Basecamp Ouray Mountain Guides

Our group was incredibly impressed by this experience. We came with the particular challenge of having 8 kids between 7 and 13 and the guides here gave our families a once in a lifetime experience. So creative and incredible. Every person in our group was challenged and encouraged. The guides were so incredibly knowledgeable. I can’t say enough good things about this company. Our kids said on the way home they’d rather go climbing than to Disneyland on their next vacation. Extra shout out to guides Jason, who gave our little 7 year-old with special needs the climbing bug for sure, and to Logan, who made this experience so personal for us by sharing his world throughout the climb. You guys are awesome.

I came to Basecamp on my last two Ouray trips, to do via ferrata and hiking. Rex helped us both times, he's amazing. Friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, has great advice for via ferrata beginners. Gold Mountain was great.

Can't say enough about this experience. Took the whole family up gold mountain via ferrata. Six of us all beginner's ages10-43. The guides Nico and Logan (jedediah Walsh) :) exceeded all expectations and gave my family the greatest experience I could have asked for. They even created a scavenger hunt along the way for my 10 yr old daughter. Serious fears were faced and my wife and kids now know they can conquer any obstacle. I could'nt be more Greatful for the team at Basecamp Ouray Mountain guides.

I cannot say enough positive things about my experience! Spencer and I did a 3 day via ferrata. Spencer was great at giving me info & details I needed to stay safe & have fun! Challenged myself with something new, saw epic views, made a new friend & got some amazing pictures! Thank you :)

My experience with Basecamp Ouray Via Ferrata was nothing short of incredible, earning every single one of these five stars! From start to finish, this was an adventure that exceeded all expectations and left me with memories I'll cherish forever. The Via Ferrata itself is breathtaking. The routes are designed extremlely well, offering a perfect blend of challenges for the experienced climber and ease for the first time one. Not to mention thee and stunning panoramic views of the Ouray itself. Every climb, every traverse, bridge, felt incredibly secure. Even for someone who is very scared of heights you are always cliped in and it alwasy feels very safe. I cannot recommend Basecamp Ouray Via Ferrata highly enough. It's a must-do that will leave you feeling accomplished and awestruck of Colorado's beauty!

508 and reviews and they are all 5 stars and let me tell you, if I could give more stars...I would. I saw this place on Instagram when looking for adventures to have in Colorado and made the drive from Chicago. When Logan found out how far I was coming, he stayed in contact to make sure I had the plan I wanted. I joined a group on a via ferrata with Clint and Callum and had the BEST TIME. Not only was the course an absolute blast, but the guides were amazing. Friendly, personable, and fun. I felt comfortable and I felt safe. They even went out of the way to take photos of the group. Such an awesome day! Couldn't ask for better guides or a better time!

Updated 7/2025 Basecamp Ouray – One Stop Fun Shop Basecamp Ouray has been our One Stop Fun Outfitter every year we’ve visited Ouray. Each year, we find new fun challenges and activities to do with them! They’re right in the heart of town next to the Post Office and Yankee Girl Cafe. They offer so many adventures. Let’s start with the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata—the Gold STAR of all Ferratas. None tops it. It’s a MUST! Having a Basecamp Ouray Guide is not only important for safety but makes it more fun. They help guide you and can challenge your ability on the different routes. My husband and I both did it with Nico, and it was challenging and incredible. The first year, I couldn’t finish because I was too slow, and it wouldn’t have been safe after dark. Nico made the safety call, explained it kindly, and helped us exit mid-course. I was disappointed but appreciated his directness and care. The hike out was beautiful, so that helped. That same year, my husband also did the Ouray Via Ferrata with Nico and loved the experience—especially the river crossings and views. The second year, we returned specifically to conquer the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. I was on a mission to finish and face my fear of heights on the cable bridges. Logan, the owner, encouraged me, and once I was on those bridges, everything changed. Truly life-changing—I left knowing I can do anything I set my mind to. This third year, we tackled the Ouray Via Ferrata without a guide. We rented gear through Basecamp. After two years of experience, we felt ready. Rex at the front desk gave us tips, and Nico gave us safety guidance. They fitted us, gave a refresher in the gym, and off we went for the Downstream route. We loved it so much, we rented gear again and did it a second day since our vacation was longer. I didn’t want it to end! We also rented their electric bikes—another MUST! You can take guided tours (highly recommend for local history), but we rented for the day and rode to Ridgway State Park, had a picnic, and rode back. The ride out we challenged ourselves with no pedal assist; the ride back we used level 2–3 with a few boosts on the uphill. Perfect—not too hard, but we still got exercise. It took about 1 hr 15 min straight back. The ride out took longer because we stopped for photos, picnic and views along the Uncompaghre River and the Ridgway valley—breathtaking! Rainy day? No problem. We got movement in at their indoor climbing gym. They provide all gear, and you can hire a Climbing instructor if you’re new or want to improve. Needless to say, Basecamp Ouray has become our One Stop Fun Shop every year we vacation here. We can’t wait to keep exploring and challenging ourselves through the incredible activities they offer. P.S. We’re in our mid-50s with no major athletic experience!

