Outdoor adventure regardless of experience should be about three things. First, it should push you out of your comfort zone. Second, jaw-dropping views of naturally scenery is a must. Last, but not least, you should feel accomplished at the end. Via Ferrata Telluride checks all those boxes and more for some summer fun in the mountains.

Inspiration Behind The “Krogerata”

Italian for “iron road”, the original idea was born out of war-time necessity when the Austrians and Italians fought a ferocious war deep in the Dolomites during World War I. Instead of letting this “iron road” decay, a group called Club Alpino Italiano maintained and actually created new routes. It was when Colorado climber and mountaineer Chuck Kroger experienced these himself that he knew he had to create this idea back home and that’s how Via Ferrata Telluride started.

Who Is The Man Behind It

First, let’s give this man the credit he is due. He is the epitome of a mountain bad ass. A pioneering climber, ultra runner, cyclist, master craftsman, and overall mountain renaissance man. Even in his Stanford University days, he served as President from 1968-69 of the elite Stanford Alpine Club. Part of the “College boy climbers”, Kroger and his pals would often best full-time climbing residents during their weekends in Yosemite. In fact, he was the first to climb four routes on El Capitan in a single season. He then arrived in Telluride in ’79 along with his wife Cathy Green.

The Idea is Born

Over the years, he explored his “backyard” of the San Juan Mountains alongside balancing his hard work in carpentry and welding with mountain exploits. His wife Cathy Green isn’t sure exactly when Chuck noticed the perfect spot for a Via Ferrata. He saw the perfect break of horizontal rock layers beneath Ajax Peak at the end of the legendary box canyon. The narrow rock ledge slants towards the abyss hundreds of feet below making it the perfect site.

Homegrown “High”

Armed with this idea, Chuck and his wife Cathy fabricated two sets of rungs in their basement – one for hands and the other for feet. They then took those and bolted them into the granite face. Always a man that liked to thumb his nose to authority, he built the route illegally on public land.

Cancer Arrives

It was around this time Chuck was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Luckily, his friends helped put the finishing touches on the route before he became too ill. Chuck passed away on Christmas Day 2007. While he’s gone, his memory can be felt in every bolt of this route, and so in honor of Chuck, it’s now informally known as the “Krogerata.”

For years, it was a local secret, but today it’s now maintained and managed by the Telluride Mountain Club so that everyone can enjoy. With the popularity of Via Ferratas exploding across the United States, the local community needed to figure out a way to help protect, preserve, and maintain this legendary route. As of 2019, the Telluride Via Ferrata Sustainability Fund was founded. In an effort to help keep the via ferrata open for the long-term future, partner guide services have added a $5 per person donation allowance so that it can continue to be free.

The Route

Like any great rollercoaster, the journey begins slow. A beautiful hiking trail that becomes narrower and narrower until it tapers off to a ledge. And after a bit further, that ledge disappears altogether as well.

The Main Event

If you’re feeling uncomfortable on the first stretch, it might be a good idea to retrace your steps back. Providing a “rest point”, you can sit on “Kroger’s Bench” and take in the views of the town of Telluride and Bridal Veil Falls. From there, peer around the corner to see the most harrowing section, known only as the “Main Event.”

Turn It Up!!!

A sheer cliff face that drops nearly 200 feet below! On that rock face, the only way across the chasm is to navigate 300 feet of ladders and rungs with only air below you. This is definitely the most intense segment of the Via Ferrata Telluride.

Rinse and Repeat

After this segment, the course “mellows” out a bit but is still challenging. The route alternates between a shoe-wide trail and sections of a ledge with a few more ladders. And if that wasn’t “rough enough”, you have to turn around and head back the same way you came to avoid crossing private property.

Not For Everyone… But Everyone That’s Prepared

This isn’t a normal hum-drum Via Ferrata either. Chuck wanted to add a taste of true mountaineering elements. There are sections where you’ll find no cable at all meaning you NEED harnesses, carabiners, shock-absorbing leashes, and an understanding of how to use footholds and handholds.

