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The Ouray Via Ferrata
The Ouray Via FerrataThe Ouray Via Ferrata
  • The Routes
    • The Downstream Route
    • The Upstream Route
    • OVF Rules
  • Guiding & Equipment
    • Guiding Services
    • Equipment Rentals
    • Guiding Application
  • Become a Sponsor
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Make a Donation
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
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  • The Routes
    • The Downstream Route
    • The Upstream Route
    • OVF Rules
  • Guiding & Equipment
    • Guiding Services
    • Equipment Rentals
    • Guiding Application
  • Become a Sponsor
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Make a Donation
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

The OVF is CLOSED
Come See Us in 2025! A Whole New Route!
Experience the Upstream OVF 2024 Season CLOSED
Hours: 8am - 4pm Downstream Route Feature
The Sky Climb!! Built to the Highest
Safety Standards Free Public Access
Guiding Available Learn more...
Ouray Via Ferrata

2024 Upstream & Downstream Routes
Tentative Opening early May
May through October

Ouray, CO 81427
Contact Us Online Form
Email FOVF

Make a Donation Today!

 

Special Thanks to Our Team

  • Wayfarer Ferrata Design – Matt Hepp/Chris Haaland
  • Via Ferrata Solutions – Clint Cook
  • Goldman Robbins Mack – Josh Mack
  • Solga & Jakino CPA – Brandon Jakino
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‼️Attention‼️Ouray Via Ferrata enthusiasts ‼️Attention‼️Ouray Via Ferrata enthusiasts! Due to current and anticipated weather conditions in the Ouray area, both eh Downstream and Upstream Routes will be CLOSED 🛑until further notice. We will post additional updates as they become available if we are able to open for October 31 which is typically our last day of the season. Thank you to all who experience the routes in 2024!! #ourayviaferrata @visitourayco
Due to wet conditions on the routes and continued Due to wet conditions on the routes and continued expected inclement weather in Ouray, the Ouray Via Ferrata Routes will remain CLOSED on Sunday October 20, 2024. We plan to re-open the routes on Monday as warmer sunny weather and temperatures return to the area. Thanks! #ourayviaferrata @visitourayco
Due to wet conditions on the course and continued Due to wet conditions on the course and continued forecast rain for Ouray, the Ouray Via Ferrata will remain closed on Saturday October 19, 2024. Stay tuned for updates as weather and conditions improve over the next few days! #ourayviaferrata @visitourayco
Due to the forecast for tomorrow’s weather - Fri Due to the forecast for tomorrow’s weather - Friday October 18, 2024 - the Ouray Via Ferrata routes, both Upstream and Downstream will be closed. Please stay tuned as warmer summer weather looks to be on tap for next week! #ourayviaferrata @visitourayco
October 17, 2024 - The Ouray Via Ferrata will be c October 17, 2024 - The Ouray Via Ferrata will be closed for the remainder of the day due to weather and route conditions. An incoming winter storm may also dictate that the routes, both Upstream and Downstream, remain closed over the upcoming weekend. Sunny weather returns next week so stay tuned for more information about re-opening! #ourayviaferrata @visitourayco
Due to current and forecasted weather for the rest Due to current and forecasted weather for the rest of the day, Tuesday September 17th, the Ouray Via Ferrata will be CLOSED. The weather looks much better for the rest of the week so plenty of opportunity to experience the routes coming up!! @visitourayco #ourayviaferrata
July 1, 2024: Due to the rain the Ouray Via Ferrat July 1, 2024: Due to the rain the Ouray Via Ferrata will be closed today. We will plan to reopen at 8:00am on Tuesday July 2.
Due to the rain and thunderstorms the Ouray Via Fe Due to the rain and thunderstorms the Ouray Via Ferrata will be closed the rest of the day, June 21. We will plan to reopen at 8:00am on Saturday June 22.
This giant black pipe, known as the Penstock, runs This giant black pipe, known as the Penstock, runs along the top of the Uncompahgre River Gorge. It is very tempting to sit on the penstock as you gear up for the OVF. This pipe is very old, and it is more fragile than it looks. For your safety, PLEASE STAY OFF OF THE PENSTOCK. An innocent lean could lead to a major catastrophe. Please be aware. #ourayviaferrata #ovf
