Via Ferrata Climb in Zion National Park: Harnessed Ridge Route

You stay harnessed to a safety cable the whole time, so you can climb as close to the edge as you want.

A via ferrata climb in Zion National Park along an 800-foot slot canyon rim, with helmet, harness and guide included. You ascend ladder rungs and fixed rungs bolted into the rock face, clipped to a permanent safety cable throughout, and finish near the Above Zion Waterfall. The route takes 3 to 4 hours and suits anyone who can climb a ladder and hike two miles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Via Ferrata climb at Zion National Park

• Get outfitted with helmet and harness
• Climb along rim of slot canyon
• Stay harnessed near canyon edge
• Reach Above Zion Waterfall viewpoint

The experience

If you have a free afternoon in Zion and want the scenery of Angels Landing without the crowded switchbacks or the exposure, this via ferrata route solves that problem. You're harnessed to a safety cable from start to finish, which means you can get as close to the 800-foot drop as you're comfortable with. The cable does the holding. The route follows the rim of a slot canyon and ends near the Above Zion Waterfall, an 800-foot cascade that flows into the canyon below. Your guide outfits you with a helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard, and stays with you the whole way.

The climb itself is a mix of ladder rungs and natural rock features. If you can climb up and down a ladder and hike two miles, you have the skills for it. Bring water and snacks, wear closed-toe hiking shoes, and plan for 3 to 4 hours total. Private transportation is included, so you don't need to arrange your own way to the trailhead. The solitude and security of the route (far fewer people than the main park trails) is what makes the same views feel like a different experience.

What’s included

• Private transportation to the trailhead.
• helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard.
• live guide in English throughout the climb.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 16:00

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Utah Adventure Center

Is this one for you?Private transport is included, so you don't need a car or a ride to the trailhead. Book this if you're staying elsewhere in the area and want to avoid the logistics of getting to the route. The harnessed setup and smaller group size mean you get the high-altitude views without the crowded main trails or the unprotected exposure of Angels Landing.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do a via ferrata climb if I've never done one before?

Yes. The Above Zion route is designed for ages 8 to 80 and requires only that you can climb a ladder and hike two miles. Your guide will teach you how to use the harness and clip into the safety cable before you start, and you stay attached the entire time.

What is the Above Zion Waterfall and how close do you get to it?

The Above Zion Waterfall is an 800-foot cascade that flows into the slot canyon below the rim where you climb. Your route ends near it, so you see the waterfall and the canyon it feeds without descending into it.

How does the safety cable work on a via ferrata?

A permanent steel cable runs the length of the route and is bolted into the rock. You clip your lanyard to it at the start and stay clipped the entire time you climb, so you're continuously attached to the cable as you move along the route.

What do I need to bring and wear?

Wear closed-toe hiking shoes and bring a pack with water and snacks. The guide provides your helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard, so you don't need to bring safety gear.