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Idaho Springs Via Ferrata

A Via Ferrata Tour of Mount Blue Sky

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EXPERIENCE IDAHO SPRINGS THE IRON WAY

Travel just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, and you will find yourself cliffside at our Idaho Springs outpost, high above the trees and in the mountainside. Here, thrill seekers have the opportunity to challenge themselves on our unique Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) Via Ferrata course. Meaning “Iron Path” in Italian, the Via Ferrata has been a way to explore the cliff sides in Europe for centuries, dating most prominently to World War I when Via Ferratas helped soldiers gain footing and position in the Italian Dolomites.

IDAHO SPRINGS' HIGHEST ADVENTURE

MOUNT BLUE SKY, COLORADO

AVA’s Mount Blue Sky Via Ferrata in historic Idaho Springs received its name for its proximity to Mount Blue Sky-a local 14er nestled in the Arapaho and Pike National Forests. The summit of Mount Blue Sky can be accessed by hiking or from the Mount Blue Sky Byway– the highest paved road in North America! Along the journey, visitors will experience startling views of the alpine landscape and may also encounter bighorn sheep or mountain goats.

IDAHO SPRINGS, COLORADO

This journey up Mount Blue Sky begins in Idaho Springs–one of Colorado’s first mining towns and the original point of discovery for gold in the state. Idaho Springs offers several opportunities to learn about the area’s history through tours at the Argo or Phoenix gold mines. Idaho Springs also offers ample opportunities for dining after your adventure or relaxing in the Indian Hot Springs!

RAPPEL INTO ADVENTURE

UNIQUE THRILLS AND FEATURES

This breathtaking adventure is a true mountaineering experience that combines rock climbing, ziplining, 70 feet of rappel, and exciting climbs throughout. You’ll start your Via Ferrata trip by meeting your guide at our outpost, where they will assist you in fitting your gear. You will then ride on our zip truck through the town of Idaho Springs to reach the course. Once cliffside, you will traverse across iron rungs, jungle-like bridges, and even have the opportunity to soar across 3 lines of our zipline course.

COLORADO'S BEST ANGLE

This course takes adventure seekers high above Idaho Springs and the surrounding area, reaping breathtaking views of the town, mountains and the Chicago Creek. Maybe you will even spot some gold from up above! This is one of the best ways to get to above the tree tops and see some sights while really testing your limits!

WHAT TO EXPECT ON AN IDAHO SPRINGS VIA FERRATA ADVENTURE

OUR GEAR, YOUR SAFETY

You will be fitted with a harness, lanyards with secure clips, gloves, and a helmet. AVA guides receive training in all safety equipment, with AVA using only equipment that has been regularly inspected and tested. Cables run the entirety of the course and use an internal locking system, allowing you to remain connected to the cliff face. You will clip into the cables using a carabiner lock system that only allows for one carabiner to be unlocked at a time, making it impossible to ever be completely disconnected from the cable on the mountainside.

PACKING LIST

You must wear closed toe and secure trips on all of our Via Ferrata trips! We also recommend wearing comfortable clothes that you can climb and hike in. Loose clothing, short shorts, and jeans should not be worn on the course, and long hair should be tied up.

Trips will still run despite rain, and will only be canceled due to high winds or lightning. This means that it is a good idea to pack a raincoat, especially as weather in Colorado’s mountains can change rapidly. You may also bring a small backpack for water or layers. Please keep anything valuable locked in the car, to avoid losing anything on the course.

YOUR VIA FERRATA ADVENTURE OPPORTUNITIES

DATES

Beginning March 31st, 2023, our Idaho Springs Via Ferrata trips run weekends (Friday through Sunday) and daily beginning May, 12th 2023.

After Labor Day, September 4th, 2023, trips will run Wednesdays through Sundays throughout September.

In October, we offer trips weekends (Friday through Sunday) until our closing day, October 29th.

TIMES

We offer trips at 9:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:30pm

REQUIREMENTS

The adventure can take up to 3.5 hours, so be sure that you are physically capable to adventure for that length. Via Ferrata trips have a minimum age requirement of 12, a minimum weight requirement of 50lbs and a maximum weight limit of 250lbs. The Via Ferrata is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventures you can try in Colorado, and although you do not need to have climbing experience, many sections require you to be able to climb up rungs and ladders.