Before You Go

The entire adventure takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. This isn’t a walk in the park. Be sure you’re fairly fit and NOT a stranger of heights. If you aren’t an experienced rock climber with your own equipment, we HIGHLY recommend hiring a mountain guide. Be that as it may, you don’t need rock climbing shoes, but a good pair of hiking shoes are essential. It’s not a bad idea to even bring gloves and rain gear just in case.

Tour Companies

There are a few tour companies and mountain guides that you can hire if you’re interested in attempting the Via Ferrata Telluride which includes the following companies:

Mountain Trip

(via Viator – Trip Advisor)

Born in 1973 as an Alaskan Daydream, this outfit invests in resources and training opportunities for their guides as well as a family feel to the company. As a result, their lead guides are among the most experienced and respected in the climbing community.

San Juan Outdoor Adventures

Where you’re a small family or a large group of buddies. An avid outdoor junkie or never gone beyond your desk, this crew will cater an experience fit for you that you’ll remember forever.

Telluride Mountain Guides

As the name suggests, TMG is a group of guides that combine artful movement, composure, and technical proficiency in the mountains. A mix of hard skill, patience, playfulness, and a lifetime spent in the field offer you a trusty partner for adventure.

San Juan Mountain Guides

Founded in ’86, they are “well known” as the local experts for climbing and mountain adventures not just in Telluride but Ouray and Durango areas as well. Considered the premier provider of Ouray Ice Climbing courses and private guided programs in both the San Juan’s and Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll be in good hands with this crew.

Peak Mountain Guides

A company built around the idea of connecting clients with talented, motivated, and personable guides who have a genuine interest in helping people achieve their goals. And this includes experiencing the Via Ferrata. As they say, “there is nothing cookie cutter about what we do.” They place the utmost value on relationships and strive in every way possible to facilitate the experience each individual guest is looking for.

When To Go

Being in a ski town, the best bet for you to attempt the Telluride Via Ferrata is to go in June through early October. This will make sure that the weather is nice, and there’s been enough time for the winter’s snowpack to recede.

How To Get There

From the historic town of Telluride, giddy up onto Bridal Veil Falls road. Follow the road another switchback past the Bridal Veil Falls Park. From there, you’ll cross a wooden bridge and look for the steep trail about 20’ past the bridge.

Why Do It?

Like we said above, this is a dangerous, long, and acrophobia inducing adventure. At the same time, Via Ferrata Telluride provides an incredible experience as long as you do it right. This means go with someone who has A LOT of experience, or better yet, hire a guide. While not as hard as scaling up a rock face, this might be the literal kick in the pants for you to get into the sport of rock climbing.

For more Via Ferrata trip experiences in the US and Canada, check out our in-depth guide found here:

As you crest over the summit and cast your eyes on Lake Tahoe, you’ll immediately understand why it’s so celebrated. That it’s the crowning jewel of the Sierra. Why Mark Twain said, it’s “where the angels breathe.” Known as the “Lake of the Sky.” And yet Tahoe isn’t just stunning looks but rather the complete package. An outdoor playground for every activity imaginable – hiking, mountain biking, beach-going, and even skiing in the winter. For our first-timers Lake Tahoe itinerary, we focus on the must-see spots along with a few hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable. You could call it a Lake Tahoe mini road-trip.

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If you like what you see, click below to download the itinerary that you can print or save on your phone.

Learn More About Tahoe

For an in-depth look at Lake Tahoe and its culture, be sure to visit our Lake Tahoe Guide. It covers everything from seasonal activities and major annual events to recommendations on places to stay and eat. We also share tips on how to get here even in the winter months.

Everyone Loves Lake Tahoe

Before you even start planning your trip, be aware of a few things. First, Lake Tahoe is big. Real big. A whopping 72 miles around, and without any expressways, it takes time to get around. Combine that with near perfect summer weather and lots to do, the population swells from a quaint 30,000 to a massive 300,000 on peak times. On a busy weekend, it can take you 2+ hours (or more) to get from the north shore of the lake to the south.

How to Beat The Summer Crowds

There are a few ways to beat the traffic. We provide a few alternatives to the most popular attractions via our article “How To Avoid Crowds For Popular Summer Activities In Lake Tahoe”, but here are a few general strategies that you can use during your time in Lake Tahoe.

