Via Ferrata has been substantially gaining popularity throughout the last couple of years. With more and more people opting for outside adventure there is no surprise the number of Via Ferrata courses there are to choose from. No matter where you are in Colorado, there is a Via Ferrata course near you. All the courses below are guided only and free climbing is not allowed.
Idaho Springs
In Idaho Springs, you will find the Mount Evans Via Ferrata by AVA Rafting and Zipline. This Via Ferrata is along the cliffside and is only 30 minutes from Denver making it a perfect destination for a day trip. With a 50-foot free-fall and 70-foot rappel, the Mount Evans Via Ferrata is great for thrill-seekers. However, if you are not interested in the free-fall, it is not mandatory. While on the course, you will also get to do three ziplines which vary in length and height. There is only a half-day option available.
Buena Vista
The Granite Via Ferrata in Buena Vista is an extraordinary way to see the beautiful views of the Arkansas Valley and Collegiate Peaks of Colorado. Start on two ziplines before you embark on the Via Ferrata portion of the course. This course is “more exposed and edgier” than the Mount Evans Via Ferrata in Idaho Springs. Get ready to rappel down cliffsides, traverse over suspended bridges and conquer crags! There is only a half-day option available, but this is a perfect adventure to pair with another half-day activity provided by AVA Rafting and Zipline like the Browns Canyon Half-Day rafting trip.
Arapahoe Basin
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area opened its Via Ferrata course this summer. They are currently offering two different tours. The first tour is a full day of ascending to the 13,000-foot summit and the second being a shorter half-day trip to a mine shaft. This Via Ferrata is located on A-Basin’s East Wall and is the highest in North America. Instead of starting on a zipline like the Granite Via Ferrata, you will take a quick chairlift up to the starting point.
Image Courtesy of The Denver Post
Estes Park
Kent Mountain Adventure Center’s Via Ferrata features 600 feet of vertical climbing making for glorious views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Unlike the previous courses mentioned, Kent Mountain Adventure Center offers morning and sunset tours. Depending on group size, the total trip time will vary from five to six hours. There is a 45-minute hike involved which is something to keep in mind when deciding which Via Ferrata course to do.
Image Courtesy of Kent Mountain Adventure Center
