The Via Ferrata is OPEN
Quick Facts:
Quick Facts About the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata!
“Via Ferrata” means “iron way” in Italian.
Via Ferrata is a safe climbing system that blends hiking and rock climbing techniques, using a harness and carabiners.
There are 8 Via Ferrata courses in Colorado.
The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is the most unique course in Colorado!
Know Before You Go:
Guests must arrive at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park a minimum of 30 minutes before the start of their Via Ferrata tour.
All Via Ferrata tours require a short training session before starting the official route.
Tour prices include admission to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park and also include a next day free return!
Each Via Ferrata participant must sign a waiver. For those under the age of 18, a parent/legal guardian must sign the waiver.
“My family and I had an incredible time visiting the Royal Gorge Bridge and the new Via Ferrata. I was a little nervous to try the Via Ferrata having never done any rock climbing. However, I felt very secure with the knowledgeable staff and the provided equipment. The guides were conscientious of our safety at all times, tracking the weather and monitoring our comfort levels. Consequently, we were able to thoroughly enjoy the gorge from a thrilling and unique perspective. Highly recommend!” – Jenny
Colorado’s Best Climbing Adventure: Royal Gorge Via Ferrata
The newest Via Ferrata course in Southern Colorado, this Royal Gorge guided climbing adventure leads visitors through the massive granite walls on a cable system designed with safety in mind. The cables and steel rungs allow climbers on the guided Via Ferrata course to safely clip on and off as they make their way across and up the rock walls. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of the Royal Gorge while pushing your limits in a safe and controlled environment.
A mini suspension bridge, a short hike into the gorge, the roaring Arkansas River below, and the Royal Gorge Bridge high above offer guests scenic views seen no where else in Southern Colorado. With a mix of hiking and vertical climbing, the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is great for first-ever climbers and experienced rock climbers.
Join the Ranks of the Conquerors
To complete all three tours, and graduate from the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is no small feat. Start your journey with the Discovery Tour, work your way through the Revelation, and conquer the Royal. Each step brings you closer to mastering the Gorge and earning your place among the few who can proudly say they’ve conquered the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata. Book your tour today and begin an adventure you’ll never forget!
WHAT IS A VIA FERRATA
Via Ferrata is Italian for “Iron Way.”
This climbing system dates back to WW1. Soldiers built and used the Via Ferrata during the war to traverse the mountainous terrain in a more direct and timely manner.
Today, the Via Ferrata system is still used in the Alps for recreational purposes; however, The Royal Gorge Via Ferrata is on the forefront of those being built and used recreationally in the United States, which is another reason why the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Via Ferrata attraction is one of the best in Colorado.
The construction of each Via Ferrata attraction includes creating protected climbing routes in which steel cables are fixed into the granite rock walls. Guests then secure themselves to the cable. Together, the cable, climbing kit, and iron rungs assist the climber.
During our Via Ferrata tour attraction at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Colorado, guests will be provided an expert guide, to help them navigate their guided climbing tour.
Overall, the Via Ferrata system — whether used as a tour, or not — allows otherwise dangerous routes to be scaled without the risks that climbing without additional aids present. Therefore, giving relatively inexperienced guests a means to hike and climb the Royal Gorge with ease.
The steep cliff walls of the gorge naturally create one of the best Via Ferrata attractions in Colorado. There is no other quite like it.
Discovery Tours – The Perfect Introduction
Price: $100
Duration: please plan for a 1-hour tour.
Embark on your Via Ferrata journey with the Discovery Tour. Perfect for beginners and those new to the world of climbing, this 1-hour experience introduces you to the basics of Via Ferrata in a safe, guided environment. You’ll traverse moderate rock faces and gain confidence as you explore the stunning Royal Gorge scenery from a new perspective. This tour is designed to ease you into the adventure, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.
If booking within 24 hours of a tour, call (719) 276-8342 to check availability.
