She PANICKED on the Telluride Via Ferrata - Watch before YOU try it!

She PANICKED on the Telluride Via Ferrata - Watch before YOU try it!
When you are in the American Southwest and you think about Via Ferratas, two immediately come to mind; the Telluride Via Ferrata and the Ouray Via Ferrata.
Tina and I have done both. So what is the difference? Let's start with the Ouray Via Ferrata. It's set in a beautiful canyon with a running river in the middle. The Ouray Via Ferrata is also very protected. You are almost always clipped into a cable. There are lots and lots of rungs, a 'tightrope' and a cool cable bridge. Lots of climbing straight up rung 'ladders' embedded in the cliff faces. The Ouray Via Ferrata is newer and it is way overbuilt.
Then there's the Telluride Via Ferrata. You start with a stroll (or drive) by the base of Bridal Veil Falls. You're soon on the Via Ferrata itself and right away, there is a lot of exposure. You're walking a short goat trail on a narrow cliff band, hundreds of feet above the valley below. And if you weren't too busy watching the views of Telluride, Bridal Veil Falls and the surrounding mountains, you might start wondering 'where are the cables?' Yeah. The Telluride Via Ferrata is a lot more 'natural', at least for the first half or so. That's not to say it's unsafe. You just need to make sure you don't walk off the cliff. There are a few sections of cable and you eventually come to Kroger's Bench. Take a break, sign the register and get ready. The Main Event is next.
The Telluride Main Event is, well, it's the part of the Telluride Via Ferrata that you will definitely not forget. You round the corner after the bench and you're met with a sheer cliff face and several hundred feet of air before you could reach the canyon floor below. The only way across this section are some hand and foot holds made from steel, bolted to the rock. It's thrilling.
Or terrifying.
Depends on your mood. Tina and I have done this via ferrata before and she was all grins and laughs the first time. This time? She freaked out and froze up.
Did she make it? You'll have to watch the video and see.
SIDE NOTE: I know some people will most likely comment on my via ferrata lanyard. Here's the story. I went to the Arizona Hiking Shack (great place, btw) in Phoenix to purchase lanyards right before our trip. They had one, which Tina was using. Since they did not have a second, I built one. It consists of climbing rated, screw gate caribeners, dynamic leash/runner tied with an overhand on a bight and a rated shock pack. The main issue I see with this set up is the carabiners I used to clip into the cables. They were properly rated, but they used screw gates instead of the automatic locking gates like Tina's. This means that unless I locked them manually at each clip in (which I did not), they could possibly release during a fall due to roll over. I do not recommend making your own setup unless you are 100% confident in your knowledge and abilities and cannot recommend the set up I used. (I would have bought a second Black Diamond via ferrata lanyard if it had been available and/or if I had thought far enough ahead to order one online.)
One more thing. They sell all sorts of via ferrata lanyards online. Some are cheaper than others. Just because it says it's a via ferrata lanyard does not mean it is a rated or properly constructed one. So if you're thinking you can save some bucks going with a no name rig, keep in mind you're trusting your life to it.
A few other things. I usually get my music from Epidemic Sound for my videos. I got one song in this video from them. But the other song is called Sweepstakes and it's by a band called American Dinosaur. And it ROCKS! American Dinosaur was nice enough to let me use their song for this video. They also love the outdoors. Show them some love and check them out here;
www.americandinosaur.us
I also used a song from Epidemic Sound: Oak City - Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
And for guiding services, check these sites out;
Ouray Via Ferrata - Basecamp Ouray
basecampouray.com/
Telluride Via Ferrata - Mountaintrip
mountaintrip.com/tellurides-l...

[@kennethhowell5291]

Her coach got her through it. That guy is a genius. She has to give herself credit. When you have a breakdown like that and try it again that would truly be impossible. That girl is a one and only. Thank you for the video, and especially the angels that created that climb. It gives the novice the experience of mountain climbing and a chance to truly fall in love with the mountain. A forever memory.

[@JerryArizona]

She did great working through that panic. Crazy too, because she did fine the first time we did it.

[@MrJSpicoli]

She faced it and did it. Nice work. Everyone gets afraid of something

[@JerryArizona]

Right? Since she did it before with no issues, I didn't expect her to be scared this time. But it happens.

[@TheKrisg50]

Courage is the quality of being ready and willing to face negative situations involving danger or pain. Well done, miss Tina.

[@JerryArizona]

She did great on this trip, but then again, she always does.

[@oliviaheinz4397]

I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again: TINA IS A BADASS. My hands were sweating just watching this. Now I feel the need conquer something like this..... with a guide.

[@JerryArizona]

You can do it! But the guide is nice. And yeah, Tina is a badass.

[@chad_collver]

Did this a few years back with my wife. Watching this brings back great memories. Thanks for sharing it. By the way I completely wigged out on the beginning of the main event. Thanks guys. Tina you’re a badass!!!

[@JerryArizona]

The Telluride Via is amazing. I understand the freak out. I've had that happen when getting on rappel in a few canyons (and mainly climbing Weavers Needle). You just have to trust the rope (or in this case the rungs and cable). But easier said than done.

[@almightychey]

You both are living your best life! Thanks for another great, educational, and inspiring video! Glad I found your channel.

[@RocNoggin]

Nicely done Tina! Any time we face our fears and overcome them it's a wonderful achievement.

[@RidiculousName]

Fantastic video, Jerry. And nice work, Tina. Way to power through it.

[@RJPayne]

I couldn’t even do angels landing in Zion I can’t imagine. My wife is all about those heights. Not for me man. I get like legit psychosomatic vertigo despite logically knowing “i got it.” Right on Tina way to push through.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah. No idea how she pushed through, but I'm glad she did. I really wanted to do the whole thing. But I was ready to turn around if we had to.

[@cathymoore1739]

Excellent teamwork to safely work through a limiting factor. The unexpected stuff just happens sometimes. It's how you work it out is what counts. Great narrative video with that beautiful Colorado scenery. Congrats to you both on an adventure well done.

[@JerryArizona]

Thanks! And the views on the Telluride via, especially in the fall, are tough to beat.

[@eltlbit]

Omg I love following your adventures, Wow Tina you’re freaking amazing missed you in the last couple of videos never a dull moment🤗❤️

[@JerryArizona]

She IS amazing. And back for quite a few more videos, which is good....

[@rokklym]

That looks awesome, and scary! Great job on working through it!

[@TheNotLostNomad]

Dude! You made a phenomenal video of all of this! Great job covering the full experience...the good and the bad! Congrats Tina on pushing through! Man, I need to make it out there soon.

[@JerryArizona]

Lemme know when you're coming this way. We just got back from Salt Creek. Amazing. We absolutely need to get back and do druid arch.

[@TheNotLostNomad]

@@JerryArizona sure thing man. Hopefully I’ll be heading out to the wave soon...this is my 5th month in a row to apply. Crossing my fingers that this is my month!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

That was awesome, you guys!! Tina, great job getting through the scary part, and Jerry awesome videography. The fall colors are absolutely insane, especially looking down on them from that steep drop off. Very, very cool. We must do this hike!

[@JerryArizona]

You would definitely love it.

[@campingalan]

Hi there! Hey…I know you folks! If you go over to the Telluride via ferrata, come on over to the Ouray one and say hi. They just finished up a secondary via ferrata here that goes the opposite direction as the one they built last year. And, there is a 3rd one going in by what we call Rotary Park (the town ice rink is there too). This one will have a fee as it is a private venture. Safe travels!

[@framebrain]

SO epic. Nice work Tina! Jerry, you da man for helping her get through that... I did Ouray, and chickened out on doing Telluride due to the heights... some day... maybe...

[@JerryArizona]

She powered through, for sure. I don't blame you for being concerned. As you can see, it's a LONG way up. But worth it if you can push past the fear.

[@vincep1c156]

Wow, found this down a rabbit hole. Great video, that was real.

[@JerryArizona]

That's a great via. Done this one and two in Ouray. The Main Event is tough to beat.

[@mesquitoful]

I watch a lot of videos to research places I may visit. Often I can glean some useful info and an excruciating viewing experience profits me In some way or another. Y’all’s videos are always worth watching because they are so damn good and funny and interesting. Please keep them coming.

[@Keldor314]

One thing that helps with this sort of fear of heights is to take a moment at a nice secure spot at the beginning of the cable to crouch down and let the harnass suspend you for a moment. You'll put a lot more trust into your safety system after you've felt for yourself how it supports your weight, and it really does make a psychological difference. Regarding deployment of the emergency shock absorber system, it takes a pretty hefty jerk to actually get it to deploy, and so it isn't likely to deploy at all on the sorts of short falls you could get on a mostly horizontal via ferrata like the one at Telluride. It's more for the more vertical routes like you often see in Europe, where there are plenty of places where you could, say, drop a good 10 feet before it catches at the anchor point below you to even begin to bring you to a stop.

[@JerryArizona]

I test almost every rappel I do while canyoneering. It does help with your confidence. I should have thought of this for Tina that day. It probably would've helped.

[@AwosAtis]

Yeah!! I'm panicking just watching!

[@papajon62]

Epic adventure! You guys rock!

[@johns7785]

Arizona needs one of these.

[@skzofskrzynskoandthechurch2214]

There is one just outside of Phoenix at Castle Hot Springs-but it’s private; requiring a $$$$ stay at that resort. There’s also a private one just outside of Page, Arizona (just across the dam and in Utah at Amangiri-also private and even more $$$$$$$.

[@JerryArizona]

I've had my eye on those. But yeah. The price.....

[@johns7785]

@@skzofskrzynskoandthechurch2214 Suprised the only one in AZ is private. There’s such a market for something like that in our state. I had no idea it was even there. But then again, I’m more of a camping in a tent person than a five star resort kinda guy.

[@TimmyCramer]

Tenacious Tina! Watching this at Carlsbad state beach now...gotta propane heater behind me and a beverage in hand! Timmy C Arizona

[@JerryArizona]

We just got back from Canyonlands. Three nights camping/backpacking. FREEZING. Propane heater and beverage doesn't sound like a bad deal.

[@robhebbs7960]

Amazing climb you two. Love it Big thumbs up.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

Dude, we were just over in Ouray when you were in Telluride based on the way the trees look! 👍 Great adventure. Too freaky. 😁

[@JerryArizona]

Small world. This was a week or more ago? Not too long. Hard to keep track sometimes.

[@RoadtrippinwithTakacs]

@@JerryArizona Yeah. It was gorgeous. 👍

[@campingalan]

Good afternoon! That is awesome that Tina worked through this one. You folks are so right…..the concern can come quickly! Great videography and commentary! We lost a person on the Telluride Via Ferrata this 2021 summer; so sad. I haven’t heard the official report though with regards if it was equipment failure or not clipped in or what.

[@JerryArizona]

Wow. I hadn't heard about that. Sad. We were in Ouray earlier this year. Know a couple of the local guides. Great area.

[@irenekarten1678]

She unclipped. Always stay clipped in, even in the walking sections, you could trip or slide on some gravel and fall off the edge.

[@Crazywhitie]

I’m going to do the Mürren via ferrata in Switzerland in June. It’s 2000ft above a valley. Thanks for this video I didn’t think to look here in Colorado.

[@JerryArizona]

Wow. 2000'? That will be intense. The via ferratas in Ouray and Telluride are fun, for sure. But Murren sounds amazing....

[@drewscamaro9473]

Tina, you're a badass! You conquered your fear and let Jerry share a video about it! Great video!

[@JerryArizona]

She was disappointed I didn't get video of her actual panic attack. I was like "I'd like to stay married to you, so I turned off the camera for that part."

[@drewscamaro9473]

@@JerryArizona You're a smart man!

[@5wheels521]

Omgosh that was alarming 😳😟😯,,,,, just Wow! Kudos to both of you for being the crazy people you are 😖😆.... I'm new to your channel and loving every gorgeous adventure you do. Keep exploring, being the awesome couple you are 💕 Stay safe and wild, 😉😁

[@JerryArizona]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! Unfortunately, Tina has learned that gravity is a concern over the years. We used to do a lot of stuff like this without concern (I still do), but I get it. Still, she powered through.

[@bobdurna3588]

Love this video...heights terrify me ( got to Scouts Lookout at Zion and had to turn around) so this is as close as I'll ever get to doing something like this. You and Tina are amazing. Thanks for making this video...as close as I'll ever get to doing something like this! However I am pretty good at eating burgers and drinking margaritas.....

[@JerryArizona]

Eating burgers and drinking margaritas is an important skill....

[@bobdurna3588]

On a serious note: what you two accomplish is amazing. Also, the videography on this one was first class....conveyed the feel of what it's like to do something like this. My hat's definitely off to you, Tina, and all who do this activity.

[@ottomendez2404]

I got a lot to learn from you guys.

[@alysonvang4006]

I did it too in 2021 and I have a lot of fun. Scary but I did it.

[@mountainflyhigh]

Like Cashy, the 6-yo snowboarder phenom would say - "I'm scared Daddy" - Daddy replies "How do we do it when we're scared" - Cashy comes right back - "We do it scared Daddy."

[@bernardcrane750]

Badass Climb!

[@JerryArizona]

Telluride is a great place. And the via gives the best views....plus a little adrenaline rush.

[@moretoliving2236]

I spent 6 weeks in silverton. I was soooo hoping to do both ouray and telluride portions with a guide but my foot took forever to heal, still messed up after my fracture in February of 21. I was there in july. It is no joke. But views…. I hope to make it there again with a healthy foot. Tina is a trooper for pushing through. She does less climbing than you in your videos so she gets additional street credit for being a tough gal.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina is definitely a trooper! Hope you heal up. That stuff seems to take so long. I STILL feel my achilles and it's probably been over a year? But it does get better with time, for sure.

[@howie119]

RIP! You will be missed 🤧

[@TheMoofy8]

Wow. cool!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

At 4:20 it looks like Tina used a Petzl Scorpio but what was that you clipped in with? Looked like something made out of regular climbing rope, carabiners, and . . . something? :)

[@JerryArizona]

I went to a local climbing/canyoneering shop and they had one via lanyard left which I gave to Tina. I got some dynamic cords and a shock pack they recommended to build my own, then used my canyoneering carabiners to attach to the cables. Conceptually it should have worked, although I wish I had a via lanyard. Ironically, Tina's lanyard was recalled by Black Diamond shortly after this trip, so mine was probably safer.

[@Ourlifeoutdoors]

Absolutely gorgeous scenery!! What month did you guys go? I’m finally planning to try it out this year with a guide. Rewatching this video several months later convinced me it’s time!

[@JerryArizona]

We went in October. If you time it right, you can catch the aspen changing colors. Enjoy. It's a fun adventure.

[@ottomendez2404]

With all the respect, you have an exceptional wife!!.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina is awesome. I'm a lucky man.

[@quachism]

I have watched both your Ouray and Telluride via ferrata videos. Jerry, I have a 10 yo son and 12 yo daughter who are adventurous. Would you recommend Ouray over Telluride for safety reasons?

[@JerryArizona]

Depends on how adventurous they are. The Ouray one has more safety lines. There are longer stretches on the Telluride one where you are not clipped in. It's not necessarily more dangerous, but you have to be more comfortable with exposure. Personally, I would probably hire a guide and do the Ouray via with kids that age. I have another video of a new via in Ouray that was built by the same people who did the other one in Ouray. I think that would also be a solid option with kids, but a guide is required for that one because it's on private property. It's called Gold Mountain Expedition.

[@t.fidler5895]

wow, you have ferratas in USA? Maybe you shoud teach her to turn around one of the carabins in case of vertical fall. I also take a 15m rope with me in case if some one "freezes" and needs to be buckled up. It help them psychologicly.

[@JerryArizona]

Good advice. I should've gotten a guide. But I was comfortable and she did it (and a couple other via's in Ouray) with no problems, so I didn't think it would have been a problem. Fear of heights sometimes kicks in at the strangest times though....

[@t.fidler5895]

@@JerryArizona You should visit us here in the Alps,.. you would enjoy them very much!

[@adrianlancrangean5817]

Jerry, what you use is not a via ferrata set. It seems to be an absorber atached to a double lanyard... It is safe?

[@JerryArizona]

I went to Arizona Hiking Shack and this is what they recommended. It's a dynamic leader on a shock pack (not sure of the exact name) and carabiners. (I may have used canyoneering ones, I can't remember. That would give them an apporpriate strength rating, but not all the same safety features of a true VF.) When I was there, they only had one Black Diamond VF lanyard, which I had Tina use; due to time constraints, I built my own. Ironically, Tina's Black Diamond one has since had a safety recall. I would not recommend building your own set.

[@kenlodge3399]

Maaan, Oh Maaan, they never had hikes slash climbs like that when I lived in the Rockies. I mean I did climbs like that but it was all exploring and discovery like stuff where the fun was in the danger and pushing one's luck to find one's skill, but that looks like regular old field day fun! You know, like when people say, "We had a Field Day..." anyway.. And Tina the Tiger Lady of the Maroon Bells - you know there's folks who insist the person who always deserves respect is the one who's scared shirtless of doing something, like facing danger, but does it anyway, you know, if your into stuff like that, but ya get a big fat WTG from me - an old broke down ancient rock climber watchin' Utubes nowadays! That looked like a blast, wish I was there.

