This via ferrata will test the limits of climbers, as they climb iron rungs, shuffle across narrow ledges, and traverse vertical cliffs. Set in the beautiful San Juan Mountains near the Ouray Ice Park, this climb includes exciting, unique features, including the Sky Climb and Sky Ladder (a dangling bridge spanning the gorge). The Ouray Via Ferrata does not require a tour. However, previous experience is a must-have. Additionally, this Uncompahgre Gorge via ferrata includes two routes, upstream and downstream, which can be perused by climbers. Those interested in a more challenging route can elect the upstream option.
Royal Gorge Via Ferrata
Another of the best Via Ferrata Colorado routes is the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata, found at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. This option is also one of the newer via ferratas in the state, providing past and new visitors with a heart-pumping climb. Within the park, visitors can choose between six via ferrata routes. Three of these trails are geared toward beginners, while the others are best for more advanced climbers. Regardless of the trail chosen, you can expect incredible views of the Arkansas River and the interior of the gorge. Additional adventurous activities are available at the park, including ziplining and a bungee sky coaster.
Granite Via Ferrata
Set in the beautiful area of Buena Vista is the Granite Via Ferrata. This via ferrata Colorado course requires a tour, and takes about half a day to complete. The entire route is built directly into the natural landscape, providing an exhilarating experience for climbers. This via ferrata includes various features, such as a suspended, railing-free bridge and a rocky cliff face climb. The Granite Via Ferrata is a top option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Arkansas River and Collegiate Peaks Mountain Range during their climb.
Telluride Via Ferrata
Those with climbing experience who want a more challenging route will want to schedule time to check out the Telluride Via Ferrata. This via ferrata Colorado course is intended to be unguided, so safety knowledge and your own equipment is required. The Telluride Via Ferrata allows climbers to scale exposed rock opposite the south-facing wall of the canyon, offering views of multiple waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains, and the surrounding canyon. As the first via ferrata in Colorado, this is a must-try for experienced climbers. Guided tours are also available for this route, though some experience is still required for this option.
