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The best 8 via Ferrata’s in the United States

A couple of the Mt Evans via ferrata in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Looking something a little more adventurous than ziplining but not quite able to do something as extreme as rock climbing. Via ferrata might be just what you are looking for.

Tell me more about Via Ferrata

A Via ferrata is a combination of fixed anchors, Steel cables, bridges and other variable points fixed into the mountain. Via ferrata is Italian for Iron way. Once used to help climbing client’s up routes in the 1800s and later to help move supplies and troops in world war I. It is now known fun adventure for the Average Joe off the couch or the inexperienced climber.

Telluride Colorado Via Ferrata

Via ferrates are more well known and wide spread throughout Europe than the United States but they are catching on quickly in the states.

8 Top Via Ferrata’s Across the US

Zion, Utah

Eye of the Needle Canyon Via Ferrata

You can venture through the Eye of the Needle Canyon Via Ferrata with the Zion Adventure Company.

This company offers a unique experience when it comes to a via ferrata tour. You descend through a slot canyon over 450 with several climbs downward and also 9 rappels down a 400 foot waterfall. Once you reach the bottom, this is where you would begin your iron road back to the top.

Mammoth, California

Mammoth Mountain Via Ferrata

Mammouth Mountain Resort does guided via ferrata climbing adventures tours.

This via ferrata offers 6 different routes that are available daily. You can book a group tour or a private one. They offer 3 easy routes, two moderate routes(which is joined by a suspension bridge) and one difficult route. Theses routes are adjacent to each other spanning over 300 hundred feet across a cliff back ascending 180 up.

Squaw valley, California

Tahoe Via Verrata

Alpenglow takes visitors on epic via ferrata tours in Squaw Valley.

This via ferrata is located on the ski resort and is open during the summer months. It is located on the tram face of the resort. This via ferrata features a 1000 plus foot elevation gain in about a mile and a half climb. They offer two different routes. The total trip time is around 4 hours.

Circleville, West Virginia

North Forks Valley Via Ferrata

NRocks Outdoor Adventures guides visitors through an epic valley in West Virginia.

This course is a moderate challenge in terms of via ferrates. You gain 1085 in elevation on this route. Cross a 200-foot suspension bridge that’s 150 feet above the ground. This via ferrata is open year-round and available for folks 13 years or older.

Torrent Falls, Kentucky

Red River Gorge Via Ferrata

Southeast Mountain Guides opened the first ever commercially operated via ferrata in the US and they are still going strong.

This via ferrata is in the red river gorge in the beautiful southern Kentucky mountains. This climbing destination has it courses for all levels of experience. It starts with a beginner of family route and work your way up to an expert level. A day pass for the via ferrata courses is 48 dollars so its also an affordable adventure for the whole family.

Colorado Via Ferrata

Jackson hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Via Ferrata

Jackson Hole Resort takes visitors on a guided via ferrata trip in one of the most beautiful locations in the US.

This mountain resort is located near the Wyoming Idaho border. It sits between the Teton mountain range and the Gros Ventre mountain range. This via ferrata is located on the mountain resort known for its steep and extreme skiing terrain. This is a guided climbing trip. It’s a full day trip with lunch included usually lasting around 5 hours or a 3-hour trip half day without lunch.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride Via Ferrata

Book your Telluride Via Ferrata trip through telluride.com for incredible views of the San Juan Mountain Range.

Once known for its silver mining, telluride is an adventure paradise for many. This via ferrata is set in a picturesque landscape know for its skiing in southern Colorado. Although the views are beautiful this via ferrata is not the beginner route like many of the previous. This one has technical climbing aspects as well. Suspended 500 feet above the ground it is not for the faint of heart. This via ferrate is located on the east and south end of tellurides box canyon. This trip can be done without a guide but if you are nervous, they recommend hiring an experienced guide.

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Mount Evan’s Via Ferrata

AVA takes visitors through an exciting via ferrata course in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

This via ferrata is located about an hour west of Denver set in historic Idaho Springs. This town in know for its gold mining history. This is a unique course and offers a variety of activities on the via ferrata tour. This tour offers zipline and repelling with your normal via ferrata route that includes bridges a simulated free fall and many other unique features

Still not quite sure what Via Ferrata is? Check out this Step by Step Via Ferrata Tour
Ultimate Guide to Via Feratta Gear