Discovery Private Tour: Personalized Introduction
Start your Via Ferrata adventure with a personalized experience designed just for you and your group. The Private Discovery Tour is the perfect introduction, offering an hour of guided climbing on our easiest course. Our expert guides will provide one-on-one instruction, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and confident. Enjoy the stunning views of the Royal Gorge in a private setting, with the freedom to move at your own pace. This tour is ideal for families, small groups, or first-time climbers looking for a fun and safe introduction to the Via Ferrata.
Pricing:
1 climber: $270
2 climbers: $270
3 climbers: $360
4 climbers: $440
5 climbers: $500
Please call (719)276-8342 to book your private Discovery Tour today!
Revelation Tours – Elevate Your Adventure
Price: $155
Duration: please plan for a 3-4 hour tour.
After conquering the Discovery Tour, you’re ready to take on the Revelation Tour. This 3-hour adventure offers a more challenging route with steeper climbs and more technical sections. Ideal for those looking to push their limits, the Revelation Tour immerses you deeper into the majestic Royal Gorge. With your confidence growing, you’ll find yourself tackling more advanced terrain, preparing you for the ultimate challenge: the Royal Tour.
If booking within 24 hours of a tour, call (719) 276-8342 to check availability.
Revelation Private Tour: A Customized Adventure
Elevate your adventure with the Private Revelation Tour, a 3-hour journey that takes you deeper into the heart of the Royal Gorge. This intermediate course is designed for those ready to build on their skills and tackle more challenging terrain. With a private guide by your side, you’ll have the flexibility to focus on the areas that interest you most, whether it’s mastering difficult sections or taking in the views. The Private Revelation Tour offers an exclusive, tailored experience that ensures your group gets the most out of every moment.
Pricing:
1 climber: $420
2 climbers: $420
3 climbers: $530
4 climbers: $670
Please call (719) 276-8342 to book your private Revelation Tour today!
Royal Tours – The Ultimate Challenge
Price: $185
Duration: please plan for a 4-5 hour tour.
The Royal Tour is the pinnacle of the Via Ferrata experience at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park. Spanning 5 hours, this tour is ideal for those who have completed the Discovery and Revelation Tours and are ready to conquer the most demanding climbs the Gorge has to offer. Steep ascents, narrow ledges, and heart-pounding heights await as you ascend to the highest points of the Via Ferrata. Completing the Royal Tour is a true test of endurance, skill, and determination.
If booking within 24 hours of a tour, call (719) 276-8342 to check availability.
Royal Private Tour: Ultimate Family Time
For those seeking the pinnacle of adventure, the Private Royal Tour is the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Over the course of 5 thrilling hours, you and your group will conquer the most difficult sections of the Via Ferrata, navigating steep ascents and exposed ledges under the guidance of your private instructor. This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering unparalleled views and the satisfaction of conquering one of the most challenging courses in the country. Upon completion, you’ll have not only achieved a remarkable feat but also forged unforgettable memories with your group.
Pricing:
1 climber: $580
2 climbers: $580
3 climbers: $735
4 climbers: $820
Please call (719) 276-8342 to book your private Royal Tour today!
THE QUICK FACTS
Guests must arrive at the park a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the start of their scheduled tour
Failure to arrive 30 minutes prior may shorten the scheduled tour or the tour may be cancelled.
Guests arriving before the park opens, please check in at the ranger post.
All tours require a short training session and familiarization run.
All rates include Park Admission which also includes next day free return.
If booking within 24 hours of a tour, call (719) 276-8342 to check availability.
Season Pass Holders – Please call (719) 276-8342 to book your Via Ferrata experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Via Ferrata located in Colorado?
The Via Ferrata attraction routes are on the south face of the Royal Gorge — east of the bridge below point sublime. Guests must enter the park at the north entrance by turning south from Hwy 50 onto County Road 3A (not County Road 3).
When is the Via Ferrata attraction open?
The Via Ferrata is open year round — 365 days a year depending on weather.
How long are the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Via Ferrata tours?
