WheretoStayNearAshleyGorge
Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is a 2.5–3 hour drive from Salt Lake City — most people make it a weekend trip. These are our favorite places to stay in Vernal and the surrounding Uintah Basin.
Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata sits inside Ashley National Forest near Vernal, Utah — one of the most underrated outdoor destinations in the American West. Vernal is the closest town, sitting about 15–20 minutes from the trailhead. It has grocery stores, gas, restaurants, and a growing selection of vacation rentals. Whether you're coming solo, with friends, or with family, staying overnight lets you hit the route fresh at sunrise instead of making the full round-trip drive in a single brutal day.
Log House on 5 Acres — Ashley River
Entire House · ⭐ 4.9 avg
A timber-frame log house sitting on 5 acres along the Dry Fork of the Ashley River, with views straight down the canyon into the Uintah Mountains. This is as close as you can sleep to the via ferrata — roughly 20 minutes to the trailhead. Perfect for groups wanting an early start.
- 5 acres on the Ashley River
- Canyon & mountain views
- ~20 min to trailhead
- Year-round recreation
Tranquil Mega-Cabin — Vernal
Cabin · ⭐ 4.9 avg
A spacious cabin retreat outside Vernal sleeping large groups in comfort. Big enough for the whole crew — ideal for friend groups or families who want to turn the via ferrata into a full weekend adventure in the Uintah Basin.
- Sleeps large groups
- Full cabin amenities
- Near Vernal & dining
- Outdoor spaces
Vernal Cabins & Houses — Browse All
Various · ⭐ 4.9 avg
Vernal's full selection of vacation rentals — from cozy studio apartments to large family homes. Filter by dates, group size, and amenities. Vernal consistently earns 4.9-star ratings from outdoor recreation visitors.
- All property types
- Filter by availability
- Downtown & rural options
- 4.9★ avg rating
Uintah County — Full Area Search
Entire County · ⭐ 4.9 avg
Search the full Uintah County area for rentals, including properties closer to Ashley National Forest and the trailhead. Great if you want to stay rural and close to the canyon rather than in Vernal proper.
- Includes rural properties
- Closer to Ashley National Forest
- Cabins & ranches
- More remote options
TripPlanningTips
Book weekdays
Via ferrata crowds peak on weekends. Book a Thursday–Saturday trip for shorter lines and cheaper Airbnbs.
Start early
The route takes 4–10 hours. Aim to be at the trailhead by 7am — especially in summer when afternoon heat builds quickly.
Pick up gear on the way
Our self-service Roosevelt locker is right on US-40 — the main highway to Vernal. Grab your kit any time, day or night, before you leave.
Check spring runoff
In April–May, spring snowmelt can close access roads to the canyon. Check conditions the day before you drive out.
Own a Rental Near Ashley Gorge?
We're always looking to partner with local Airbnb hosts and vacation rentals near Vernal and the Ashley National Forest. If you host guests headed to the via ferrata and want to be featured on this page or offer a gear rental bundle, reach out — we'd love to talk.
📞 Call or Text Shaun · (435) 823-8046Don'tforgetyourgear.
Book your kit before you leave — pick up self-service, 24/7, from our Roosevelt locker on the way, return it on the way back. No detours.
Reserve Your Kit