Where do I pick up via ferrata gear for Ashley Gorge?

Gorge Gear Co offers gear pickup in Provo, Utah — right on US-40 on the way to Vernal from Salt Lake City. Book online and coordinate a pickup time with Shaun at (435) 823-8046.

How much does it cost to rent via ferrata gear for Ashley Gorge?

A full kit (harness, helmet, and lanyard) is $40 for 1–2 days and $45 for 3+ days. A lanyard only is $25 for 1–2 days and $30 for 3+ days.

Do I need a guide for the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata?

No guide is required. Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is a self-guided public route open March through November. You need proper certified gear — harness, helmet, and via ferrata lanyard — which you can rent from Gorge Gear Co and pick up in Provo.

How hard is the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata?

Sections range from K2 to K4 on the UIAA via ferrata scale. No prior climbing experience is required, but you should be comfortable with heights and have a basic level of fitness. The full route takes 5–7 hours car-to-car.

Is Ashley Gorge the longest via ferrata in the United States?

Yes. The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is the longest via ferrata in the United States, with multiple sectors totaling roughly 8 miles. It opened to the public in 2025 and is located in Ashley National Forest outside Vernal, Utah.

Ashley Gorge · Vernal, Utah

PlanYourTrip.

Everything you need to know before you go — the route, the drive, what to bring, and how to get your gear.

TheRoute.

The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is the longest via ferrata in the United States. It runs through canyon sandstone in Ashley National Forest outside Vernal, Utah — with iron rungs, cable traverses, suspension bridges, and 400-foot exposed climbing sections. Open March–November.

Sector A

Outlaw

The entrance — a technical downclimb into the gorge. Sets the tone for the day.

Sector B

The Pump

The longest and hardest sector. One-way once you start. Commit only if your group is ready.

Sector C

The Soup

Features the Dynomite Sky Bridge and T-Rex Terrace overlook. Physically demanding but the views pay off.

Sector D

Abduction

K3–K4

400 ft exposed climb out of the canyon. The grand finale. Most people's favorite sector.

~8 miles

Full route distance

5–7 hrs

Car-to-car (fit group)

K2–K4

Difficulty range

GettingThere.

Ashley Gorge is in Ashley National Forest, about 20 minutes from Vernal, Utah. If you're coming from the Wasatch Front, you'll drive right through Provo — which is exactly where you pick up your gear.

From Salt Lake City

Take I-15 south to Provo — pick up your gear here.

Continue east on US-40 through Heber City, Duchesne, and Roosevelt.

Arrive in Vernal. Ashley Gorge is ~20 minutes south.

Total drive: ~3 hours

From Provo / Utah County

Pick up your gear in Provo before you leave.

Head east on US-40 through Heber, Duchesne, and Roosevelt.

Arrive in Vernal. Ashley Gorge is ~20 minutes south via US-191.

Total drive: ~2.5 hours

Why pick up in Provo? Most rental options are in Vernal — meaning you'd arrive, hunt down a shop, and then drive 20 more minutes to the trailhead. Picking up in Provo means you arrive ready to go. It also means you can return the gear on your way home without backtracking into Vernal.

YourDay,StepbyStep.

Day before

Sign both waivers

Gorge Gear Co waiver (during booking) + Uintah County waiver. Carry proof on the route.

Morning

Pick up gear in Provo

Coordinate a time with Shaun at (435) 823-8046. Takes 5–10 minutes.

3+ hours of driving

Drive to Vernal

Head east on US-40. The route is in Ashley National Forest, roughly 20 minutes outside Vernal.

Start early

Hit the trailhead

Start by 7–8am if possible. The canyon is hot midday in summer. The full route takes 5–7 hours.

After the route

Return gear

Return to Provo and drop off gear with Shaun. Return deadline is on your confirmation email.

WhattoBring.

At least 2L of water per person

Non-negotiable. The canyon is hot and the route is long.

Sturdy closed-toe shoes

Approach shoes or hiking boots. No sandals.

Layers

Canyon shade is cold in the morning. Desert sun is brutal by noon.

Sunscreen and a hat

Exposed sections have no shade.

Snacks and lunch

Plan for a full day out.

Gloves (optional)

Iron rungs can be rough on hands. Fit a glove that doesn't bunch.

Offline maps downloaded

Cell service is limited to none inside the canyon.

Via ferrata kit

Harness, lanyard, and helmet — required, not optional.

Waivers&Requirements.

Gorge Gear Co Waiver

Signed during your booking. Covers liability for rental gear use. Completed digitally — no printing needed.

Included in the booking flow

Uintah County Waiver

Required by the county for all climbers, regardless of whose gear you use. Sign online and carry proof on the route — screenshot or printed copy.

Sign county waiver →

Route Requirements

Weight: 90–265 lbs (40–120 kg) — required by county rules

Reach: Minimum 62 inches from the ground

Age: 18+ to rent gear; minors require a guardian

ReadytoBook?

Reserve your kit online. Pick it up in Provo on your way to Vernal. Return it on the way home.

Reserve Your Kit See the Route

Questions? Text Shaun at (435) 823-8046

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