GILMAN GORGE VIA FERATTA
The Eagle County Climbers Coalition (ECCC), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is developing a world-class Via Ferrata in historic Gilman Canyon. Similar to Ouray, Telluride, A-Basin, and Mammoth, this project is designed to balance recreation, safety, and conservation.
With its dramatic cliffs, rich mining history, and central location along the I-70 recreation corridor, Gilman Canyon offers one of the best opportunities in the country to create a premier Via Ferrata experience.
Homage to History
The Gilman Via Ferrata is being built intentionally in three construction phases to ensure safety, environmental stewardship, and long-term sustainability. Each route is named after one of the original mining claims on the property - Colorado Prince, Republic, and Phoenix Bird - honoring the canyon’s historic past while creating a modern, world-class adventure experience. The routes are designed with tiered difficulty, modeled after the familiar ski-industry system of Green, Blue, and Black. They will also carry both standard European Via Ferrata and traditional climbing grades.
The Routes
Colorado Prince
~ 1,000 feet
The Colorado Prince Route is the introductory section of the Gilman Via Ferrata and sits higher in the canyon. It is designed to be the physically easiest of the three routes, with high exposure, intuitive movement, multiple bailouts, and straightforward access. This section is nearly complete, with almost all rungs and route infrastructure already installed, and the primary approach trail fully built. The only remaining step is the arrival of the final shipment of anchor hardware from Italy. Once open, the Colorado Prince will be the first route available for climbing and will offer expansive views across Gilman Canyon.
The Republic
~2,000 feet
The Republic Route extends deeper into the canyon and introduces a more athletic and engaging experience. This mid-canyon segment includes longer traverses and greater elevation changes, creating a noticeable step up in difficulty from the Colorado Prince. Climbers can reach the Republic either by completing the Colorado Prince first or by using a bypass trail that leads directly to its starting point. As construction continues, this section will significantly expand the overall length and character of the Via Ferrata, establishing a true intermediate-level route that bridges the upper and lower canyon terrain.
Pheonix Bird
~2,000 feet
The Phoenix Bird Route represents the final stage of development and will become the most advanced and dramatic component of the Gilman Via Ferrata. This lower-canyon route features steep, technical climbing, substantial exposure, and multiple cable bridges that create an immersive and exhilarating progression. Once constructed, the Phoenix Bird will complete the full system and transform Gilman Canyon into one of the most comprehensive and varied Via Ferrata destinations in North America. With its challenging terrain and striking features, this route is designed for experienced participants seeking a high-adrenaline adventure.
By the Numbers
Lodging Nights
Colorado’s existing Via Ferratas are powerful economic drivers, a fact well documented in the Friends of the Ouray Via Ferrata End-of-Season Report. These facilities consistently boost tourism, increase visitor spending, and strengthen year-round outdoor recreation economies. The Gilman Via Ferrata is positioned to exceed this impact by serving the heavily traveled I-70 recreation corridor.
Excelence in Safety
We are committed to building the safest Via Ferrata in North America. Our engineering and construction follow the European Via Ferrata Standard (FprEN 16869), which outlines the requirements for anchor spacing, cable systems, progression elements, and environmental considerations. Operationally, we adhere to ASTM F2959, the U.S. aerial adventure standard that governs installation, inspections, staff training, and rescue readiness. We also benchmark our staffing, closures, and user-monitoring practices against the proven operational model used in Ouray, ensuring a modern, transparent, and highly reliable safety framework.
The Gilman Via Ferrata is more than an adventure route; it is the financial engine that powers ECCC’s youth education and stewardship programs. Revenue will directly support outdoor education, social-emotional learning programs, community climbing access, and local conservation work, ensuring the benefits extend far beyond recreation.
If you believe in expanding youth access to the outdoors and want to help bring the full Gilman Via Ferrata to life, please consider contributing directly to the development of Phases 2 and 3. Your support accelerates construction, enhances safety, and ensures that this world-class public amenity and the educational programs it sustains continue to grow.