Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
This is a full POV video of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata near Vernal, Utah. I show the approach, every available climbing route, the hiking sections between each route, the SkyBridge, the SkyLadder, and the hike back out.
My wife and I teamed up with my brother Jeff from @TheTrekPlanner to take on one of the newest and longest public Via Ferratas in the world. And one of the best parts is that it is completely free and open to the public.
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata has more than 5,000 feet of installed cable, several different climbing routes, and exposed sections that are hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. It is easily one of the most unique outdoor adventures we have done!
We completed every route that was available during our visit, although more sections may be added in the future. Altogether, we traveled roughly five miles and spent about five hours climbing and hiking between the different sections.
About the Route:
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is located in a beautiful canyon outside Vernal, Utah. There is a flowing creek nearby, large sandstone walls, and several climbing routes that connect through hiking trails inside the gorge.
Some sections are easier than others, but there is a lot of exposure throughout the route. Several areas are hundreds of feet above the ground, and there are sections where you will be climbing almost straight up the rock. The new areas include a twisting ladder and an overhang!
This is not a casual hiking trail. You need to be comfortable with heights, understand how to use via ferrata equipment, and have enough strength and endurance to climb for several hours.
Route Information
Location: Ashley Gorge near Vernal, Utah
Total distance: About 5 miles
Time: About 4–6 hours
Installed cable: More than 5,000 feet
Features: Skybridge, skyladder, exposure, incredible view, and multiple climbing routes
Cost: Free and open to the public
Waiver: A Uintah County waiver must be completed before each visit
The total time will depend on your group, your experience level, how many routes you complete, and how many people are already on the course.
Important Information:
You will need the proper equipment before attempting the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata. This includes a climbing helmet, climbing harness, and an energy-absorbing via ferrata lanyard.
Do not attempt this route with improvised equipment or a basic climbing sling. A proper via ferrata lanyard is designed to absorb energy during a fall and is an important part of the safety system.
Always check the weather and route conditions before going. You do not want to be attached to metal cables on an exposed cliff during a thunderstorm. Rain, snow, ice, and extreme heat can also make the route much more dangerous.
I also strongly recommend starting early in the morning. If you arrive later and there are several groups already climbing, you may have to wait a long time. Could be hours! Passing other people on many of the routes is either difficult or not possible.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Even though the climbing sections are the main attraction, there is still a lot of hiking between the routes.
My video shows our personal experience and should not be used as your only source of information. Do your research, understand the equipment, complete the required waiver, and make sure everyone in your group is prepared.
Planning Links
👉 Required waiver:
bit.ly/Ashleygorgeviaferatta
👉 Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata information:
ashleyferrata.org
👉 Additional route information:
utahviaferrata.com/via-ferrata
👉 Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata map:
drive.google.com/file/d/1j1_NYD1yRTRThntOUmodXg2hzIKh2qaH/view
As with my other YouTube videos, I try to show the beginning, middle, and end of the adventure. I do not only show the best parts with energetic music. I want you to see how the route progresses, how the different sections connect, and what the entire experience is really like.
Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for watching!
#AshleyGorge #ViaFerrata #VernalUtah #UtahAdventure #UtahHiking #TheDiabeticHiker
This is a full POV video of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata near Vernal, Utah. I show the approach, every available climbing route, the hiking sections between each route, the SkyBridge, the SkyLadder, and the hike back out.
My wife and I teamed up with my brother Jeff from @TheTrekPlanner to take on one of the newest and longest public Via Ferratas in the world. And one of the best parts is that it is completely free and open to the public.
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata has more than 5,000 feet of installed cable, several different climbing routes, and exposed sections that are hundreds of feet above the canyon floor. It is easily one of the most unique outdoor adventures we have done!
We completed every route that was available during our visit, although more sections may be added in the future. Altogether, we traveled roughly five miles and spent about five hours climbing and hiking between the different sections.
About the Route:
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is located in a beautiful canyon outside Vernal, Utah. There is a flowing creek nearby, large sandstone walls, and several climbing routes that connect through hiking trails inside the gorge.
Some sections are easier than others, but there is a lot of exposure throughout the route. Several areas are hundreds of feet above the ground, and there are sections where you will be climbing almost straight up the rock. The new areas include a twisting ladder and an overhang!
This is not a casual hiking trail. You need to be comfortable with heights, understand how to use via ferrata equipment, and have enough strength and endurance to climb for several hours.
Route Information
Location: Ashley Gorge near Vernal, Utah
Total distance: About 5 miles
Time: About 4–6 hours
Installed cable: More than 5,000 feet
Features: Skybridge, skyladder, exposure, incredible view, and multiple climbing routes
Cost: Free and open to the public
Waiver: A Uintah County waiver must be completed before each visit
The total time will depend on your group, your experience level, how many routes you complete, and how many people are already on the course.
Important Information:
You will need the proper equipment before attempting the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata. This includes a climbing helmet, climbing harness, and an energy-absorbing via ferrata lanyard.
Do not attempt this route with improvised equipment or a basic climbing sling. A proper via ferrata lanyard is designed to absorb energy during a fall and is an important part of the safety system.
Always check the weather and route conditions before going. You do not want to be attached to metal cables on an exposed cliff during a thunderstorm. Rain, snow, ice, and extreme heat can also make the route much more dangerous.
I also strongly recommend starting early in the morning. If you arrive later and there are several groups already climbing, you may have to wait a long time. Could be hours! Passing other people on many of the routes is either difficult or not possible.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Even though the climbing sections are the main attraction, there is still a lot of hiking between the routes.
My video shows our personal experience and should not be used as your only source of information. Do your research, understand the equipment, complete the required waiver, and make sure everyone in your group is prepared.
Planning Links
👉 Required waiver:
bit.ly/Ashleygorgeviaferatta
👉 Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata information:
ashleyferrata.org
👉 Additional route information:
utahviaferrata.com/via-ferrata
👉 Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata map:
drive.google.com/file/d/1j1_NYD1yRTRThntOUmodXg2hzIKh2qaH/view
As with my other YouTube videos, I try to show the beginning, middle, and end of the adventure. I do not only show the best parts with energetic music. I want you to see how the route progresses, how the different sections connect, and what the entire experience is really like.
Please like, subscribe, and leave a comment if you enjoyed the video.
Thanks for watching!
#AshleyGorge #ViaFerrata #VernalUtah #UtahAdventure #UtahHiking #TheDiabeticHiker
