Ouray, Colorado is a quaint little mountain town with breathtaking scenery and one of our favorite activities of all time: Via Ferrata*. This mountain town is popular for its free routes, Ouray Via Ferrata Downstream and Upstream, but is also home to another wonderful Via Ferrata route called Gold Mountain. Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is actually a guided route, personally built by Logan, the owner of Basecamp Ouray. Although Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is a paid tour, it is worth every penny. And no, Logan did NOT pay us to say this. We actually did our due diligence and ran all of the Via Ferrata that Colorado had to offer, from Telluride to both of the Ouray Via Ferrata routes before doing this tour with Basecamp Ouray. And we have to say, we were impressed! The route is challenging enough to keep the veterans like us entertained. However, because of the thoughtful placement of the hand and foot holds as well as the presence of a guide, Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is a perfect introduction for beginners to the wonderful world of Via Ferrata.
*Via Ferrata is an Italian word that means “Iron Path.” It is a combination of hiking and climbing, where you’ll be clipped into a series of metal cables that are bolted into the rocks. While clipping in, you’ll traverse along or up exposed trails and rock faces using metal rungs, ladders, suspension bridges, ladders, and sometimes, natural rock holds.
Table of Contents
Stats
Where
Basecamp Ouray
630 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
How to Book
You can book your adventure at:
- Basecamp Ouray Website:
https://basecampouray.com/gold-mountain-ranch - Phone: 970.318.0298
Cost
$250+ depending on the number of people in your group
Season:
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata only available from May 1st – Oct 31st
Via Ferrata Info
- 1,200 ft climb
- 12 pitches: 10 upclimbs/traversing pitches, 2 suspension bridges.
- The 2nd suspension bridge is 273ft long, the longest of any Via Ferrata in the state and 2nd in the country.
- The route also travels through an abandoned mine, 100 years old black smith shop, and a tunnel.
Level
Beginner to Advance
Time:
4 hours
Weather
Video
Gold Mountain vs. Ouray Via Ferrata?
Since we did all the routes, Gold Mountain Via Ferrata, Ouray Downstream, and Upstream, here is the breakdown of the differences between them.
Gold Mountain
- Cost: $250+/person
- Difficulty: more challenging than the Downstream Route, but not as difficult as the Upstream Route.
- Who Can Do This? Beginners to Experts
Ouray Via Ferrata
- Cost: Free to do but you’ll need proper gear. You won’t be permitted in if you don’t have the proper gear.
- Difficulty: The Downstream route for Ouray Via Ferrata is rated 4B, very technical. The Upstream Route is double the difficulty of the Downstream
- Who Can Do This? You need to know what you’re doing to do this alone. Otherwise, you’ll need to to hire a guide.
Cost:
This is a guided tour so it is not free. At $250/per person, it is not cheap. However, that price is not outrageous either. The price includes all the gear (harness, helmet, and Via Ferrata-approved lanyard), a personal guide assigned to your group and a shuttle to and from the course. While the other routes in Ouray are gorgeous and fun, we have never experienced a Via Ferrata with so much character and history. The guide also takes awesome photos of you being a badass, hanging off the cliffs. You’ll also be supporting a local business.
If you are new to this kind of adventure, just the gear alone will set you back around $250 for purchase. If you’re new to Via Ferrata, rock climbing, or similar sports, you will want a guide to guide you and keep you safe. Via Ferrata is not a stroll in the park, you could get seriously hurt. Hiring a guide is also not cheap. So what we’re saying is, you’re getting quite a bargain doing Gold Mountain Via Ferrata with Basecamp Ouray, especially if you’re a beginner.
Difficulty
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is more challenging than the Downstream Route, but not as difficult as the Upstream Route. There are 12 pitches including 2 suspension bridges and 10 upclimb/traversing sections. Because of the steep upclimbs, Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is more strenuous than Ouray Downstream. However, due to its thoughtful placement of hand and foot holds, these climbs are so much easier than the Ouray Upstream. Also, a guide will be with you all the time to help you clip or to guide you through the difficult sections.
Who Can Do This?