Got into Ouray on a Friday around 4:30, tried calling Ouray Basecamp as there was no available spots online. Within 30 mins got a call back from Tyler and he worked us in. Soon after, got a call from Nico, our guide, to go over the details to meet at 8am Saturday morning. First time doing a Via Ferrata and so glad I faced my fear of heights. What an amazing, EPIC experience. Even did the cliff climb at the end, I believe it was called “Sky climb” 🤩 AMAZING! Thank you Tyler for getting us on board and Thank You Nico for being an awesome guide, taking pictures to capture the moments the entire trip!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this experience.

we have used this group twice now. once for summer outdoor climbing and once for ice climbing. Nico was my teen age sons guide both times. he's AMAZING! very knowledgeable. met my son at his climbing level. highly recommend!

Went there to rent equipment for the via Faraarata. First, they would not even allow my dog into the place said it had to stay behind the counter. I went to inquire about equipment, but then discovered that they would not rent equipment to me today for my climb tomorrow morning. They said they only rented equipment for the day. But it's been hot here and I didn't want to do the climb in the middle of the day. I literally walked down the street to another place got my gear went back into the store with my gear to try to get some Wax for dogs. Although they don't allow dogs, they did sell it, but they were sold out. unfortunate experience, and they can improve their rental policies.

My friend and I had a great experience with Basecamp Ouray. Cat was our guide and she was great! So accommodating and patient considering it was our first time. I was also so impressed that she texted us the day before to confirm, tell us what to bring, and shared a Google album with us after of the pics she took along the way. Would highly recommend using this computer for your first Via Ferrata!

Basecamp Ouray gave us the experience of a lifetime. Something we never even knew existed nor even knew what it was. The Via Ferrata. Specifically, the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. After learning about it and realizing that even though we know nothing about climbing yet could still do it, we decided to give it a try. We went on the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata with Nico as our guide. Just to give you more perspective, it was two of us, me with an averse reaction to heights! I like them but my body does not... my legs become jello and also in our group, my hubby who is a thrill height seeker but not a climber like myself. Nico prepared us with our gear, gave us a safety demonstration and made sure we knew how to use the gear properly in the Basecamp main office. We then headed to The Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. Once there I was apprehensive because of my fear of heights and was also unsure if I would be able to do it since we are not climbers. Nico put me at ease and was very in tune with how I was feeling asking me to voice any concerns I was having because he noticed I wasn't sharing my apprehension. This made me feel very safe and comfortable. I know I was probably one of his most needy clients as I had to watch his moves ahead of my to replicate going up the Ferrata. Plus when the height gear kicked in, he would talk me through it. He was beyond patient, never making me feel inadequate. The heights did get me but it's soon turned from fear to thrilling because I felt so safe with the two carabiner clipped to the ferrata cable line. In the pitches where I was still getting used to it Nico put a belay rope on me so I would feel more at ease.My husband on the other hand was in full enjoyment of the whole adventure! I never thought I could do something so adventurous. and got such a sense of accomplishment. The views were incredible all throughout our ferrata climb. The ferrata rungs themselves were very well constructed and make you feel incredibly secure, you can tell a lot of thought went into the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. Nico was an incredible guide but what made it fun was that he also knew so much about climbing and also the area so it was fun to hear about the mining history and the buildings we came across as well as how the ferrata was built. We learned he also does rock climb guiding so if we get more adventurous maybe we will give it a try! I would highly recommend this trip if you are in Ouray. Especially the Gold Mountain Ferrata, it is a private experience with an experienced guide to help you make it the best adventure of your trip! Absolute must while in Ouray! Super family friendly activity too! (kids included) Thank you Nico for making me believe I could do it and giving us the experience of a lifetime. ( A couple of days later my husband also did the Ouray Via Ferrata through Basecamp Ouray with Nico as his guide).

