Yes! If you are between 90-265lbs, and you have the correct safety gear and adequate experience, you may climb the via ferrata without a guide during daylight hours from March 1 through November 30 (weather permitting).

If this is your first time doing a via ferrata, if you are outside the 90-265lb weight range, or if you don’t feel confident in your abilities quite yet, we have daily guided trips available throughout the open season.

The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata had a soft opening for public use and limited guided trips through Dyno Outfitters, beginning August 1, 2025. The 2026 season opened on March 1 of this year. Some of the supporting infrastructure (parking and restrooms) is still under construction but will be completed in time for the May 15 grand opening.

The difficulty is rated using the Fletcher/Smith system, ranging from 1 (easiest) to 5 (most difficult), with an additional letter indicating the alpine commitment​​. Sections of the AGVF range from 2B to 4C on the Fletcher/Smith system.

If you can handle a 3-5 mile hike through desert terrain and climb ladders, you'll likely do well on a Raptor Run (half-day) of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata. That said, the Apex Ascent (full-day) experience is both physical and sustained, and at certain times of the year may be very hot. You should only attempt to do the full via ferrata if you are in good physical shape and/or have hired a guide.

You can find the most up-to-date map here. Please call or text us at 435-790-6455 if you have further questions on the course.

Essential (and required) gear includes a UIAA-certified climbing helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard, along with appropriate footwear, like hiking or approach shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, snacks, a cell phone/camera, and sunscreen. You may also want gloves (preferably leather or fingerless), a mid-layer insulated jacket, and a waterproof shell jacket.

While the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is a public course, any children under 90lbs (regardless of age) must be belayed by a professional guide.

As for age, you know your child best and have a good sense of what they’ll feel comfortable with, but generally on our half-day guided tours we welcome kids as young as 10. In some cases (for example, if a child has experience with rock climbing or rappelling) we may allow 8-9 year-olds as well. Our cutoff for full day trips (except in special circumstances) is age 13.

To rent any via ferrata or climbing gear from Dyno Outfitters, clients must be 18. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Yes. Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata rules stipulate that participants must be within the weight range of 90-265lbs (40-120kg). Those outside this range cannot be belayed by recreational parties and require a professional guide (through Dyno Outfitters or other guiding service).

Via Ferrata rules also state that participants must have a minimum reach of 62 inches from the ground in order to safely complete the course.

• If you are outside the weight range stipulated by the AGVF rules then a guide is required.

• If you have limited rock climbing experience or have never done a via ferrata, then hiring a guide is recommended.

• If you have any medical conditions that may arise during your climb, a guide is recommended.

• The AGVF is the longest via ferrata in the U.S.. If your goal is to do the full course, a guide is highly recommended as guides can help navigate difficult sections and offer additional safety on your adventure​​.

Yes, and you may need to sign more than one.

Uintah County requires all via ferratists to sign a waiver before getting on the course (with or without a guide). Find it here.

In addition, Dyno Outfitters requires a separate waiver for both our guided trips and before renting gear.

Our rental gear package includes a climbing harness, a via ferrata lanyard system, and a helmet. All gear is checked regularly for safety and performance.

Gear rental packages do not include shoes, outerwear, or gloves (although gloves are available for purchase). Please come prepared.

Yes. Due to limited shop hours and high demand, we ask that you reserve rental gear using our online system, then pick up and pay at your scheduled time on the morning of your trip.

Gear may be returned by 9PM in our drop box outside the shop.

On guided trips, full payment is required to secure your reservation. You may cancel up to 5 days before your trip for a 75% refund, but we do not issue refunds if cancellation occurs less than 5 days prior, or after starting a guided trip.

You may also reschedule up to 5 days before your trip. However, rescheduling less than 5 days before your trip will incur a $100 guide scheduling fee. Weather cancellation will result in full credit for a future trip.

Regarding rental gear: Due to high demand, Dyno Outfitters does not offer refunds on rental gear for any reason.

To rent gear from Dyno Outfitters, some climbing experience is required (you must be able to put on a harness by yourself). If you’re not quite to this level yet, we recommend booking a guided trip.

In a word: NO.

Anything other than a certified via ferrata lanyard will not protect you adequately in the event of a fall, and you’re risking injury or death. In addition, it’s a class B misdemeanor and you’ll be blacklisted from climbing the via ferrata for at least the rest of the season.

Mountain biking helmets are also sub-par for this activity; they’re build for side impact, whereas climbing helmets are built for top impact from rockfall (which is a real concern throughout the course).