Get up early, stay late

If you wish to stay in a single hotel or cabin, consider the following plan:

1. Start your day early.
2. Head to the side of the lake you want to explore.
3. Spend your day there.

As the sun sets, you can return to your accommodations without being stuck in a car.

Pick a side

Depending on what’s going on, traffic congestion around the lake can vary significantly. The two most consistent bottlenecks are around Sand Harbor on the northeast side and Emerald Bay in the southwest corner. To minimize daily driving time, consider dividing your trip into two segments: stay somewhere on the north end for part of your trip and on the south end for the other part.

Make it a mini–Road Trip

Better yet, turn your Lake Tahoe trip into a mini road trip by staying at different hotels along the way. To reduce stress and maximize the fun, we’ve laid out our First-Timer’s Lake Tahoe Itinerary as a mini-road trip.

Lake Tahoe Itinerary

The Lake Tahoe itinerary highlighted below can be shortened or even done counterclockwise. This is based on if you fly into SFO or Reno-Tahoe and are going to spend a week in the region.

Day 1: Arrive

Depending on how you get into the Golden State, there are a few ways to get here if you fly. If you’re flying into San Francisco, Lake Tahoe is about a three-four drive northeast of SFO, or better yet, the closest option is to fly into Reno-Tahoe which is then about a 60 minute drive to the shores of the lake.

Where to stay

Quiet Getaway: Franciscan Lakeside Lodge
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Social Hub: Basecamp (Tahoe City)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Go all out: Hyatt Vacation Club at High Sierra Lodge (Incline Village)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Day 2 – Kings Beach

You’ve finally made it! Instead of rushing into activities, embrace the local style of living – “Tahoe Time.” Think of it as island time, but in the mountains.

Start with a leisurely breakfast at Spindleshanks, complete with a few mimosas. Then, head down to Kings Beach for some relaxing beach time. Lake Tahoe’s waters are famously clear, with visibility in some places reaching depths of over 70 feet! To fully appreciate this, rent a clear kayak from Wild Society.

End your day with a hike up to the Stateline Fire Lookout above Crystal Bay. For dinner, choose between a romantic reservation at Soule Domain or a more relaxed meal of tacos and margaritas at Las Panchitas.

Where to Stay

Continue staying at your accommodations.

Day 3 – Sand Harbor

* Check-out of your hotel

Today is going to be a big day, so be sure to fuel up! Start with a breakfast burrito from Tree House Café, paired with a cup of locally sourced CoffeeBar coffee. Then head to Incline Village and take in the sights at Sand Harbor. Parking at Sand Harbor can be challenging (some days you need to arrive by 6 am), and starting this August, day-use reservations will be required.

Instead of fighting the crowds, experience two attractions with one adventure. Park at Incline Village, rent a bike, and ride “America’s most beautiful bikeway” – the East Shore Trail. This relatively flat, 3-mile path provides easy access to Sand Harbor’s unique cove.

For lunch, savor what might be the best house-smoked turkey sandwich you’ve ever had at Mountain High Sandwich Company. Afterward, celebrate with a beer fermented with wild yeast from Alibi Ale Works‘ own beehives. If you have enough energy and want to see where Mark Twain coined his words about Lake Tahoe, take the short but steep hike up to Monkey Rock or catch a sunset at Zephyr Cove.

Adventurous Alternative

If you’re not a beach person but still want to take in Sand Harbor, consider hitting up the Flume Trail. It might arguably be the most photogenic mountain bike trails in the country providing a unique birds-eye view of Sand Harbor and Lake Tahoe. Even if you aren’t super fit or want to take things more relaxed, Flume Trail Mountain Bikes also rents E-bikes helping make this pedal a breeze.

For those wondering what to expect, be sure to read our personal experience of riding the Flume Trail.

Where to stay:

Now it’s time to head down south to your next set of attractions. Each of these hotels provide easy walkable access to dining and other activities.

