Something I had always wanted to try was a Via Ferrata, and I was lucky to do it during my time living in Colorado! If that term is totally foreign to you, Via Ferrata is Italian for "iron path." It's basically a hiking route that requires extra protection, allowing hikers and non-technical climbers to traverse exposed rock faces using a system of fixed steel cables, iron rungs, ladders, and bridges. Climbers wear a harness with a lanyard and carabiners that clip into the cables, providing constant protection in case of a slip.
The concept was originally developed in the Italian Dolomites during World War I to help soldiers navigate the mountains, which makes the experience extra unique. Not only is it an adrenaline rush that's accessible to most skill levels, it's also a pretty unique piece of history.
As for Colorado's Via Ferrata options, there are a few, but the one I've had a chance to try personally was the one in Telluride. If you're ever in Telluride, I would definitely suggest checking this out. Don't get me wrong, it's not your typical hike, it's a heart-pounding traverse along the sheer cliffs of the Bridal Veil Falls valley, where at times, nothing but a few metal rungs separate you from a drop of several hundred feet. It’s part hike, part climb, and entirely unforgettable.
The route follows a narrow ledge carved into the rock, with steel cables and iron handholds to keep you moving forward. The most famous section, the "Main Event," is a stretch where you’re completely exposed, suspended in mid-air with nothing but open space beneath your boots. If you’re afraid of heights, this might just cure you—or send you running back the way you came. But if you lean into the adventure, the views of Telluride and the surrounding San Juans are absolutely unreal.
Unlike some via ferratas that require a guide, this one is free and open to the public, but you’ll want the right gear—a climbing harness, lanyard, and helmet are essential. If you’re unsure, local outfitters offer guided tours to help you through it. It’s a challenge, no doubt, but for those willing to take it on, the Telluride Via Ferrata is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience Colorado’s backcountry!