A Guide to the Via Ferrata & Where to Find One Near You
Mohonk Via Ferrata – New Paltz, NY
Newly opened in Fall of 2023, the via ferrata at Mohonk Mountain House brings a new style of climbing to the Hudson Valley and the Shawangunk
Mountains (aka “The Gunks“), one of the most important areas in American rock climbing history. This new via ferrata opens up terrain in the world famous trad climbing region previously unaccessible to average outdoor lovers, and includes a mixture of aerial bridges, sky ladders, and routes traversing some of the most beautiful vertical walls on the Mountain Houses’s expansive property (family owned and operated since 1869). The roughly three hour via ferrata experience is professionally led by local guide service Alpine Endeavors with reservations costing $250 per person.
Via Ferrata at NROCKS – Nelson Rocks, West Virginia
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, NROCKS Via Ferrata opened in 2002 as only the second of its kind to be established in the United States. Still one of the best courses on the East Coast, the unique property offers a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing. Climbs at NROCKS typically take between three and five hours and gain 1,085 feet in elevation, crossing a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reaching exposed heights of 280 feet. Known as the best via ferrata in West Virginia, NROCKS Via Ferrata is open year-round, weather permitting, and now includes a Welcome Center, lodging, and a zip canopy tour.
Above Zion Via Ferrata — Zion National Park, UT
A guided-only via ferrata through the north side of Zion National Park, this via gives hikers a whole new perspective on Zion Canyon. Its ledge walk rises above the popular Angels Landing, and is accessible for all with an easy difficulty (the Utah Adventure Center site claims, “If you can climb a ladder and hike two miles, you can do this!”). Even though it’s only a two-mile journey, hikers should plan for a roughly four-hour trip to allow sufficient time to soak in the views.
Telluride Via Ferrata — Telluride, CO
This publicly accessible via ferrata is unique as it traverses one long section of cliff face (as opposed to a traditional via that involves more vertical movement). This via takes around 2-4 hours to complete and offers some of the best views of Telluride and Bridal Veil Falls. Go on your own, or book a guide if you’re low on experience.
Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/via-ferrata-guide-united-states