Quiet Getaway: Resthaven Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Social Hub: Basecamp (South Lake Tahoe)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Go all out: The Landing Tahoe Resort
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Day 4 – Heavenly Views

Heavenly Village is filled with fantastic restaurants and cafes to pick from, but our favorite breakfast spot is the Red Hut Café with its delicious Bavarian Waffles. If you’re not into breakfast, we highly recommend visiting Free Bird Café. It’s one of our top 5 coffee shops in ANY ski town. They serve locally roasted coffee and traditional Indian chai made from scratch with real whole ingredients.

Take in the Sky High Views

The day’s adventures begin with a ride on the Heavenly Village Gondola. The 2.4 miles journey quickly whisks you up from the Lake Tahoe Basin (6,229’ above sea level) to Tamarack Lodge (9,150’) in under 20 minutes. Once at Tamarack Lodge, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, lift rides to the summit, and the Ridge Rider Mountain Coaster.

Instead of sitting in traffic, make the journey part of the adventure by renting a cruiser or E-bike from one of the many places in the casino corridor, like Tahoe Powder House. From the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Lake Tahoe Blvd, there’s a dedicated path that takes you across town without the hassle of being on the road. For a full bike map, check out TahoeBike.org.

Lunch And Beach Time

Break for lunch at Sprouts Café which is mere steps from the El Dorado Beach and the Lakeview Commons. Located in the center of South Lake Tahoe, this area is perfect for large picnics, renting a kayak or paddleboard, viewing the lake, or simply relaxing. On Thursday (summer) nights, it even features free music as part of Live at Lakeview.

More Beaches Please

If you’re an aquaphile and haven’t gotten enough beach time, continue onwards via the Pope-Baldwin bike path to the string of Pope, Kiva, and Baldwin beaches and spend the afternoon taking in the sun rays. Don’t forget to make a stop at the famed ice cream parlor at Camp Richardson.

Where to stay:

Stay at your current accommodations.

A Glorious Sunset

When you’re ready to shift gears from water activities, head back towards Heavenly Village and discover a hidden gem right under everyone’s nose – Van Sickle Bi-State Park. Spanning both California and Nevada, it’s the only bi-state park in the country. Beautiful at any time, the park truly dazzles at sunset. As the sun dips behind the western peaks, you’ll understand why John Muir wrote, “Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best.” If you plan to stay later, bring headlamps for added visibility.

Wrap up your adventurous day with dinner in Heavenly Village, or for something unique, venture to Himmel Haus for authentic German cuisine. Our two favorite dishes are their Schwein Haxen with homemade mashed potatoes and their sausage platter with Curry Ketchup.

Day 5 – Emerald Bay

*Check-out of your hotel

Waterfalls, towering granite mountainsides that shoot up from its shoreline, and the lake’s only island, Emerald Bay is what gives Tahoe its worldwide acclaim. Prepare to be awestruck! As expected, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel is one of the most popular summer attractions. Grab a quick breakfast sandwich from Tahoe Bagel Co. as they open at 7 am, then head out to Emerald Bay via Highway 89.

Key things to know:

Emerald Bay is being loved to death (highly trafficked) so be sure to do your part and follow the Leave No Trace principles so that your great grandkids can enjoy it as well. Bring at least $10 cash to pay for parking.

Stop at Inspiration Point, a drive-up overlook offering a breathtaking view of the island and iconic bay. Continue to the Vikingsholm parking area. From here, descend to the shoreline to admire Vikingsholm Castle, keeping in mind you’ll need to climb back up!

Heading back toward South Lake Tahoe, pull into the Bay View trailhead across from Inspiration Point. Here you can embark on a short hike with a big payoff: Cascade Falls, a majestic 200-foot-tall waterfall cascading into the lake below. On your return, indulge in a classic outdoor burger at Burger Lounge that’ll remind you of your childhood with family spent at a beach town.

For the Adventurous

Consider peak-bagging Maggie’s Peaks—a short but challenging endeavor. The 4.1-mile out-and-back trail climbs a hefty 1,700 vertical feet in elevation. That effort pays off with a big reward. Stunning 360-degree views of Emerald Bay, Granite Lake, and the entire Lake Tahoe region.

