All About Telluride’s Via Ferrata

The Telluride Via Ferrata was one of the first courses of its kind in Colorado and the popularity of this course has grown tremendously since it became legal to venture out on.

History of the Telluride Via Ferrata

Chuck Kroger starting building the Via Ferrata more than a decade ago. He often worked alone and sometimes at night to install his this traversing course in the dark. It was kept a secret for a while, and the locals called it the Krogerata after the creator that passed away in the 2007.  This Via Ferrata ventures horizontally along the cliffside above the breathtaking town of Telluride, and the two-mile course is rated a grade IV.

What the Telluride Via Ferrata is Like

It’ll take you about 3 to 4 hours to complete this course with the western half being the most serious, equipped with many sections being just a narrow trail with a monumental drop below.  You’ll catch views of Bridal Veil Falls and Box Canyon along the way.  Some parts of the trail have no cables and if you have a guide they will rope you in for extra protection as you navigate these sections.  Once you hit Krogers bench, things start getting real. A 300-foot stretch of ladders and rungs which drops off 200+ feet below you awaits you on the course and is probably the most intense section of this Via Ferrata.

When Can You Go on the Telluride Via Ferrata?

The Via Ferrata is best done during the spring, summer, and fall months. Make sure you check the weather because once bad rolls through it can become dangerous and there is no bail out for this adventure.

How to Get There

To get to the Via Ferrata, you will need to drive up Bridal Veil Falls Road or you can park at the bottom and walk up.  There is a lower and upper access point.  The lower is ½ half mile from the bottom parking area near the ponds and the upper is 1.75 miles to the upper trail head. Please remember to always use the proper equipment if you’re experienced and heading out solo, or go with a guide if you have never done a Via Ferrata before.

Try out the legendary Telluride Via Ferrata this year, or challenge yourself on one of AVA’s Via Ferrata courses.  We have locations in Idaho Springs and Buena Vista, leaving you with options across the state of Colorado.

*Featured image courtesy of Daniel Ribar.