Via Ferrata in Zion National Park: Harnessed Rim Climb

Climb a canyon rim on steel rungs, harnessed the entire way

A via ferrata climb in Zion National Park takes you along the rim of an 800-foot slot canyon on fixed ladder rungs and a permanent safety cable. You're harnessed continuously and guided to Above Zion Waterfall, where an 800-foot cascade flows into the canyon below. The route works for ages 8 to 80 if you 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've wanted to hike Angels Landing but worried about exposure or the crowds, this via ferrata offers the same high-canyon views with steel rungs underfoot and a cable you're clipped to the whole time. The route runs along the rim of an 800-foot slot canyon that borders the park, and you get as close to the edge as you're comfortable going. The harness lets you move freely without the fear. Your guide outfits you with a helmet, harness and via ferrata lanyard, and stays with you through the climb.

The destination is near Above Zion Waterfall, where an 800-foot cascade drops into the slot canyon below. The hike covers roughly two miles and takes 3 to 4 hours, so you'll want to bring water and snacks. Wear closed-toe hiking shoes and expect a moderate physical effort. The climb itself is manageable if you can handle a ladder, but the terrain and elevation add up over the morning or afternoon. This is a private group experience, so you're not jostling with dozens of other hikers on a narrow trail.

What’s included

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 19:00

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

GroupPrivate

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 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Utah Adventure Center

Is this one for you?The 3 to 4 hour commitment leaves room for another activity or meal elsewhere in your day, but plan the rest of your itinerary around this window. The climb itself is the main event and takes the morning or afternoon.

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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 rock climbed before?

Yes. Via ferrata routes use fixed ladder rungs and a permanent safety cable you're attached to the entire time, so no climbing experience is needed. If you can climb up and down a ladder and hike two miles, you can do this one. The guide will outfit you and stay with you throughout.

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

Above Zion Waterfall is an 800-foot cascade that flows into the slot canyon below the rim you're climbing. It's your final destination on the route, and you reach it by following the canyon rim on the via ferrata path.

How does the harness and cable system work on this climb?

You wear a harness connected to a via ferrata lanyard, which clips to a permanent steel cable running along the route. You stay attached to the cable the entire time, so you're continuously secured as you move along the ladder rungs and rim.

Is this climb less crowded than Angels Landing?

Yes. This via ferrata route offers the high-canyon scenery and exposure of Angels Landing but with the solitude of a private group experience. You won't encounter the crowds that gather on Angels Landing's narrow trail.