Gold Mountain Via Ferrata is perfect for beginners. Because you’ll be going with a guide, you can safely push your body to reach new heights and overcome your fears. You will need to be physically fit because you have to climb up steep rock faces. However, don’t let that scare you because the most important thing is your mental stage. As long as you believe you can do this, the guide is there every step of the way to help you conquer your obstacles. When we did this, we actually saw a 6-year-old boy, climbing his way all the way to the top. His guide was taking his time to help the little adventurer the whole way.
Cost:
Free to participate. However, you’ll need all the approved gear: helmet, lanyard, and harness. You’ll need to either purchase these items or rent them. Purchase all three items will get you to around $250+. If you have never done Via Ferrata before or are not confident with your ability, you’ll definitely need to hire a guide, especially for the upstream route. Hiring a guide for this ranges from $145 to $349 depending on the number of people in your group.
Difficulty
- Ouray Downstream Via Ferrata is a technical and challenging route, a lot harder than Telluride Via Ferrata, but it is good for beginners. You’ll need to be in good physical shape, be able to climb ladders, be okay with height and exposure as well as be able to reach 63” high from the ground. A lot of the routes are traversing across the watercourse. There are some steep climbs, however, they are not that difficult unless you want to do the Sky Climb. Fortunately, the Sky Climb is optional. If you want to learn more about the Downstream Route, check out our blog here.
- The Upstream route is very hard. In fact, we think that the difficulty for the Upstream route is double the Downstream. There are a lot of upclimbs on steep and slightly overhang rock walls, very minimal handholds, and footholds. Actually, in certain sections, there are none at all. It also requires some rock climbing experiences such as how to position your body, how to find and use natural hands and footholds, how to switch feet, etc.
Who Can Do This?
If you want to do this without a guide, you will need to be physically fit, have some rock climbing or canyoneering experiences, and be comfortable with exposure. If you have never done Via Ferrata before or have the above requirement, we recommend hiring a guide or at least, going with someone experienced. Basecamp Ouray also have guided tours for this. There are valuable tips and tricks that you could learn from a guide or experienced adventurers that will make your adventure not only safer but also easier.
What Gear Do I Need?
Basecamp Ouray will have all the specialized gear. However, you still need to bring these items:
- Hiking shoes or approach shoes with great traction. We don’t recommend boots since they are a little clunky for climbing and using the footholds. We love our La Sportiva TX3 approach shoes! Vy’s version and Dustin’s Version
- Water and Snacks – bring lots of water. It can get warm out there. And snacks! You’ll be burning a lot of energy.
- Sunscreen – It can get warm out there. Make sure to use lots of sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
- Hat and Sunglasses – To keep the sunlight from blinding you.
- Light jacket – The weather can change abruptly.
- Small hiking bag – such as the Camelback L.U.X.E. You’ll want something that can carry your gear, yet is small enough that it doesn’t become an obstacle when you’re climbing or maneuvering.
How to Book Your Adventure
You can book your Gold Mountain Via Ferrata trip through Basecamp Ouray’s website or give them a call at 970.318.0298. Don’t forget to tell them we send you! By the way, this adventure is seasonal and only available from May 1st – Oct 31st.
The Adventure
The Check-in Process
We arrived at Basecamp Ouray in the quaint mountain town of Ouray at 8 o’clock in the morning. Logan was waiting for us inside the store with two other beginners. Dustin and I have done multiple Via Ferrata before, but Jess and Jerid were beginners. In fact, Jerid had never done anything like this before and Jess was afraid of heights. Just to give you a general idea of the abilities of the people in our group. After fitting us with all the necessary gear, Logan went over a quick introduction about Gold Mountain Via Ferrata, how safe it is, and safety instructions.
The Start of Gold Mountain Via Ferrata
After everyone was ready, we piled in the old-school Chevy SUV to ride up to the start of our adventure. As we got closer, the gleaming iron arch welcomed us with the promise of an unforgettable adventure. Once everyone got out of the car, we headed up a short, rocky trail before entering what we called “The Cage.” Before we started, Logan once again went over safety instructions as well as tips and tricks on how and what we should do as we embarked on the adventure.
Gold Mountain is the highest and longest Via Ferrata in the country. There are 12 pitches, climbing up 1,200ft. 10 of these pitches are steep upclimbs with some traversing. The other 2 pitches are super fun suspension bridges.