My 2nd trip with Basecamp. Had a wonderful time ice climbing in the park and back country! Knowledgeable and personable guides. Logan and Spence were amazing! Highly recommend!

Hands down the best guide service in Ouray. Our whole family was in town for a mountain top wedding and we did two adventures with the Basecamp team - canyoning and the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. Both incredible! The canyoning was fun and accessible - just a little bit scary on the last rappel! The Via Ferrata is an amazing and super challenging course but we all completed all 12 pitches. Fantastic coaching, unbelievable views and a huge thrill of accomplishment. Our guide Nico was the best coach and source of encouragement and history about the region! Requires a good bit of fitness and agility and best after some altitude adjustment. Take LOTS of water if it's a sunny day!

Incredible experience - fun climb and mining history too! Henry was an incredible guide. Not for those with a significant fear of heights - but great hardware/protection the entire way.

Gold mountain Via Ferrata was a blast! Matt and Travis were great tour guides and did a great job of pacing the group and making sure everyone was safe and comfortable. We would recommend taking the morning trip when doing gold mountain, as it is almost entirely in the shade until the afternoon.

Logan is the man. I had no experience climbing and this via ferrata made it possible for me to dip my toes into the world of climbing and take in the stunning scenery all while feeling completely secure and looked after. My guide Jacob had the best descriptions for each pitch and every part of the route. He prioritized having fun while maintaining an excellent level of safety. He totally put me at ease the whole time. The whole Basecamp Ouray team is deserving of praise. I highly recommend this experience to anyone! From the scared shitless to the showoffs.

We had an absolutely incredible time on the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata. Logan is a fantastic guide. Not only is he super fun and full of knowledge about the mines and history of the area, but he also did everything he could to ensure that everyone stayed safe and had a great time. This route is so unique because not only does it have the rungs and climbs that you would expect to find on a Via Ferrata, but the route winds its way around and through 100-year-old mining structures and a portal, and eventually comes to a climax at a suspension bridge that gives you incredible views of the valley bellow. When you mix the adventure with the history and fun you end up with an unforgettable experience. Thank you again, Logan and Basecamp Ouray!

I did the Ouray Via Ferrata (and the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata) using a guide from Basecamp Ouray (Nico). I will say that it was the most thrilling experience of my life. It was a challenge for me but thanks to my patient and informative guide the trip was fantastic. Since we did the downstream path on the Ouray Via Ferrata, one of the first things we did was cross a bridge over the river. Wow, what a thrill in a good way. At all times you are double connected to safety lines which makes the whole process feel extremely safe while at the same time allowing you to feel the thrill of climbing and traversing cliff walls. My guide "showed me the ropes" in the Basecamp climbing gym before we headed out. I recommend using the gloves. By the time I was 5 minutes into the trip I felt like an expert at clipping into the safety lines and could therefore enjoy the sights and focus on the experience. My guide also took a bunch of pictures and videos of me while climbing and shared with me afterwards which was very thoughtful and appreciated. I have been telling all my friends about this trip because the experience was so amazing. Thanks to Basecamp Ouray and Nico for such an unforgettable experience!

WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! This was by far one of the most amazing experiences we've ever had!! Our guide, Kai, was incredible! This was our first time to climb and he was so positive, encouraging, and kept us calm. I HIGHLY recommend that you do the Gold Mountain Via Ferrata! This is an experience we will never forget and walked away feeling like we conquered the world! Kai, THANK YOU!! You are so awesome and we hope to see you again with our kids!