Each Via Ferrata attraction trip lengths vary from 2.5 hours to all day (generally a 6-hour day).
On the Via Ferrata guided climbing tours, can I fall?
In short, yes you can. However, your lanyards, attached to the steel cable adjacent to the climbing route, will arrest the fall. The Via Ferrata is designed to reduce the probability of falling and to minimize the impact of a fall if it happens.
During this Via Ferrata attraction in Colorado, can I stop part way and turn around?
If you’re worried about stopping and turning around we highly recommend starting out with our revelation tour, this short tour is a great introduction to what a Via Ferrata is! There are connector trails to exit the course from the bottom and top of every route, but it’s not advised if it can be helped. If there is an unusual mid-route circumstance, the guide can always add security by putting a participant on belay (top-rope). The Via Ferrata systems can be used to climb both up and down.
Who can participate in the guided climbing Via Ferrata attraction tours?
Anyone can participate in these guided climbing tours, as long as they fit the age, height/weight, physical requirements.
Is there any age or weight limit for any for the Via Ferrata guided climbing tours?
To participate in any of the Via Ferrata attraction tours, you must be 10 years of age or older. If you are 14 years of age or younger, you must be accompanied by a paying adult. The accepted weight range is between 88 to 264 pounds. The weight limit is set by the lanyard manufacturer.
Can I participate in any of the guided climbing Via Ferrata tours if I’m pregnant?
Participation in the Via Ferrata is not recommended after the first trimester of pregnancy.
Do I have to have a guide?
Yes. All of our Via Ferrata tours are considered guided climbing tours. This is to ensure the best and safest guest experience, a guide must accompany you on your adventure.
Are the guides certified in first aid & CPR?
All of our route guides are certified in first aid and CPR. Additionally, the entire Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Via Ferrata team in Colorado has been High Angle Rescue trained. The Park Rangers are EMR trained and are supported, if needed, by the Fremont County Search and Rescue.
Can I go on the Royal Gorge Via Ferrata without a ticket or guide?
All travel on the Via Ferrata must be accompanied by a Colorado Royal Gorge Bridge and Park guide. Unaccompanied travel on the Via Ferrata is considered trespassing and can pose a serious threat to the safety of other participants and to oneself.
Are there private guided experiences available?
Absolutely! We have private guides available for half- and full-day, entirely customizable experiences.
Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
There is no minimum group size. The maximum group size is five people per guide.
What should I bring on my Via Ferrata guided climbing tour?
Wear comfortable active wear and a waterproof layer. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks and sunglasses.
What is the cancellation policy?
Individual cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are fully refundable. Individual cancellations made within 24 hours will incur a $35/person fee. Groups of 20 or more must cancel at least 1 week prior to scheduled departure to receive a full refund. Group cancellations made within 1 week will incur a $35/person fee.
What equipment does the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Colorado supply?
Here, at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, we provide your harness, lanyards, shoes and a helmet. We will also provide small backpacks. You may use your own shoes, as long as they are appropriate.
Can I bring my own equipment to climb this Via Ferrata attraction?
While we certainly recommend that you use our gear, if your equipment meets all of the UIAA standards, we will look at it and determine if it is safe to use on the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park attraction. Our route guides must be satisfied with the quality and condition of your gear as they are responsible for your safety. Please note: There is no discount for bringing your own equipment.
Do we need hiking poles for any of the Via Ferrata tours?
You are welcome to bring hiking poles as long as they collapse and fit in your pack while you are on the route.
What about weather during any of the guided climbing Via Ferrata tours are refunds offered if the tour is cancelled because of weather?
Rough weather conditions such as lightning, thunder, rain or snow may cause closures or delays on the routes. There is no refund due to weather. Guests may reschedule.
What should I wear for my climb?
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers so you are prepared for any temperature change. If you wear shorts, they will be more comfortable with the harness if they are longer. We will provide shoes, helmet, harness and a lightweight backpack if needed. You are welcome to bring your own backpack as well. Don’t forget to bring socks & sunscreen!