Pitch 1 - The Transfer
Inside the cage, we saw our first obstacle, Pitch 1, The Transfer. Basecamp Ouray doesn’t build their Via Ferrata to be easy. Even at the start, Pitch 1 is a steep vertical climb, about 50-60ft. Although it is steep, there are tons of hand and foot holds that you could use comfortably. The trick is to use your legs more than your arms. The first pitch is actually the second hardest climb of the whole route. The most difficult climb is optional though. So, if you make it up this one, congratulations, you did amazing! And if you’re struggling, it’s okay too. Just don’t give up! Jerid was very nervous on this one, considering that this was his first time doing something like this. However, with encouraging words from Logan, our guide, Jerid made it on top of the first pitch like a boss!
Pitch 2 - Bench Claim Traverse
After Pitch 1, it was a short distance before we reached Pitch 2. Pitch 2 wasn’t as steep as Pitch 1. You’ll be climbing up a short section, then traversing across before another short climb. This one was pretty fun.
Pitch 3 - Coyote Corner
Pitch 3 is immediately after Pitch 2. It is a zig-zag vertical climb so the route didn’t feel too long. At this point, Logan was giving us the history of the area as well as why this pitch is called coyote corner. We’re not spoiling the adventure for you so don’t forget to ask your guide about it. On this pitch, there are a couple of spots where you have to use natural rock holds but they are very intuitive.
Pitch 4 - Bonanza Step
After a short hike, we reached Pitch 4. This is another zig-zag vertical climb that breakdown into short upclimb sections. Again, don’t forget to make sure of the natural foothold and handholds.
Abandoned Mine Chute & Bailout Point
Once we got on top of Pitch 4, we trudged along a short hike before getting to a really cool abandoned mine chute. Logan stopped here to let us take a break and also gave us the history of the mine and the area. It was very informative. We also got to appreciate the beautiful views behind us. After the abandoned mine chute, there is a bailout point if you felt like you have enough of this. It is about 1.5 miles hike out. If you want to continue on to the unforgettable adventure, follow Logan along the trail to Pitch 5. Just don’t touch the stick that is propped up against the rock wall!!
Pitch 5 - Golden Relics
Pitch 5 is quite easy. It consists of a couple of short upclimbs and a traverse section.
Pitch 6 - Don’s Wall
Once we got above Pitch 5, we got the first glimpse of the infamous Don’s Wall. This is the hardest pitch of the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. It is rated 5.9 climbing. It consists of about 40ft tall vertical climb with some overhang, that turns into a traverse over a very exposed cliff side. This reminded us of the Main Event on Telluride Via Ferrata, but not as high and more strenuous. There is a short section of overhang that requires a lot of upper body strength. Luckily, Logan stayed with us the entire time to help us clip on to the next cable section. Everyone in our group chose this route and everyone did great. Jerid said that he wasn’t scared at all. We were very proud of him.
Now, if this scares you or if you feel like you’re not strong enough, there is another, much easier option to the right. It is just a short climb. Both routes meet up at the beginning of the mining tunnel.
Pitch 7 - Follow the Trolley
Once our group made it through the Don’s Wall, we proceed into the dark mining tunnel before reaching a beautiful sign of the suspendid cable bridge on the other side. The suspension bridge is Pitch 7. You just have to hook your lanyard, one on each side, and walk across. It helps if you just look straight instead of looking down.
Pitch 8 - Cutting Horse Corner
After passing the suspending cable bridge, we entered a super neat 100-year-old blacksmith shop. Logan went over the history of this place before we headed toward Pitch 8. Pitch 8 is another steep climb at the corner of a rock wall. It’s almost like you’re stemming up the corner of the wall. It was pretty fun.
Pitch 9 - Iron Horse
Right after Pitch 8, we got to Pitch 9. This is another zig-zap vertical climb with beautiful views behind. This climb can be a bit challenging but nowhere as difficult as Pitch 1 and Don’s Wall.
Pitch 10 - Bedrock Push
After Pitch 9, we went for a short hike before getting to Pitch 10. This is another corner, a steep vertical climb. From the bottom of Pitch 10, we could see the famous cable bridge of Gold Mountain Via Ferrata swaying right above.
Pitch 11 - Bridge of Heaven
Pitch 10 transfers straight into Pitch 11, which is the suspension bridge. This bridge sits right at the top of the climb for Pitch 10. So, there wasn’t a lot of room to sit and wait for the person in front of you to go first. We had to hang out on the rung waiting. But as long as you’re clipped-in, you’re good.
