Quick-Start Guide: Planning Your Day on the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata
Thinking about climbing the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata in Vernal, UT? You don't need to memorize the entire route before you go. Start with the map, make a realistic plan for your group, get the right gear and know how to use it, sign the appropriate waivers, and know where to find more information when you need it.
Here’s the quick version of everything you’ll need, with links to the full info you’ll need to finish planing your day.
1. Start with the map
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata isn't one single route from Point A to Point B. It's a large network of climbing sectors, trails, shortcuts, bypasses, exits, and route variations—which means there are a lot of different ways to experience it.
The full map (click and hold to download or save to photos)
The full route map shows how the different sectors and trails connect. You don't need to understand every line on it yet. The important thing is knowing that you don't have to do the entire via ferrata to have a great day.
Ready to start geeking out on individual sections?
[Explore the Full Route Guide →]
2. Decide how big of a day you want
A trip on the AGVF can be a few hours or most of the day.
If you can comfortably handle a 3–5 mile hike through desert terrain and climb ladders, you'll likely do well on at least some of the easier sections of the course. The entire system, however, is a much bigger physical undertaking, with individual sections ranging from approximately 2B to 4C on the Fletcher/Smith via ferrata rating system.
Your group's fitness, experience, comfort with heights, group size, weather, and traffic on the route can all dramatically affect how far you'll get. Don't measure a successful day by how much of the map you complete. Pick a route that fits your group and leave yourself plenty of time.
3. Make sure everyone meets the requirements
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is a public course, and qualified users may climb without hiring a guide.
For independent use, climbers must be within the 90–265 lb weight range, have the correct safety equipment and adequate experience, and climb during the course's open season and daylight hours. The course also has a 62-inch minimum reach requirement.
If it's your first via ferrata, you're outside the standard requirements, or you're simply not confident planning and managing the route yourself, that's where a guide can help.
4. Get the right gear (and know how to use it)
This isn't a route to tackle with an industrial harness off of Amazon or some webbing with a couple of regular carabiners.
You'll need:
A UIAA-certified climbing helmet
Climbing harness
Proper via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber
Closed-toe shoes with good traction
Gloves
Plenty of water—we recommend at least 2 liters per person
Plenty of snacks
Sun protection and appropriate layers for the day's weather
If you don't own certified via ferrata equipment, you can rent a complete kit from Dyno Outfitters in Vernal, where we’ll walk you through how your via ferrata lanyard works, how to pass cable anchors while remaining connected, how to manage other climbers on the cable, and what your equipment can—and cannot—protect you from.
5. Sign your waiver before you head out
Even though the course is free and doesn’t require a permit, all users of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata are required to complete the Uintah County waiver before using the course. Save yourself some hassle at the trailhead and get it taken care of before your trip.
[Complete the Uintah County Waiver →]
6. Then go have a ridiculously good day.
You don't have to know every named ladder, bridge, sector and trail before your first trip. That's why we built the route guide.
Start with the map. Choose a day that matches your group's ability. Bring the right equipment, plenty of water, and a healthy respect for the canyon. Hire a guide if needed.
Then go see what all the fuss is about.
Ready to plan the details?
Want to explore independently?
RENT VIA FERRATA GEAR →
Want someone else to handle the route planning, equipment and logistics?
BOOK A GUIDED TRIP →
Want to plan your exact route?
EXPLORE THE ROUTE MAP, SECTORS & FEATURES →