The “faux” waterfall is raging in the Uncompah The “faux” waterfall is raging in the Uncompahgre River Gorge. This waterfall is generated by the City Of Ouray’s water system. When the city water tanks reach capacity, the overflow is directed to the pipe and into the river. If you crop out the PVC pipe, the waterfall is beautiful! #ouray #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata #ouraycolorado 📸by @macy_fosterr
When you look back at your Ouray Via Ferrata adven When you look back at your Ouray Via Ferrata adventure you will be like “oh yeah!!” #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata #ouray 📸 @macy_fosterr thanks for the photo!!
The Uncompahgre River Gorge is calling you! You mu The Uncompahgre River Gorge is calling you! You must come and climb the Ouray Via Ferrata. #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata #ouray #ouraycolorado 📸 credit to: @macy_fosterr
The Ouray Via Ferrata will be open all weekend. We The Ouray Via Ferrata will be open all weekend. We are open daily from 8:00am-4:00pm. No reservations are needed to climb the OVF. Be sure to check in with the ranger, be polite to others and enjoy the climbing. #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata #ouray #ouraycolorado
The Ouray Via Ferrrata is free and open to the pub The Ouray Via Ferrrata is free and open to the public. No resevation is needed to climb. However, there is a minimum gear requirement and rules to follow. You can find the rules posted at the entrance of the Via Ferrata, and at the start of the Upstream and Downstream routes. You can also view the rules, gear requirements, weight restrictions and more at ourayviaferrata.org Minimum Required Equipment on the Ouray Via Ferrata include: * EN958 Certified Via Ferrata Energy Absorbing System (EAS) * EN12492 Certified Helmet – Mountaineering * EN 12277 Certified Harness – Mountaineering * Use of non-certified or improvised equipment is not allowed. The Ouray Via Ferrata Ranger will deny access to any climber with improper equipment. Beginning on May 1, 2023 the Ouray Via Ferrata will no longer allow participants outside of the manufactures weight requirements (88lbs-265lbs/40kg-120kg) to climb the Upstream or the Downstream Route without a professional guide using appropriate belay techniques in conjunction with a VF lanyard. This rule change no longer allows recreational parties to belay participants under 88 lbs or over 265lbs. Unguided participants who are outside of the manufacturers’ weight requirements will not be allowed to access the Via Ferrata, and they will be denied entry by the OVF Rangers. #ouray #ouraycolorado #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata
May 22, 2024 - The Ouray Via Ferrrata is open!! Ye May 22, 2024 - The Ouray Via Ferrrata is open!! Yesterday we had a full day of rain, sleet, snow and hail. The route will be muddy but the flowers will be popping!! #ovf #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata
May 21, 2024 The Ouray Via Ferrata will be closed May 21, 2024 The Ouray Via Ferrata will be closed today due to the weather. We will plan to reopen tomorrow, May 22, at 8:00am. #ouray #ouraycolorado #ourayviaferrata
The Uncompahgre River is raging through the canyon The Uncompahgre River is raging through the canyon. The spring run off is feeding the box canyon. The roar of the river is deafening. This dramatic addition will definitely spice up your Ouray Via Ferrata adventure. #uncompahgreriver #ouray #ouraycolorado #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata
​ Weekend of May 17, 2024 The perimeter tra ​ Weekend of May 17, 2024 The perimeter trail is closed for tree removal near the new water tank. Please use the ice park BD access trail as the detour. Thanks everyone. Have a great weekend!  #ourayviaferrata #viaferrata #ouray #ouraycolorado
The Ouray Via Ferrata Ranger Shack has just receiv The Ouray Via Ferrata Ranger Shack has just received some major upgrades !!! We now have a plexiglass window for the shack. This will help block the relentless cold wind that blows through the canyon. Thanks to Chris Hinkson, Ranger and FOVF Board Member, we now have a propane heater for the shack. These upgrades may seem trivial, but they will greatly increase the overall moral and safety of the OVF Rangers. Thank you Chris for making the changes happen!! Small donations go a very long way. #ovf #ourayviaferrata #víaferrata #viaferrata #ouray #ouraycolorado
May 13, 2024- The perimeter trail is closed for tr May 13, 2024- The perimeter trail is closed for tree removal near the new water tank. Please use the ice park BD access trail as the detour. You can pick up the trail near Dick’s Chalet. #ourayviaferrata
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