Late Riser Option

Don’t like the idea of getting up early? There’s no better way to get a close-up look at this magnificent cove than from the water. Hop on a boat like the MS Dixie II for a scenic tour, or better yet, book a cruise with Cruise Tahoe, which includes a tour inside Vikingsholm Castle as part of the admission price.

For dinner, Lake Tahoe offers a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste. From high-end restaurants like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen to laid-back spots like Lake Tahoe AleWorX, there’s something for everyone.

However, a local favorite and somewhat hidden gem that we point visitors to is Curry Grill. Tucked inside a liquor store, it’s unassuming and and you can only take their food to go. What sets it apart is the authenticity of its food. Having traveled to India multiple times for work in my corporate days, I can attest that Curry Grill serves some of the most authentic Indian cuisine I’ve found outside of India itself.

Where to stay:

Now it’s time to head over to the western shore for your next set of attractions. Each of these hotels provide easy walkable access to dining and other activities.

Quiet Getaway: Cabins in the quiet village of Tahoma
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Social Hub: Basecamp (Tahoe City)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Go all out: Everline Resort and Spa (Olympic Valley)
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com

Day 6 – The Western Shore

Tahoe Time may resemble island time, but many locals kickstart their day with adventures before work. Be like them and embark on a sunrise hike up Eagle Rock. The trail winds through an eroded, dormant volcano, and at its summit, offers one of the best views of the sunrise over Lake Tahoe and the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountain range. Afterward, unwind with a leisurely brunch at Fire Sign Cafe.

Explore the history of Tahoe at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, where you can tour two beautifully maintained mansions that offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of summer residents from the early 20^th Century.

**Please note that D.L. Bliss State Park will be closed for repairs all of 2024.

Nearby, D.L. Bliss State Park boasts stunning beaches and fantastic hiking opportunities, including the iconic Rubicon Point Lighthouse—the highest elevation lighthouse in the United States. From its scenic overlook, marvel at the panorama of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, and the distant Nevada shore. Rubicon Point also offers a close look at one of the lake’s deepest spots.

For lunch and a refreshing beverage, stop at Chambers Landing, a historic establishment since 1854 and the region’s first lakefront bar. Continue north to “Fanny Bridge,” Lake Tahoe’s sole outlet, named humorously for the observers who gaze over the edge into the cool waters below.

Carry on to Tahoe City, a charming town with quaint bars, restaurants, and shops. Don’t miss Alpenglow Sports, our favorite for outdoor gear, conveniently located on the water’s edge near Commons Beach.

Finally for dinner, indulge in a juicy burger at Bridgetender Tavern and Grill, offering options like elk, turkey, and veggie burgers. For exceptional BBQ, head to Moe’s Original, serving some of the tastiest brisket we’ve had on the West Coast.

For the Adventurous

Just ten minutes west of Lake Tahoe lies Palisades Tahoe, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Immerse yourself in this history by visiting the museum atop the Aerial Tram, offering stunning views of Lake Tahoe from 8,200 feet above sea level.

For a nature adventure, hike the picturesque Shirley Canyon, where you can marvel at a beautiful waterfall. Feeling adventurous? Conquer your fear of heights or push your limits with the Tahoe Via Ferrata experience.

Where to stay:

Stay at your current accommodations.

Day 7 – Depart

For anyone that knows me well, I over-analyze everything, and it sometimes hinders me from trying new things. This is exactly what happened when I first started toying around with the idea of mountain biking years ago. Images from the film UnReal ran through my head, but instead of pumping me up, it terrified me. Looking back at when I first started, I laugh at myself at how I felt. All I could think of was falling and breaking something. Now, the idea of NOT mountain biking would make me insane. If you need a nudge on attempting this amazing sport, here’s a look into how we got into it along with a few tips.

Why I Started Mountain Biking

For someone not keen on trying new things, how did I get over the hump to finally start mountain biking? Well, every winter I force Jaime to push her limits in snowboarding. A majority of the time riding, she’s usually out of her comfort zone. It’s exhausting to her, but she ends up enjoying the day.

The one sport she’d ALWAYS wanted to try is mountain biking. Every single summer, I’d drag my feet making up excuses. It wasn’t until a few years ago my friends opened my eyes to experience the wilderness in its purest form… and that’s when my mind began to change. From hiking to backcountry snowboarding, these guys threw me into the deep end but made sure they were there to support me. I complained, huffed & puffed, and felt like a total dork. Heck, I was terrified the whole time AND sucked at every new activity we did – BIG time! At the end of each day, I’d reflect back on our adventure and realized I enjoyed every minute of it. If these endeavors are so much fun, why not try mountain biking? And, this is where my journey began.

Local Shops Are A Great Place To Start

When you pick up a new sport, no matter how much research you do, having a seasoned veteran on your side is WAY more valuable. On the south shore of Lake Tahoe, there’s a few great options to choose from. If you need to get your bike fixed, we recommend Wattabike in Meyers. Kent is a magic worker and will ensure your bike comes out better than before. They’re also an Ibis dealer. For those near the casino corridor, head to Shoreline of Tahoe. Shoreline’s team has thirty plus years in the business and each person in the shop is passionate about mountain biking. So much so that they hold multiple women’s rides throughout the season and support TAMBA (our local bike trail advocacy). Shoreline’s team set us up with mid-range bikes and geared us up. Now that we had the setup, where should we start riding?

Mountain Biking in Lake Tahoe

Since we had no idea where to go or what to ride, the crew at Shoreline named off a few trails to start. They suggested hitting up the Hartoonian Trails along with another called Powerline. To make sure we didn’t get lost, they also got us comfortable using Trailforks. The local trail advocacy group TAMBA partners with Trailforks to give the most up-to-date trail conditions. Also, if you want a taste of what’s available to shred (of the dirt kind) in the region, our comprehensive guide found here provides descriptions of each & even where to park:

Hartoonian Trails – Good For Beginners

The Hartoonian Trails, located behind the Tahoe Sierra (Sierra Tract) neighborhood, are a perfect starting point. Some small hills, varied terrain, and every type of ground cover you could think of helped get us comfortable with being in the ‘saddle’.  And, depending on how we felt, we had the flexibility to make it a long ride or just a short loop back home.

Trailhead: In South Lake Tahoe, from Lake Tahoe Blvd turn onto Sierra Blvd and follow it until it ends. You can either park at the end of Sierra or at the end of Lodi to enter the trails.

Powerline – How I Got Addicted to Mountain Biking

 

Riding the Hartoonian Trails were a great introduction but it was time to hit something a bit bigger so we made the decision to check out Powerline. Immediately, we noticed a drastic difference. The singletrack trail meandered and zigzagged mostly through large conifers. It exposed us to sweeping turns that reminded me of tree skiing. This is when I began to realize why people enjoy mountain biking. Similar to backcountry skiing, mountain biking gets you away from the hustle ‘n bustle but at the same time, introduces a bit of adrenaline.

It wasn’t like any other activity I’d done before. It was about half-way through our ride when we began a moderate climb through a tight forested canopy. Nearing the summit, the trees suddenly thinned. And there it was. A view of Lake Tahoe! Standing there catching my breath and looking across the landscape, I thought back for a moment. What if I didn’t push myself past my fears to try something different? I would have never seen this view or ‘caught the bug’ of mountain biking.

Trailhead: In South Lake Tahoe, follow Oneidas to FS 1201 and park at any of the pullouts.

Need Some More Direction?

Now that we’ve gotten several years under our belt, we’ve begun to introduce some of our friends into the sport. It came as a shocker how quickly we forgot all the pain points of starting out. Luckily, our friend Noel was a willing guinea pig to help us re-learn what are the 9 tips to make getting into mountain biking easier.

Another aspect that most don’t talk about but should is seat pain. Don’t just get a big cushy seat, rather invest in a saddle that fits you. It’s worth its weight in gold. We delve deep into this subject in our article The “Dirty” Secret On How To Make Mountain Biking Enjoyable. For more on how to start mountain biking, get tips, or learn about hidden vacation spots for two wheels, check out our comprehensive guide:

Hopefully this story inspires you to try something new this summer or winter. Is there an experience or activity you gave the ‘no-way, not happening’ attitude but changed your mind and were glad you did?