How does a Via Ferrata course work?

On AVA’s Via Ferrata tour, our equipment functions on a 2 carabiner system to ensure you remain hooked to the cable at all times. You will utilize the two carabiners connected to your harness to clip in and out of the course as you traverse across the cliff. It is impossible to clip out of both carabineers simultaneously, thus keeping you safe and connect during the entire course. With this system, you will have the opportunity to climb across ladders, steel rungs, and cables, as well as soar on our ziplines!

When can I do a Via Ferrata course?

Our Granite Via Ferrata at our Buena Vista outpost is open from May through September, with trips running at 8:30am, 11:30am, and 2:30pm. At our Idaho Springs outpost, trips run 9:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:30pm April through October. Trips are available daily throughout the summertime, and during the fall and spring, we offer trips Friday through Sunday. Please check our trip pages for current booking information.

How long is the Via Ferrata trip?

Between traversing the cliffside via iron rungs, crossing multiple suspended bridges, rappelling down a rock face, and concluding your adventure with a few ziplines, our guided Via Ferrata tours provide up to 3.5 hours of adventure!

Is it safe to attempt a Via Ferrata?

Our Via Ferrata courses were constructed with guest safety as our main priority and have undergone extensive safety inspections before opening, yet, as with any outdoor adventure, there are still risks involved. It is crucial to follow safety instructions from your guides, utilize proper equipment, and technique, and be aware of weather conditions and personal limitations before beginning.

Are the Via Ferrata courses guided?

AVA Rafting & Zipline only offers guided Via Ferratta trips. Our guides go through extensive training, with the number of training hours completed surpassing industry standards. Guides are CPR and First Aid Certified, as well as trained in the proper use of all safety equipment. Training for guides additionally includes guiding under supervision of a more experienced guide before leading a trip themselves.

What is a Via Ferrata?

“the iron way”

OUR COLORADO VIA FERRATA COURSES

Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata
Idaho Springs, CO

Conveniently located just 30 minutes west of Denver, AVA’s Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata is equipped with iron rungs along the cliffside, multiple suspended bridges, and even a few ziplines that will fly you over Chicago Creek to conclude your adventure.

Learn More About Our Mt Blue Sky Via Ferrata

GRANITE VIA FERRATA
Buena Vista, CO

Try out AVA’s newest adventure this year and book a trip on the Granite Via Ferrata. You’ll venture among the treetops above the Arkansas River Valley, traverse across the valley’s notorious granite cliff-faces, and catch breathtaking views of the Collegiate Peaks on this course.

Learn More About Our Granite Via Ferrata

WHY CHOOSE AVA'S VIA FERRATAS?

Colorado Via Ferrata has two thrilling courses in Colorado! The Iron Way can be found in Idaho Springs, CO. This exciting course is our original Via Ferrata and is located conveniently just 30 minutes from downtown Denver. Our Buena Vista course is located in the heart of the Arkansas Valley. Each course takes you mountaineering across the cliffside and integrates exciting elements across the course.

Just 30 minutes west of downtown Denver, our Idaho Springs Outpost is home to the original Iron Way: Colorado Via Ferrata! You’ll traverse the cliffs high above the historic mining town, across planked bridges, rappel down 70 feet and zipline back to the outpost. You can also package your Via Ferrata adventure with a Clear Creek rafting trip!

Take advantage of our multi-adventure packages at both the Buena Vista and Idaho Springs outposts! Along with our Via Ferrata adventure courses, you can hop on a raft for a whitewater rafting adventure for a full day in the Colorado outdoors.

Check back for great deals on trips! See all details on our pricing page.

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Adventures Close to Denver, Colorado

AVA’s Idaho Springs outpost is located only 30 minutes west of downtown Denver, making an afternoon adventure in the mountains entirely doable. Idaho Springs is home to AVA’s Cliffside Zipline and Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata course. If you’re wanting a true Rocky Mountain experience, head a bit further west to AVA’s Buena Vista location. There are rustic miner cabins and lodging on site so you can make your way over the night before your adventure and wake up to the crisp air in the Arkansas River Valley before you get ready for your action-packed day.

What makes AVA's Colorado Via Ferratas Special?

With a plethora of summer adventures available and so many outfitters, it’s hard to pick the best one. AVA is Colorado’s premier adventure guide for many different reasons. First of all, our guides are some of the best trained in the country. Every guide starts out in a thorough training course to become proficient in all the gear, safety measures and course procedures. Once you arrive at one of our outposts and get geared up, you’ll go through ground school to learn all the do’s and don’ts of traversing on your Via Ferrata excursion. You’ll feel safe navigating the cliffside on our Via Ferrata courses and your guides will be there to help you along the way. Our courses will take you a few hours to venture through and we’re sure you’ll be smiling ear to ear after conquering this mountaineering trip.

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIA FERRATAS

TRY THE IRON WAY

Located just 30 minutes west of I-70 on the cliffside above Idaho Springs, this venture is a combination of ladders, rungs, carved steps, and bridges and will have you on the edge all morning. Perched among the treetops above the historic mountain town, you’ll catch incredible views of the Continental Divide on this trip… just don’t look down.

CHECK OUT THE IRON WAY

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Colorado’s summers are unforgettable with blue skies and moderate mountain temperatures. To escape Denver for an afternoon, head out on our Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata or Cliffside Zipline for the perfect outdoor adventure. For quintessential Colorado, don’t miss our Granite Via Ferrata in Buena Vista, with incredible views of the Arkansas River Valley.

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DEALS & SAVINGS

Come join AVA Rafting & Ziplining this season for the adventure of a lifetime. Check out some of our current deals and get your mountain getaway set up for the most affordable price.

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What is a Via Ferrata?

“the iron way”

OUR COLORADO VIA FERRATA COURSES

Mount Blue Sky Via FerrataIdaho Springs, CO

GRANITE VIA FERRATABuena Vista, CO