This Bridge of Heaven is 273ft long. It is the longest bridge of any Via Ferrata in the state of Colorado and the second longest in the entire country. Pretty cool right? It suspends over a steep gully with the beautiful town of Ouray as its backdrop. The bridge is wide enough for one foot. And the closer you get to the middle of the bridge, the more it will sway. In fact, Dustin thought it would be a good idea to bounce in the middle and he really got the bridge swaying! It was super fun to cross over. If you’re afraid, don’t look down. Just look straight and your feet will guide you!
After crossing the bridge, you’ll be clipping in to traverse across and down to go under the bridge to go to the last Pitch.
Pitch 12 - Last Ditch Pitch
Yes! This is the last pitch of your adventure. It is a medium-length climb up. It was bittersweet at this point for us. After a strenuous day, our bodies were happy to be done, however, we were also sad because we knew that our awesome adventure was coming to an end.
The Exit
Once we got to the top of Pitch 12, we were at the end of the route. It was a bit of a hike up before we reached a super cool bar at the top of the hike. Too bad the city denied their liquor permit. We would have loved to have a cold beer to celebrate our adventures. After taking in the view for one last time, we got to the car where Brandon was waiting to take us back to the Basecamp Ouray.
Our adventures with Basecamp Ouray on Gold Mountain Via Ferrata were such an incredible experience. We had so much fun with Logan and the group. It felt like we made friends for a lifetime. Even though our bodies were exhausted, we were on such a high. It’s that feeling of pumping adrenaline and accomplishment. We 100% recommend doing this, even if you have no idea what you’re doing. This is what the guide is for! You won’t forget this!
Recommended Gear
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
adventure gear
This is our favourite hiking shoes. We use them for canyoneering as well. Lots of traction. Vy’s version.
Dustin’s version for La Sportiva shoes
Make sure to use lots of sunscreens! We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, Stream2Sea SPF 30.
Face sunscreen is also important. We love these tinted, organic All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter.
You should always bring plenty of water. Vy loves the Camelback L.U.X.E.
For shorter hikes, the Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is perfect to hold water and your essentials.
If you want something lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket
other things to bring
Always good to bring some snacks with you. For healthy and easy snacks, check out some of our recipes.
camera gear
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2 Comments
Laura G
What a wonderful eplaination of your experience! Since you’ve done all 8 Via Ferrata’s in Colorado, do you have a breakdown of all of them and which is the best? I’ve never done one and am trying to figure out the best one to pick. I’m a 52 yr old woman, but am in great shape and a gym rat. I also did the Camino de Santiago around 7 yrs ago. I’m going with my 2 kids and my daughter’s boyfriend, who are all experinced mountain climbers and they own all their own gear, but I do not. They’re 24, 26, and 26 yrs old. I want it to be super fun and challenging for them, but I also have to be able to do it. I’m also the shortest at 5’2″, so I hope that’s not a problem. The only reason I’ve never mountain climbed before is because I have Carpal Tunnel, so my fingers get numb quick, but I’ve dealt with it for years. I’ve gone to a climbing gym a few times and loved it and the kids are all members and go all the time. I also would like zipling incorporated into it. I’d appreciate any suggestions you have. I was also considering the one in Mount Evans. I’m just so overwhelmed with all the different ones, I don’t know what to choose. Thank you for any help you could give me.
Vy
Hi Laura, it’s kind of hard to pick which one is the best as they all offer different experience. 5ft2 shouldn’t be a problem. I’m 5ft and I have no issues with these courses. If you haven’t much experience with Via Ferrata, I recommend going with a guided tour.
If you really want zipline, Mount Evans and GRANITE VIA FERRATA are the only two that includes ziplines. They are both fun courses. Mount Evans also has a a 70 foot rappel while Granite doesn’t.
We personally love Gold Mountain Via Ferrata and Ouray Via Ferrata, too. Neither of them have ziplines but we like how challenging these two are but at the same time, not too challenging for beginners. Gold Mountain is a guided route. You can do Ouray with or without a guide. I think your kids would love Gold Mountain and both routes on Ouray Via Ferrata. As for you, i recommend just Gold Mountain and the downstream route of Ouray Via Ferrata. I hope that helps with your decisions.