If you're browsing through different epic adventures in Ouray, look no further. Logan is a great communicator and is very professional. I had an amazing time learning ice climbing with Spencer. The team makes sure you have all your questions answered and mostly importantly, have fun! I will definitely book this company again when I'm back in Ouray and ready for a new adventure. Strongly recommend.

Amazing family experience. We had three generations of women, ranging in age from 12 to 76. We are all fit and active, but this was a great challenge for us. It felt much safer than the Telluride via Ferrata, because we were clipped in almost the whole time. It was a lot of climbing but we were able to rest whenever we needed to. Our guide Jason was absolutely terrific. I can't speak highly enough of him. He made us all feel comfortable and checked in on us throughout. We will definitely come back.

Out of the many activities including giant stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, the perimeter hike, alpine coasters, hot springs, water slides, and swimming. Base camp Ouray was the best! My whole family agrees, the best trip of this week! Our guide was really nice, very helpful with us and other people. We needed the tips my younger brother had some trouble with it and the guide helped it a lot! Currently my family is talking about the favorite things of this trip which was the via Ferrata, and that it would be really stressful and challenging without a guide. When you get off the rope bridge it feels amazing! It may look scary but take a deep breath make sure you don't fall and have fun! Thank you Base Camp Ouray! -Ryan

Basecamp Ouray helped me do the Via Ferrata route in Ouray for the first time. I had never done Via Ferrata before. They provided all the required safety gear, instruction, and coaching along the route. I have a fear of heights, yet I totally enjoyed it. I got a lot of good tips from our excellent guide, Xander. He is one of the people who helped build the Via Ferrata route in Ouray. Obviously, he knows the route very well. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to do it. I would gladly go back to them to do rock climbing, ice climbing, etc. Highly recommended :-)

I can't recommend Basecamp Ouray enough! Logan was such a great guide that any worry you had goes away. He's very knowledgeable, humble, down to earth, and gives the best pep talks. Via Ferrata is probably one of the most fun and memorable adventures I've ever done. Climbing through Box Canyon is a surreal experience with some of the best views in Colorado. You're scaling canyon walls, climbing sky bridges, and climbing metal rungs. It's definitely an experience that you'll never forget.

My husband and I had a fantastic time adventuring on Ouray's new Via Ferrata. Our guide, Spencer Purvis, was exceptional. Spencer took the time to familiarize us with the gear, provide the history behind the park, and navigate us comfortably through the climb with his "beta"/ knowledge of the terrain. He even made sure to capture our adventure by taking numerous photos of our incredible hike. At times we lead, and at other times, he would guide the way. Great conversations were had throughout the morning, never a dull or uncomfortable moment. Guided trips are also available at Telluride's Via Ferrata, which is different and enjoyed for entirely different reasons. We took the trip last summer with other locals. Spencer can hook you up there too! This Ouray trip is a must do activity with an outstanding company!

Friendliest and most knowledgeable staff in town. We rented equipment for a family climb of the Via Ferrata. Charlie gave us personalized attention and made us feel welcome in this town whose other service professionals were showing their fatigue of tourists. Highly recommend Basecamp for your climbing adventures! (And their climbing gym is on point.)

A truly fantastic experience! Logan was an incredible guide-he had a major role in developing the Ouray Via Ferrata system and is incredibly knowledgeable on the Via Ferrata route and local history. More importantly for us, he's a natural teacher who excels in the art of ensuring his clients have an outstanding experience while meeting challenges! Felt the right dose of adrenaline while also knowing that our 14 and 11 year olds were safe and left the experience with a positive attitude for future challenges. Can't recommend Basecamp Ouray enough!

We unfortunately had to cancel on relatively short notice and Logan could not have been more accommodating. He went the extra mile to make sure we were take care of. We look forward to climbing with this first class outfit next summer.

During an amazing trip to adventure in Ouray, randomly ran into some guides from Basecamp. Unbelievably friendly and gave my partner and I much priceless beta about the area. I climb with many guides from California and I have to say they could use some cordiality lessons from the crew at Basecamp. Thank you so much. Tim

Our guides Jason and Logan were so friendly and patient with our group of Moms and young kids. They were so encouraging with our inexperienced group learning to rock climb. It was so fun!