Rent Via Ferrata Gear
Ready to DIY the AGVF?
We’ve got you covered with all the gear you need to do it safely! ($30 for a lanyard, or $45 for the full kit).
Follow these four steps for a smooth experience.
Reserve your gear in advance to guarantee availability. Without a reservation, we may not have gear for you (this thing is getting popular!).
Pro-tip #1: Yes, we will be at the shop at the time you select (even if it’s outside of our retail shop hours), but please pick a time you can reasonably make.
Pro-tip #2: Reserve as much gear as you might need, then let us know if/when the number drops. (You’re not on the hook for the sets you don’t use, but we do appreciate a heads up!)
Yes, waivers, as in plural. Anyone using rental gear will need to sign Dyno Outfitters’ gear rental waiver.Please note that we cannot rent gear to anyone outside the 90-265 lb. weight range.
In addition, everyone planning to climb will need to sign Uintah County’s waiver, regardless of whose gear they use.
Yes, we know it’s a pain. But let’s be real: signing a couple of waivers is a pretty small price to pay to climb the most epic via ferrata this side of the Atlantic… for free.
Watch this video ahead of time and look at the map of the course to speed things up when you come in to pick up your gear. (Yes, it’s a different video than the one you watched while signing the Uintah County waiver).
The video covers the map and route, a couple of tips for your day, and a quick rundown of your gear.
And of course, if you have questions on any of the info, we’re happy to answer them when you arrive at the shop!
The morning of your climb, you’ll come to Dyno Outfitters to pick up and pay for your gear (ideally within 15 minutes of the time you chose). If you need to purchase any extras (gloves, wag bags, etc.) we have those in the shop as well.
We’ll check on waivers, make sure you get any of your questions answered, and send you on your merry way!
After you’re done, just drop your gear in one of the black drop boxes out front (the lid lifts up) and you’re good to go!
Learn About the Map & Gear
Before picking up your rental gear, watch this video to learn about the lanyards, the map, and some of the rules of Ashley Gorge.
Map of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata
Stats & Details
Sunrise Trail: Goes from the parking lot to the start of the via ferrata and the practice loop. It’s a little less than a mile, but has about 650 feet of elevation gain. Take it slow and steady.
Outlaw (Sector A): Downclimb into the Gorge. This sector is multi-directional; down typically has the right of way, but have situational awareness and be courteous if an uphill climber has already started a pitch.
Cease & Desist Trail: Travels the bottom of Ashley Gorge. You can hike it to the Pump (B), the access point for the Soup (C), or the Abduction exit (D).
The Pump (Sector B): The longest and hardest existing sector on the via. ONLY GOES ONE DIRECTION, so once you clip in to Shally’s Ladder you are committed to climbing until at least the Pump Bailout (B1). Note: “Bad Grammar,” the feature directly before the Pump Bailout, is one of the hardest features of the course, so be honest about your group’s abilities before starting on the Pump. If you keep going past the bailout you’ll see Boulanger Crack (3), and can go on the Cave Bypass (B2) if you want a short break from climbing (if you like the climbing, stay on the main route).
Ask Them Access Point: If you don’t have adequate food, water, time, energy, or desire to climb the Soup (C), you can exit the course to the Cease & Desist Trail here. Alternatively, if you’ve hiked past the Pump (B), you can enter the course here.
The Soup (Sector C): Physically, not too hard (other than the fact that you’re now tired from the Pump). This sector contains a big traverse called Squatchwall, the Dynomite Sky Bridge, a very cool lookout point called T-Rex Terrace, and finishes with “Cookin’ It”— the downclimb back to the Cease & Desist Trail, where you’ll hike to Outlaw (A) or Abduction (D) to exit the Gorge. New exit from T-Rex Terrace coming soon!
Abduction (Sector D): The grand finale and a delightful one at that! It’s a 400ft exposed climb out of the canyon and back to the Sunrise Trail. The first two thirds are pretty straightforward, but the last third has 3-4 move and features that might make you question your life choices. Naturally, it’s most folks’ favorite sector.
New sections incoming!
ETA: Fall 2026
A difficult connecting section of via ferrata between the Pump (B) and the Soup (C), eliminating the full downclimb and short hike to the start of the Soup. This section is not an easier option than the hike. Choose wisely.
A bigger, badder exit climb up the massive prow that’s just up-canyon from the Soup (C). Think ~800ft. of choose-your-own adventure big wall via ferrata. The cherry on top (literally) will be a double helix ladder that has you suspended in space. Not for the faint of heart!
Pro-Tips for an Enjoyable Day on the Via Ferrata
The high desert is HOT in the summer, and this is a longer via ferrata than you realize; bring more water than you think you need (at least 2L) and plan to start early! Consider bringing electrolytes too, and hydrate well the week before your climb.
Reserve gear as a group. If several of you are coming out, it will make your morning smoother if one person reserves for everyone under their name only.
Bring a backpack to carry your water and snacks. Fanny packs and cross-body packs work too, but most people prefer a backpack. Also, sturdy shoes and fitted gloves (the jury is still undecided on whether full-finger or fingerless are best).
Avoid the crowds and get through the full via faster by planning your trip for a week day! If you do opt for a weekend, reserve your gear as far in advance as possible.
DON’T USE HOMEMADE GEAR. Webbing, slings, daisy chains... none of them are rated for the type of fall you could see on a via ferrata. Not only could you break your back, it’s also a class B misdemeanor if you don’t follow the posted rules.
Detailed Rental Requirements & Policies
Age & Weight Limits
Via ferrata gear rentals are available to guests age 18 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For safety, climbers must weigh between 90–265 lbs (40–120 kg). As per the AGVF rules, guests outside this range are required to have a professional guide. Book a trip with us here!
Experience Required
Renters must have some prior climbing/canyoneering experience and be able to put on a harness without assistance.
Waivers, Payment & Refunds
All participants must sign our rental waiver before gear pickup. Payment for gear is only accepted in the shop at the time of pickup. Due to high demand, rental fees are non-refundable for any reason. View our full cancellation policy here.
Pickup & Drop-Off Hours
Gear must be paid for and picked up from the Dyno Outfitter shop the morning of your climb, then returned by 9PM that same day using our gear return drop box. Our “open hours” listed on Google Maps for our retail store are limited, but if you’ve made a gear reservation outside of our regular business hours, we will be at the shop to meet you.
While online reservations are not required for the 2026 season, we highly recommend reserving your gear ahead of time, especially for weekend climbs to guarantee availability and to ensure we will be there when you need us.
Rental Pricing
Full Via Ferrata Package (lanyard, harness, helmet): $45
Lanyard only: $30
Harness only: $15
Helmet only: $10
Other Tips
The via gets HOT in the summer. Start early, or plan to only climb a portion of it. Bring at least 2L of water per person, and lots of snacks! Closed-toe shoes are required (not available to rent). Most folks prefer fitted gloves (the jury is still out on whether full finger or fingerless is best). Need any extras? Shop our retail store for gloves, hydration packs, wag bags, and other essentials.
For groups larger than 15, please call to reserve gear and consider climbing on a weekday for a smoother experience.
Questions? Call or text 435-790-6455!
Rental Gear
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! If you are between 90-265lbs, and you have the correct safety gear and adequate experience, you may climb the via ferrata without a guide during daylight hours from March 1 through November 30 (weather permitting).
If this is your first time doing a via ferrata, if you are outside the 90-265lb weight range, or if you don’t feel confident in your abilities quite yet, we have daily guided trips available throughout the open season. -
The Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata had a soft opening for public use and limited guided trips through Dyno Outfitters, beginning August 1, 2025. The 2026 season opened on March 1 of this year with the official ribbon cutting on May 15.
Some additional sections of the course, as well as some of the supporting infrastructure (parking and restrooms) is still under construction.
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The difficulty is rated using the Fletcher/Smith system, ranging from 1 (easiest) to 5 (most difficult), with an additional letter indicating the alpine commitment. Sections of the AGVF range from 2B to 4C on the Fletcher/Smith system.
If you can handle a 3-5 mile hike through desert terrain and climb ladders, you'll likely do well on at least the entrance and exit sections of the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata. Doing these two sections will take about 3 hours car-to-car.That said, the full course is both physical and sustained, and at certain times of the year may be very hot. You should only attempt to do the full thing if you are in good physical shape and/or have hired a guide. It can take between 2-12 hours to complete the whole course, but if you’re reasonably fit, in a smaller group, and not climbing on a busy Saturday you’ll probably finish it in 5-6 hours, car-to-car.
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If you are outside the weight range stipulated by the AGVF rules then a guide is required.
If you have limited rock climbing experience or have never done a via ferrata, then hiring a guide is recommended.
If you have any medical conditions that may arise during your climb, a guide is recommended.
The AGVF is the longest via ferrata in the U.S.. If you’ve never done via ferrata before and your goal is to do the full course, a guide is highly recommended as guides can help navigate difficult sections and offer additional safety on your adventure.
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In a word: NO.
Anything other than a certified via ferrata lanyard will not protect you adequately in the event of a fall, and you’re risking injury or death. In addition, it’s a class B misdemeanor and you’ll be blacklisted from climbing the via ferrata for at least the rest of the season.
Mountain biking helmets are also sub-par for this activity; they’re build for side impact, whereas climbing helmets are built for top impact from rockfall (which is a real concern throughout the course). Take care of that melon with an actual climbing helmet! (They’re only $10 to rent).
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Essential (and required) gear includes a UIAA-certified climbing helmet, harness, and via ferrata lanyard, along with appropriate footwear, like hiking or approach shoes. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, snacks, a cell phone/camera, and sun protection. Depending on the time of year you may also want gloves, a mid-layer insulated jacket, and/or a waterproof shell jacket.
Dyno Outfitters rents harnesses, helmets, and via ferrata lanyards. For other necessities, check out our retail wall in the shop. -
YES. Although not technically required, due to limited shop hours and high demand, we do ask that you reserve rental gear using our online system, then pick up and pay at your scheduled time on the morning of your trip.
Gear may be returned by 9PM in our drop box outside the shop. -
Yes! Our retail hours listed on Google Maps do not reflect our rental hours. If you’ve made a reservation at a certain time, we’ll be there.
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In one of the black drop boxes next to the front door of our shop (the lid lifts up).
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While the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata is a public course, any children under 90lbs (regardless of age) must be belayed by a professional guide.
To rent any via ferrata or climbing gear from Dyno Outfitters, clients must be 18. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian and have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
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Yes. Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata rules stipulate that participants must be within the weight range of 90-265lbs (40-120kg) including their pack. Those outside this range cannot be belayed by recreational parties and require a professional guide (through Dyno Outfitters or other guiding service).
Via Ferrata rules also state that participants must have a minimum reach of 62 inches from the ground in order to safely complete the course.
