Via Ferrata at the Royal Gorge

I had the opportunity in August 2019 to experience the new Via Ferrata attraction at the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Canon City, Colorado. Their new attraction was fun, thrilling and adrenaline fulfilling. If you have never heard of what Via Ferrata is, they are protected climbing routes in which steel cables are fixed to the rock wall. You are then secured to the cable through several carabiners.

This type of system allows relatively inexperienced climbing guests a means to hike and climb the Royal Gorge. I was able to hike and climb the granite rock walls of the Royal Gorge with trained mountain guides for a controlled mountaineering experience and saw views of the Royal Gorge that most don’t have the opportunity to see.

The cool thing about the this experience was that the steep cliff walls of the Royal Gorge naturally create a truly one-of-a-kind Via Ferrata - different than other Via Ferratas out there (although am now addicted and want to experience the others out there)! Your guide provides you with a private tour-like experience where you are able to see the gorge from a different perspective. You guide allows you go at your own pace, take in the views, and show you that you can achieve what you set out to do - because believe me, my anxiety kicked in at one point and I thought “I can’t climb this! What if I fall?!” They are definitely knowledgeable, encouraging and helpful.

Here’s a little history lesson for ya, Via Ferrata is Italian for “Iron Way.” It is a type of climbing system that dates back to WW1. Soldiers built and used this system to traverse the mountainous terrain in a more direct and timely manner. This 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.

If you are interested in trying the Via Ferrata at the Royal Gorge, click here and enter CARABINER2019 at checkout for a special discount!