The “Downstream” Route
The OVF is CLOSED for the remainder of 2024. Come see us in 2025!
Please stay tuned to our social media channels and website for up-to-date information regarding weather related closures or other updates!
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The “Original Downstream” Ouray Via Ferrata route begins off the Ice Park Loop trail at the South end of the New Funteer access trail and crosses the Uncompahgre River, continuing North and ending just past the “Upper Bridge”.
The route is varied with sections of narrow rock ledge, rungs across blank rock sections, climbing and descending sections and cable traverses – with the entire route protected by continuous safety cable.
The route is positioned entirely on the east side of the ice park gorge with no interference arising with Park ice climbing routes, operations or activity. Care has been taken to create this Via Feratta with the additional purpose of using it to access, and not interfere with, existing and potential new rock climbing routes on the eastern ice park cliff faces. This construction is intended to be a “core” Uncompahgre Gorge installation with future expansion in all directions feasible.
Features of the Downstream Ouray Via Ferrata include:
- approximately 4000+ linear feet of anchored cable protected / rung enhanced trail
- two technical exits of approximately 200 feet each
- one 35′ long cable wire bridge across the Uncompahgre Gorge at the South end start of the route
- one ascending “Sky Ladder” at the North end of the route spanning the gorge for approximately 75′ at 35 degrees in angle
- an optional “Sky Climb” rated VF 5 that avoids the ladder. It’s steep and pumpy!!
- wide variety of vertical and horizontal route sections with interesting and varied movement designed, implemented, and installed by local climbing professionals and engineers
- a fantastic opportunity to experience the beauty and majesty of the world famous Uncompahgre Gorge in the summer time!
The 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.
Economic Benefit