Approved Guide Services

The Downstream Ouray Via Ferrata route is a technical climbing adventure (rated 4b on the Fletcher/Smith Italian VF Scale) in Ouray’s Uncompahgre Gorge featuring a variety of challenges for participants. The Upstream Ouray Via Ferrata route is also a technical climbing adventure (rated 4.5b – so slightly more difficult than the Downstream Route). Inexperienced users should highly consider the services of a professional guide to lead them on both routes. Please see below for a list of approved guide services on the Ouray Via Ferrata:

SJMGSan Juan Mountain Guides
710 Main Street
Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 325-4925
SJMG OVF Bookings

 

Mountain Trip
135 W Colorado Ave
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 369-1153
Mountain Trip OVF Bookings

 

Cirque Guides
PO Box 171
Ouray, CO 81427
970-633-2469
Cirque Guides Website

 

Basecamp OurayBasecamp Ouray
630 Main Street
Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 318-0298
Basecamp OVF Bookings


Telluride Mountain Guides
Telluride, CO 81435
Telluride Mountain Guides OVF

Moxie Mountain Guides
PO Box 433
Rigway, CO 81432
970-239-1869
Call or Email to Book

San Juan Expeditions
1303 Greene St
Silverton, CO 81433
(970) 460-6065
[email protected]
www.sanjuanexpeditions.com

Safety First!

Beginning on May 6, 2023 the Ouray Via Ferrata will no longer allow participants outside of the manufacturers weight requirements (90lbs-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 90lbs or over 265lbs. Unguided participants who are outside of the manufactures’ weight requirements will be not be allowed to access the Via Ferrata, and they will be denied entry by the OVF Rangers.

The Ouray Via Ferrata has been designed and built by an experienced team of engineers, contractors and local climbing professionals including:

  • Wayfarer Ferrata Design – Matt Hepp/Chris Haaland
  • Via Ferrata Solutions – Clint Cook

ASTM InternationalCENThe route is designed to meet or exceed all current ASTM and CEN (European) safety standards. In fact, the Ouray Via Ferrata is expected to be the first free public Via Ferrata in the US built to modern safety standards.