Via ferrata involves serious risk.
Falls, rockfall, flash floods, equipment failure, dehydration, and disorientation are real dangers. By renting gear from Gorge Gear Co, you acknowledge these risks and accept full personal responsibility for your safety on the route.
Required Equipment
- Via ferrata lanyard with energy absorber — NOT standard climbing quickdraws
- Sit harness — properly fitted before leaving the pickup
- Climbing helmet — worn at all times on the route
- Sturdy hiking boots or approach shoes with good grip
- Gloves recommended — iron rungs are rough on bare hands
Before You Start
- Sign and carry the Uintah County liability waiver — required on route
- Download and review the official route map before leaving cell service
- Check the weather forecast — do not climb in rain or approaching thunderstorms
- Tell someone your plans, route, and expected return time
- Charge your phone and download offline maps
- Bring food, water (at least 2L per person), and a basic first aid kit
- Start early to avoid afternoon heat in summer — by 7–8am is ideal
On the Route
- Always clip BOTH carabiners before unclipping the first — you must always be attached to the cable
- Maintain three points of contact on rungs and cable sections
- Yield to climbers below you — do not pass on the cable
- Stay off wet rock — wet sandstone is extremely slippery and dangerous
- Do not remove your helmet for any reason while on the route
- Know the locations of all exit points before you start
- Do not attempt the route alone
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- Uintah County Sheriff: (435) 789-2600
- Ashley National Forest: (435) 789-1181
- Cell service is LIMITED in the canyon — move to high ground or an exit point
- If someone is injured and you cannot call out, send someone for help while another stays with the injured person
Weather & Seasonal Hazards
- Spring runoff (March–May): river levels can be dangerous — check conditions before going
- Summer thunderstorms: lightning risk on exposed sections — check forecasts and turn around early
- Fall: shorter days — start early and bring a headlamp
- Winter: the route is not maintained and may be icy or inaccessible — season runs March–November
Ready to go? Gear up safely.