Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata

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 with the official ribbon cutting on May 15.

Some additional sections of the course, as well as some of the supporting infrastructure (parking and restrooms) is still under construction.

By fall of 2026, the AGVF will be the longest in the world, and only the most fit individuals should attempt to do the full course. Even prior to this date, completing sections A-D is a physical and sustained task, not unlike running a marathon. At certain times of the year. the course may also be very hot.

As the course stands today (Outlaw, Pump, Soup, Abduction) it can take between 2-12 hours to complete it. Physically fit individuals in smaller groups, who get ahead of the weekend crowd, can expect to be back to their car in about 5 hours. Larger groups, less fit individuals, and anyone climbing on a busy Saturday should plan for closer to 7 hours. We find that on our guided full-day trips (7-8 hours), we can cover 3-4 sections of the course.

All of this said, if you can handle a 3-5 mile hike through desert terrain and climb ladders, you'll likely do well on at least the entrance and exit sections of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata (what we typically cover on a half-day trip). Doing these two sections will take 3-4 hours car-to-car.

The difficulty of the course 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.

Essential (and required) gear includes a UIAA-certified climbing helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard, all of which is provided on your guided tour. We also provide gloves, lots of snacks, and give you all of the epic photos from the day, free of charge.

In addition, wear appropriate footwear, like hiking or approach shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, a cell phone/camera, and sun protection. If the weather calls for it, also bring a mid-layer insulated jacket, and a waterproof shell jacket.

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 guardian and have a waiver signed 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. We find this estimate to be on the low end, and like to see our full-day clients be able to reach at least 68 inches from the ground.

• 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).

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

On guided trips, a non-refundable 25% deposit is required to secure your reservation. Payment in full is due 10 days before your trip date. 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.

For trips with multiple people, if one or more people cancel more than 5 days in advance, the price will be adjusted at the new tier and we will refund for the difference. If it is less than 5 days in advance we do not issue a refund.

You may also reschedule up to 5 days before your trip at no cost. However, rescheduling less than 5 days before your trip will incur a $100 guide scheduling fee. Weather cancellation will result in a 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.