Via Ferrata Telluride
A free, self-guided via ferrata offering thrilling cliffside traverses and breathtaking San Juan Mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Changing leaves & stable weather
Via Ferrata Telluride
Best Time
Changing leaves & stable weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, self-guided via ferrata offering thrilling cliffside traverses and breathtaking San Juan Mountain views.
"This is my first via ferrata and it was an incredible experience! Scared then elated."
Rent Your Gear
Harness, helmet, and lanyard are essential. Rent from local shops like Basecamp Ouray for around $45.
Consider a Guide
For beginners or extra safety, hiring a guide is highly recommended. It's money well spent for peace of mind.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Rung Section
Mid-route
Traverse a sheer cliff face using only metal rungs, hundreds of feet above the ground. An adrenaline rush like no other!
Ajax Peak Views
Along the traverse
Experience breathtaking panoramic vistas of the San Juan Mountains and Telluride valley. Unbeatable scenery.
Historic Chuck Kroger Route
The entire via ferrata
Follow the original path carved by Chuck Kroger in the 1970s, a unique piece of local climbing history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gear Up for Adventure
Know Your Route & Risks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rent Your Gear
Harness, helmet, and lanyard are essential. Rent from local shops like Basecamp Ouray for around $45.
Consider a Guide
For beginners or extra safety, hiring a guide is highly recommended. It's money well spent for peace of mind.
East to West Direction
The route is best traversed from east to west for a more manageable experience.
Check Conditions
Be aware of weather and trail conditions, especially in early spring or after rain.
Tips
from all over the internet
Rent Your Gear
Harness, helmet, and lanyard are essential. Rent from local shops like Basecamp Ouray for around $45.
Consider a Guide
For beginners or extra safety, hiring a guide is highly recommended. It's money well spent for peace of mind.
East to West Direction
The route is best traversed from east to west for a more manageable experience.
Check Conditions
Be aware of weather and trail conditions, especially in early spring or after rain.
Respect the Free Access
This free route is maintained by the Telluride Mountain Club. Consider donating to support its upkeep.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Telluride Via Ferrata's incredible views and thrilling, self-guided adventure. While free and accessible, it's noted as being more challenging and less commercialized than other routes, with some potentially sketchy sections requiring caution and proper gear. It's a highly rewarding experience for those prepared for the exposure and physical demands.
"This was my first via ferrata and it was an incredible experience! We are experienced climbers so hired gear and did the route unguided.
The route is mostly hiking along a ledge of varying width, parts are more akin to rock climbing and the 'main event' is passing across a stretch on nothing but metal rungs, hubdreds of feet above the ground. As a confident climber, I still felt scared, then absolutely elated afterwards. A very cool experience!!
Warning: There were a couple of loose handles towards the end and some of the rock is loose.
We only had 1 car so we parked at the trailhead for bridal veil falls, hiked to the east entrance, traversed across, then hiked back down."
Dilara B
"Beautiful hike! Please only do this if you have decent via ferrata experience and the right equipment! A lot less commercialized and “safe” than the ones in Ouray. More challenging and has some sketchy areas that don’t have a cable attachment point. Best if done with someone who has done it before."
Madison Haakenson
"If you don't enjoy heights, this is not for you. Other than that, it a beautiful route. It took me about 4.5 hours with a substantial break in the middle"
Aiden Morris
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Via Ferrata is located near Telluride, Colorado. Access typically involves a hike to the east entrance. Some visitors park at the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead and hike to the start. If you're driving to Telluride, be prepared for mountain roads; some suggest hiring a guide for the drive if you're not confident.
Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Many visitors park at the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead and hike to the east entrance of the Via Ferrata.
Accessing the Via Ferrata often involves hiking. While some high-clearance 4x4 vehicles might navigate certain access routes, it's not a typical drive-up destination. Research specific access points and trail conditions before attempting to drive.
Most people hike to the east entrance and traverse west. This direction is generally considered more manageable.
Yes, it's possible to do the Telluride Via Ferrata as a day trip from Ouray, but it requires an early start and careful planning, especially if driving Imogene Pass.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Telluride Via Ferrata is a free, self-guided adventure. However, you are responsible for your own safety and gear.
The Via Ferrata itself is free. The main cost will be for renting safety equipment (harness, helmet, lanyard) if you don't own it, which can be around $45. Hiring a guide will add to the cost.
As a natural attraction, there are no official operating hours. However, it's best to attempt it during daylight hours and in good weather conditions.
No booking is required for the self-guided experience. If you choose to hire a guide, you will need to book with a guiding company in advance.
No permits are required for the Telluride Via Ferrata, as it's a free and publicly accessible route.
🎫 🧗 Onsite Experience
The Telluride Via Ferrata is considered challenging and is not for the faint of heart. It involves exposed sections, some loose rock, and a thrilling rung traverse.
The traverse itself can take a few hours, but including the hike to the start and back, expect it to take around 4.5 hours or more, depending on your pace and breaks.
You'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains, the Telluride valley, and the surrounding canyons.
Yes, some sections can be sketchy, with loose rock and areas that lack continuous cable attachment points. It's crucial to have proper experience or a guide.
It's generally not recommended for absolute beginners without a guide due to its challenging nature and potential hazards.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere! The entire route offers incredible photo opportunities. The rung section and panoramic viewpoints are particularly iconic.
Be extremely cautious when taking photos. Ensure your safety equipment is secure and you are not compromising your balance or grip. It's best to pause at secure points.
A smartphone with a secure grip or a lightweight action camera is ideal. Avoid bulky DSLRs that can be cumbersome and a safety hazard.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas due to regulations and safety concerns. Always check local drone laws before flying.
Capturing the sheer drop and the feeling of exposure can be challenging but rewarding. Wide-angle lenses can help convey the scale.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Adventurous Pairs
The breathtaking views provide a stunning backdrop for your adventure, making it a perfect activity for couples who love the outdoors and a bit of adrenaline. Consider hiring a guide for your first time together to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Safety First: Gear and Guidance
It's crucial to understand that this via ferrata is less commercialized and more challenging than some others. Some sections have loose rock, and there are areas where the cable attachment points are not continuous.
The Thrill of the Traverse
The route, originally conceived by local climber Chuck Kroger in the 1970s, winds its way along ledges and up cliff faces, offering spectacular, unobstructed views of the San Juan Mountains and the picturesque Telluride valley. +1Unlike more developed via ferratas, the Telluride route feels wild and authentic. It's a testament to the Telluride Mountain Club's efforts to maintain this free access for adventurers.
Navigating the Route and History
The route itself is approximately 3 miles round trip, including the hike back to the start. It was originally built by Chuck Kroger, a climber who lived in Telluride in the 1970s, as a way to link natural cliff ledges below Ajax Peak. The Telluride Mountain Club has since taken over responsibility for its upkeep and insurance, ensuring it remains a free and accessible adventure for all. Many visitors combine the Via Ferrata with other Telluride activities. For instance, some park at the Bridal Veil Falls trailhead, hike to the east entrance, complete the traverse, and then hike back down.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit