Uintah County is in the process of adding another exciting option to its list of outdoor recreation opportunities. Via Ferrata, meaning “Iron Way” in Italian, is a popular European mountain or cliff exploration activity that dates back to the 1800s but became known for moving troops around the borders of Austria and Italy during World War I. Metal rails bolted along a mountain or cliff face are used along with a safety cable that travelers clip onto as they traverse the Via Ferrata route. So how did this get on the radar of Uintah County? The Utah legislature appropriated funds to a 501c3 called Access Utah to bring the first public Via Ferrata to Utah and Uintah County has been selected as a great place to start. Locations like the Doc’s Beach area and Dry Fork Canyon were considered but officials settled on a mile long site along the Ashley Gorge. Uintah County Trails Coordinator Mike Cook shared with Evans Family Media that professionals with a company called Via Ferrata Solutions are on site installing the hardware across the cliff and it should be finished by the end of the summer. Cook explained that extra planning and consideration is taking place to ensure that the Ashley Springs water source in that area is protected. Meetings with local water agencies have been ongoing and they are working to address concerns. A second story with more details on the Uintah County project will be shared by Evans Family Media next week.
Photo Credit – Via Ferrata Ouray Colorado
