What to Wear & Bring on the Ashley Gorge Via Ferrata (Packing List)

Short answer: Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip, flexible clothes you can climb in, and fitted gloves. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person (3+ in summer), snacks, sun protection and a light layer, all in a small backpack. Every climber also needs the three required pieces: a certified via ferrata lanyard, a climbing harness and a climbing helmet.

Required Gear (Non-Negotiable)

• Via ferrata lanyard with an energy absorber. Homemade tethers and slings are not allowed.
• Climbing harness fitted snug at the waist and legs.
• Climbing helmet. Bike helmets don't count.

Don't own them? Rent a full kit for $40 (2 days), or just the lanyard for $25.

What to Wear

• Shoes: trail runners, approach shoes or light hikers with sticky soles. Closed-toe is required. Skip stiff mountaineering boots and climbing shoes.
• Pants or shorts: stretchy and durable. Shorts are fine, but make sure the harness leg loops are comfortable over them.
• Top: a breathable shirt, plus a light fleece or windbreaker. The shaded canyon and the exposed walls can feel very different.
• Gloves: fitted gloves save your hands on the cable and rungs. Fingerless or full-finger both work.
• Hair and jewelry: tie long hair back and leave dangling jewelry at home.

What to Bring

• A small backpack or hydration pack. It counts toward the 90–265 lb weight limit.
• Water: 2 liters minimum per person, 3+ liters in summer.
• Snacks or lunch. A full Phase 1 day runs 8–10 hours.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for the approach.
• A charged phone with the route map saved offline.
• A headlamp in late season, when daylight is short.
• Your signed Uintah County waiver. Sign it before you go.

Leave at Home

• Ropes, belay devices and climbing shoes. You won't need them.
• Big packs, trekking poles strapped loosely to your pack, or anything that can snag or fall.
• DIY tethers or a standard climbing lanyard. They aren't allowed and aren't safe.

Seasonal Notes

Summer: start by 6–7am and carry extra water. The canyon gets hot. Spring and fall: bring a warm layer and gloves, since mornings are cold and afternoon storms are common. November: check conditions first. Ice on the rungs ends the season early some years. See our season dates and month-by-month guide.