Climb Via Ferrata in Ouray, Colorado

Things to know

• Covid measures in Ouray, Colorado

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Ouray, Colorado, please refer to the official Colorado COVID-19 updates website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • 4-5 hours of rock climbing
    • All technical climbing gear
    • Assistance arranging for post-trip activities in the area

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Food and snacks
    • Travel and/or rescue insurance
    • Guide gratuity
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  No prior experience is necessary. Whether you’ve never donned a harness or you’re a seasoned climber, a guide will help you meet your individual objectives. Above all, your instructor’s number one priority is your safety. As long as you listen to the given instructions, you’ll succeed in completing your climb.

• What about required equipment?

  All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
    • Ropes
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
    • Via Ferrata gloves

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Trekking shoes or boots
    • Small pack
    • Rain jacket
    • Trekking shoes or boots
    • Water bottles (2 liters)
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Lip balm
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • The group size for the private tour is usually between 1–4 people with one guide. Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
    • For the standard tour, the usual guest-to-guide ratio is 4:1. The cost is per person and it doesn’t decrease as the group grows.
    • Certain groups may require a greater guide ratio to be compliant with the Ouray Via Ferrata, which may affect pricing.

  Climbing days in Ouray can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
    • Children under 16 must be on a private trip, and unaccompanied minors cannot join standard trips.
    • Route regulations state that participants should have a 62” reach, and that those under 85 pounds and greater than 265 pounds may need an additional belay. If anyone in your group is under 85 pounds, over 265 pounds, or has a reach shorter than 62”, please let us know.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Ouray, most people fly into Denver International Airport. From there, you can take a 1-hour local flight to Telluride, CO, where you can rent a car for a just over an hour long drive to Ouray. Alternatively, you can take a 1-hour local flight to Montrose, CO, and then rent a car or take a shuttle to Ouray.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop in Telluride or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

• Cancellation policy

  Day Trips Cancellations
  Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
  Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
  Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.