VERNAL, UTAH | PUBLIC VIA FERRATA
ASHLey Gorge Via Ferrata
Experience the longest Via Ferrata in the hemisphere. Ashley Gorge is home to Utah’s first public via ferrata and the longest in the US. Go with a local guide or gear up for your own adventure.
Already have the gear? Skip to the maps, routes, waivers and other requirements to know before you go.
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Now in Vernal, Utah
What is a Via Ferrata?
Via ferrata means “iron path” in Italian. With a series of rungs and cables anchored into the rock, it’s like a really epic cross between hiking, rock climbing, and a ropes course.
At Ashley Gorge in Vernal, Utah, that means big views and exposed traverses on the biggest Via Ferrata on the continent!
TWO WAYS TO GET OUT THERE
Choose the best option for youR GROUP
First timer or experienced climber, there’s a better way to start your day at Ashley Gorge. Let’s find yours.
GUIDED VIA FERRATA TRIPS
YOUR FIRST TIME. A GUIDE BY YOUR SIDE.
New to via ferrata? Bring your sense of adventure. We’ll bring the gear, local route knowledge, and coaching along the way.
Private half-day & full-day options
Required gear, gloves, snacks & water included
A route chosen for your group’s abilities
SELF-GUIDED GEAR RENTALS
THE RIGHT GEAR. THE LOCAL KNOW-HOW.
Have the experience to go self-guided? Reserve your equipment and meet us in Vernal for a fitting, gear instruction, and local advice.
Full kit for $45, or rent individual pieces
Rest carabiner included with your lanyard
Easy in-person pickup & after-hours returns
A LITTLE PLANNING. A BETTER DAY.
Know before you go
Here are the basics. Have the best day possible by doing research, check the weather and be aware of your group capabilities.
The hike up is steep but only .6 miles long, there is no alternative route in.
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Every climber needs a certified climbing helmet, a properly fitted climbing harness, and a certified via ferrata lanyard with an energy absorber. Closed-toe shoes with good traction are also required.
Our complete rental kit includes the helmet, harness, and lanyard. Bring your own footwear. Homemade lanyards, slings, standard carabiners, and bicycle helmets are not substitutes for the required equipment. You will be turned away if you do not have the proper gear.
See our gear and packing guide for more details.
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You must be at least 18 to rent equipment. Minors may participate with a parent or legal guardian and must have the appropriate waiver signed. For self-guided climbing, participants must weigh between 90 and 265 pounds, including their pack, and be able to reach at least 62 inches from the ground.
Participants outside the weight range require a professional guide. Contact us before booking to discuss your group’s eligibility and guided trip options.
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Each rental participant must complete two waivers: the Dyno Outfitters gear rental waiver and the Uintah County via ferrata waiver.
Complete both before your scheduled pickup to help keep your morning moving. Parents or legal guardians must complete the required waivers for minors. The county waiver is required even if you bring your own equipment.
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Our rental policy requires prior climbing or canyoneering experience and the ability to put on a harness without assistance. Self-guided participants should understand how to use their equipment correctly and be prepared to manage route choices, changing conditions, and their group’s limits.
If you’re new to via ferrata or unsure about exploring independently, we recommend a guided trip. Compare guided and self-guided adventures before choosing.
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Wear flexible clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for hiking and climbing. We recommend fitted gloves, sun protection, snacks, and a small backpack or hydration pack. Bring at least two liters of water per person, increasing to at least three liters during summer and more as conditions and your planned route require. Pack weather-appropriate layers and a charged phone.
Use our full packing guide to prepare for your day.
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If it’s your first via ferrata, you have limited climbing experience, or you’d like support on the wall, we recommend a guided trip. Experienced climbers can go self-guided when they meet the course requirements and use the correct gear.
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The parking lot and trailhead are located on the north end of Vernal, Utah at 7810 N Ashley Springs Rd, Vernal, UT 84078. Use the bathroom at the parking lot, there is no bathroom in the gorge.
Google Maps is recommended, Apple Maps will take you to the wrong location.
This is Ashley Gorge
A Whole New Way to See UTAH
Follow fixed cables, metal rungs, and bridges through a canyon you won’t soon forget. Via ferrata means “iron path,” and Ashley Gorge puts that path right on the rock.
It’s a public course with a big range of routes. You don’t have to climb every section to have an incredible day. Choose a route that fits your experience, fitness, and comfort with heights.
Big views.
bigger memories
Public access is free. Required equipment, course rules and waiver still apply.
A FEW REASONS TO SAY YES
THIS COULD BE YOUR DAY
The best stories start outside.
make it a
dyno day
Pick your people. Pick your adventure.
We’ll help you take the next step.
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GUIDED VIA FERRATA TOURS
go with the locals
IN VERNAL, UTAH
We handle the details.
you make the memories.
First via ferrata? Want a local to lead the way? Our private guided trips bring the gear, instruction, and support to help you take on Ashley Gorge. We’ll choose a route around your group’s experience, fitness, and comfort with heights.
Private half-day & full-day options
Helmet, harness, lanyard & gloves
Gear instruction & coaching on the route
Snacks & drinks provided
Via Ferrata Gear Rentals
Rent a helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard for your self-guided Ashley Gorge adventure. Reserve a complete kit or individual pieces, then pick up at Dyno Outfitters in Vernal, Utah.
In vernal Utah
Meet our local team, get your gear fitted, and learn how to use your equipment before heading to the canyon. We’ll answer route questions and show you how to use the rest carabiner included with your lanyard.
Rest carabiner included
And in-person help learning to use it.
Early pickup by reservation
Arrange a start as early as 5:15 a.m.
Easy Vernal pickup & returns
Pay at pickup. Return gear in our outside boxes.
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Full Via Ferrata Kit (Harness, Helmet, Lanyard)
$45
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Via Ferrata Lanyard Only
$30
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Helmet Only
$10
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Harness Only
$15
MORE FROM YOUR LOCAL OUTFITTER
KEEP THE ADVENTURE GOING
Explore all that Dyno Outfitters has to offer.
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Already sold on doing more? Buy your gear with us! If you rented or had a guided trip with us, inquire about a discount in the shop.
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Learn more from our blog articles that go more in depth about via ferrata and Vernal topics you care about.