The Downstream OVF Route
San Juan Mountain Guides is proud to be The Local Experts for the iconic Ouray Via Ferrata (OVF)! Constructed by a world-class team of climbers, guides, engineers, and rigging professionals, the route winds its way through the incomparable Uncompahgre Gorge. Located on the opposite side of the canyon from the renowned Ouray Ice Park, the route features over 4000′ of climbing and traversing – at times just feet from the roaring Uncompahgre River!
This is a technical Via Ferrata and is rated 4b on the Fletcher/Smith Italian VF Rating System. The Telluride Via Ferrata (TVF) by comparison is rated 2b on the same rating scale. The route offers participants the unique ability to experience the gorge in an inspiring setting. Featured sections such as the “Stairway to Heaven” offer substantial vertical climbing, technical traverses on rock ledges, and two bridge crossings over the river including “The Skyladder” – the first of its kind in North America. The newly opened “Sky Climb” offers a challenging finish to the route and is a must-do for those who have already experienced the OVF on a previous trip.
This is a must-do adventure in the summer of 2024 and represents quite possibly the perfect family adventure. All ages and ability levels are welcome on the route – there is truly something for everyone on this unique and varied via ferrata! Make sure to check out our OVF / TVF Combo Trips and do both iconic via ferrata routes in one awesome trip!
The Local Experts
Founded in 1986, San Juan Mountain Guides is well known as “The Local Experts” for climbing and mountain adventure in the Telluride, Ouray, and Durango areas.
We feature guiding and instruction with exclusively IFMGA/AMGA Certified and Trained Guides and Instructors.
$169/per person
Available Dates
Daily May through October
Start Times:
- Sunrise Via – 7:30 am
- Regular Via – 8:30 am
- Late Start Via – 10:00 am or 12:00 pm
Costs – Summer 2024 Pricing
5:1 – $169 pp
4:1 – $189 pp
3:1 – $209 pp
2:1 – $279 pp
1:1 – $429
No Hidden Fees
Includes:
- Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All Via Ferrata gear (Petzl harness, helmet, EAS VF Lanyard)
Ouray Via Ferrata Itinerary
We will meet in Ouray at a location of your choosing – typically either at the San Juan Mountain Guides Office (710 Main St. Ouray, CO), your local hotel, or elsewhere in downtown Ouray. From there it’s a short trip up to the trailhead where will begin the walk up the road to the entrance of the Via Ferrata. We’ll gear up and do a short explanation of the specific via ferrata lanyards that you will be utilizing during the adventure.
As we progress along the route, various challenges and individual section intricacies will present themselves to the group. There are fantastic opportunities for pictures along the way. A number of inspiring features on the route make for one of the most memorable adventures you have ever done!
Eventually we will wind our way all the way back to the exit of the Via Ferrata at what is known as “The Upper Bridge” on County rd 361, where you can either walk back to town or your vehicle. The round trip adventure from downtown Ouray, to the Via Ferrata, and back to Ouray takes approximately 4 – 5 hours (depending on group dynamics etc.).
Ouray Via Ferrata Equipment List
| Via Ferrata Lanyard | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The SCORPIO EASHOOK via ferrata lanyard is designed for users weighing 40 to 120 kg, in compliance with the EN 958:2017 standard. It is equipped with two EASHOOK carabiners with a wide opening that adapt to all hand sizes. The two retractable arms are equipped with an anti-twist system for more comfort. |
| Lightweight Gloves | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Double-layered leather protects the palm and other high-wear areas. The back is made of abrasion resistant, breathable stretch nylon, ensuring comfort and fit. The low profile neoprene cuff with Velcro closure features a reinforced carabiner hole for attaching the gloves to your harness |
| Harness | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | The CORAX is the versatile harness par excellence: easy to use and comfortable, it is designed for rock climbing, mountaineering or via ferrata. This adjustable harness is available in several colors and in two sizes, to fit all tastes and body shapes. |
| Climbing Helmet | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Durable and very versatile, the BOREO helmet is suitable for climbing, mountaineering, caving, via ferrata, canyoning... Thanks to its hybrid construction, the helmet is both low-profile and head-covering. Protection against lateral, frontal and rear impact is reinforced. |
| Balaclava or Buff | Description | Guide's Pick |
|---|---|---|
 | Simple, effective and infinitely adaptable, Original BUFF® headwear is the product that started the multifunctional headwear revolution. At its core is a moisture-managing microfiber fabric that is wind resistant and able to control odor. We recommend the BUFF for all of our programs as a multi-purpose insulation piece and trendy headgear! |
Training & Follow Up Climbs
As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip.
Before Your Trip
Can you climb a ladder? Are you excited to try new things? This would be awesome for you! The Ouray Via Ferrata is appropriate for all ages and ability levels and is a great group or family outing.
There are no prerequisites for the Ouray Via Ferrata trip. All you need is a great attitude, sense of adventure, and the gear. We’ll take care of the rest!
Follow Up Climbs
Ouray, Colorado: Getting Here
Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the ice climbers who flock each winter to climb in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas.
The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO, however, many airlines now offer direct flights into Montrose – especially during the summer and winter months.
It is also possible to fly into Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, or Denver CO. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of these airports.
Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.
- Montrose, CO: 45 minutes
- Durango, CO: 2 hours
- Denver, CO: 5.5 hours
Ouray has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suit you best for this trip!
Program Policies
Registration & Cancellation
Advance Registration is required for this program. You have the option to either call our office and register via phone or utilize our secure Online Reservation System. All participants must read and sign an Assumption of Risks/Liability Waiver and agree to our Reservations and Cancellations Policies.
Inclusions
- Guiding and instruction with an AMGA Certified/Trained Guide
- All Via Ferrata gear (harness, helmet, via ferrata rigs)
Exclusions
- Transportation to Ouray, CO
- Hotel costs before, during, or after the program
- Guide gratuity
- Lunch food or snacks
- Personal hiking/climbing clothing
- Trip Cancellation Insurance (recommended)
- Costs associated with weather delays or other variables beyond the control of San Juan Mountain Guides
Book This Trip!
We Offer Online Registration
- Click on Book This Trip
- Select your Program dates
- Enter your Info and Payment
Or, call 800.642.5389 to register
