Adventure Awaits: Top Via Ferrata Destinations

Climbing’s popularity continues to grow across the U.S. and globally. Indoor climbing gyms have emerged in nearly every state, and the world celebrated Alex Honnold’s free-solo ascent of El Capitan in 2017. With climbing even featuring in recent Olympic events, it’s no surprise that via ferratas—Italian for ‘iron paths’—are gaining traction.

What exactly is a via ferrata? It’s a protected climbing route that makes scaling mountains accessible to many. Participants wear helmets and harnesses attached to bungee-like ropes with carabiners that they can move along as they climb. Impressively, no climbing experience is required.

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Alaska

While via ferratas are making waves worldwide, they are just starting to gain attention in the U.S., with fewer than 10 available. Tordrillo Mountain Lodge boasts the most remote one.

Featuring Alaska’s first via ferrata, this 1,200-foot path guides climbers up and down breathtaking rock faces in the Tordrillo Mountains. Expect panoramic views of the 28-mile-long Triumvirate Glacier, striking glacial lagoons, and dramatic ice formations.

The adventure begins at an elevation of 4,000 feet, climbing 900 vertical feet before crossing two suspension bridges suspended over stunning glaciers.

Completed in June, the climbing route is located 80 miles from the nearest road, ensuring that only a select few have ventured here. Remarkably, the only access is by helicopter.

Once at the Lodge, guests can relax in the hot tub or indulge in spa treatments before embracing additional adventures such as ice climbing, wake surfing, or heli-fishing in summer. Winter activities include heli-skiing and hiking.

Natura Vive’s Skylodge Adventure Suites

Sacred Valley, Peru

With its rainbow-colored mountains and the iconic Machu Picchu, Peru is filled with natural wonders. An exhilarating way to experience the terrain is by climbing in Peru’s gorgeous Sacred Valley and spending the night in a glass pod attached to a cliff.

Located 1,200 feet off the ground, the Skylodge Adventure Suites are not for the faint-hearted. Climbing the via ferrata route involves scaling 1,300 feet of rugged rock, surrounded by the sounds of the river below.

Your reward? A delectable dinner in the dining pod and a serene night under the stars. Fret not; the durable pods are constructed from aerospace aluminum and weather-resistant polycarbonate.

The following morning, a thrilling zipline ride returns you to the ground, opening up further opportunities to explore the enchanting Sacred Valley.

Wildwire Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

In Wanaka, New Zealand, you can embrace your inner adventurer at Wildwire Wanaka. How does one achieve this? Begin by tackling the world’s tallest waterfall via ferrata—a thrilling journey that includes climbing nine vertical sections, crossing seven bridges, and squeezing behind the waterfall, culminating at an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet.

The route comprises 2,500 rungs and cables, designed for climbers to ascend Twin Falls. Newbies can opt for the Go Wild route, while those with more experience may prefer the Wild Thing route. Daredevils attempting the Lord of the Rungs will enjoy a helicopter return to ground level.

Kent Mountain Adventure Center

Estes Park, Colorado

Kent Mountain Adventure Center features an incredible via ferrata route showcasing stunning views of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. This adventure blends scrambling with technical climbing, starting with a traverse across an exposed cliff followed by a ridge ascent.

Thanks to ladders, steel rungs, and natural rock features, climbers of decent fitness levels can conquer the 600-foot climb. For an added thrill, you can rappel to a portaledge—a tiny camping platform hanging from the cliff—and spend the night in awe of the natural surroundings.

Enjoy a delicious cliffside dinner while marveling at Longs Peak and the spectacular scenery. An early morning rappel concludes your climbing adventure.

Projet Vertical

Quebec, Canada

A short drive from Quebec City, Projet Vertical offers a variety of via ferrata routes and a zipline over the breathtaking Sainte-Anne Canyon. Upon arrival, you’ll clip into a cable system, navigating the rock formations toward the Giant’s Pothole and crossing a monkey bridge to reach the waterfall.

With beginner, intermediate, and expert levels available, this experience is accessible to participants as young as 6 years old.