The Route

Season & Hours

The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is open March 1 – November 30, during daylight hours, weather permitting.

Per Uintah County: "The via ferrata is closed when it is raining or snowing. Those on the via ferrata should make their way to the closest exit point."

Difficulty

Per the official Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata route map (Uintah County): sections range from 2B to 4C on the Fletcher/Smith rating system. The route features horizontal tensioned cables (Italian style), diagonal and vertical J-loop cables (French style), 3-wire and 2-wire aerial cable bridges, steel climbing rungs, foot pedals, and natural rock climbing holds.

Per the official route signage: "This route requires significant arm and leg strength and should only be attempted by fit and healthy persons."

Per the official route signage: "Inexperienced users should hire a professional guide."

Physical Requirements

The following requirements are set by Uintah County and equipment manufacturers — not GearDash.

• Weight: 90–265 lbs (41–120 kg)

  Required by certified equipment manufacturer specifications

• Minimum reach of 62" from the ground

  Per Uintah County official route signage

• Significant arm and leg strength required

  Per Uintah County official route signage

• Must be fit and healthy

  Per Uintah County official route signage

• Climbers outside weight range must use a professional guide and supplemental belay

  Per Uintah County official route rules

Official route map issued by Uintah County — Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata. Includes sector designations, difficulty ratings, shelter locations, and required equipment list.

Source: Uintah County / ashleyferrata.org

How to Read the Map

The yellow lines on the map are the via ferrata route. Yellow arrows show the required direction of travel for each section of the route.

• Sector 1 — Two-Way Traffic

  Sector 1 (the first section near the start of the route) allows traffic in both directions. Per Uintah County rules: downhill has right-of-way. If someone is coming down toward you, step aside and let them pass before continuing up.

• All Other Sectors — One-Way Only

  Every other section of the route is one-way, in the direction the yellow arrows point. Follow the arrows — do not backtrack through a one-way section. If you need to exit early, use a marked exit point.

• Two-Person Limit Per Section

  Only two people are allowed on a section of cable between anchors at a time, and only two people on the suspension bridge at a time. Wait at the anchor point for the section ahead to clear before moving forward.

Per Uintah County official route signage and route map.

Getting There

The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is located outside Vernal, Utah. There is a parking area at the trailhead.

Getting to the Start

1. 1

   From the parking area

   Follow the trail marked by blue ribbons from the trailhead. Stay on the marked path.

2. 2

   Hike to the rim

   The trail climbs steeply to the top of the canyon rim. Conserve energy for the via ferrata sections ahead.

3. 3

   Begin your descent

   Once at the top of the rim you will begin your descent into the gorge where the via ferrata sections start.

Official Route Rules

Per Uintah County Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata official signage.

• Sector 1 is 2-way traffic — downhill has right-of-way. All other sectors are one-way only.
• Only two people allowed on the suspension bridge at a time.
• Only two people on a section of cable between anchors at a time.
• Stay clipped in at all times. Never unclip both carabiners simultaneously. Climbing slings, tethers, and improvised connections are not acceptable and are dangerous.
• The via ferrata is closed when raining or snowing. Move to the nearest exit point.
• Climbers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Do not attempt under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Professional guides must be permitted by Uintah County prior to performing any guiding services.
• Leave No Trace — pack out all trash and waste. Take only photos, leave only footprints.

Required Equipment

Per Uintah County: "Use of non-certified or improvised equipment may result in death or serious injury. Check your equipment for legible labels and condition."

• Helmet — EN12492 certified mountaineering helmet — required
• Harness — EN12277 certified mountaineering harness — required
• Via Ferrata Lanyard — EN958 certified Energy Absorbing System (EAS) — required
• Gloves — Recommended per official route signage
• Sturdy shoes/boots — Required per official route signage

Learn About Via Ferrata

Official resources from gear manufacturers and climbing organizations.

• What is Via Ferrata? — Mammut Beginner's Guide ↗

  Introduction to via ferrata, difficulty ratings, and equipment overview.

• Basic Principles of Via Ferrata — Petzl ↗

  Fundamental safety rules including staying tethered and proper lanyard technique.

• Why Use a Special Lanyard? — Petzl ↗

  Explains energy absorption systems and why standard climbing gear is not sufficient.

• Installing the Via Ferrata Lanyard — Petzl ↗

  Step-by-step guide on properly attaching your lanyard to your harness.

• Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata — Official Site (Uintah County) ↗

  Official route information, FAQs, and waiver managed by Uintah County.