[@JerryArizona]

Tina is definitely a beast. Not many people can power through a fear of heights. (Or three passes at Maroon Bells with altitude sickness, for that matter.)

[@suprbikfixr]

"let's got do something fun....Black Bear pass???

[@JerryArizona]

No thanks. Not interested in Black Bear AT ALL.

[@arizonaclimbingguides]

I guided for many years in Telluride! That's a really great route. I'm now a guide in Arizona. Let me know if you want some ideas for trips!

[@JerryArizona]

Where do you guide in AZ?

[@arizonaclimbingguides]

@@JerryArizona I'm based out of Tucson, but I guide all over the state and elsewhere.

[@jeanettecameron7530]

Views? I would only be seeing the rock 2 inches in front of my face.

[@BigD4562]

Do you have to take a guided tour or can you do it solo without paying?

[@JerryArizona]

We’ve done both. This trip we just went without a guide. No fees or anything I’m aware of

[@BS2Dos]

👍👍

[@Noumenon4Idolatry]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@theazjones]

I was scared rapelling only 40 feet yesterday. Heights are no good.

[@JerryArizona]

I've seen some pics where you seemed to be pushing past that fear of heights. But it's for real, for sure. I found my limit is 180'. That was the length of the rappel at Sundance, and I swore I'd never do anything higher.

[@theazjones]

@@JerryArizona I'm trying, but the other day it was just too much after I accidentally let go of the rope. It freaked me out.

[@pokert9401]

Which one is for beginners?

[@JerryArizona]

This was the first via ferrata we did, but we used a guide the first time. I feel like the Ouray via ferrata is newer, you're always clipped in and it's not as far off the ground. Might be a better pick for a first via.

[@pokert9401]

@@JerryArizona thank you Jerry. Me and my wife are planning of doing this someday. My wife gets nervous too just like your wife. Im telling you, they are just being girls lol just kidding. But really, i feel like i will have to cheer her up while doing it with her.

[@skzofskrzynskoandthechurch2214]

Good epilogue about your situation if you do take a fall and blow your equipment. Also-you no longer have a dynamic (soft) catch for the rest of the route. I was in the Dolomites (Northeastern Italy) last week on via ferratas and got this device shown here to improvise a dynamic catch “clutch” to have as a backup: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2izdWN4d8dsmKs Audio is Italian but you can put English captions on. Great video; thanks for sharing!

[@JerryArizona]

I'll need to check that out. When I went to buy the lanyards, they only had one. So I had to put one together for me. I should have had self locking carabiners (I had screw gate), but otherwise it was solid. Always good to know how to improvise.

[@skzofskrzynskoandthechurch2214]

There was one point in the video where your whole setup was in view and I paused it to try to figure out your rigging. 😊

[@yespls4184]

Beautiful but NOPE NOPE NOPE for me

[@ryanpenrod1859]

What's the point of a via ferrata if you aren't going to look down? The exposure seems like half the thrill...

[@ryanpenrod1859]

...and no I haven't done this, or any via ferrata, but I have done a lot of scrambling where I could have actually died if I fell. That's half the fun!

[@JerryArizona]

Definitely. For some reason she got scared this time. She did it before and loved it, so it was kinda unexpected that she'd react that way. But it happens. If you like exposure, this is a really fun via. Especially the Main Event.

[@marilynwargo6288]

🌸🐌💙🌙❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lisazinn866]

Can you the average 60 year old do this?( good shape).

[@JerryArizona]

If you're in good shape and not afraid of heights, you shouldn't have any problems. It does take some upper body strength in some sections. And if you aren't experienced with via gear, I'd recommend a guide.

[@user-kn9ys2zz3m]

Loud music is annoying. Half the volume would be better.

[@JerryArizona]

Yeah, I have definitely gone with softer, more chill music since this video.

[@larsthorwald3338]

What's the point of talking someone into doing something that terrifies them and is something from which they derive no benefit? Stupid. Cruel.

[@JerryArizona]

Did you watch the video? She already did it before and absolutely loved it. Fear of heights can hit someone at the strangest times, even on things they have done before and weren't afraid of. That's what happened here.

[@alexandergeuze4689]

The only reason why we do them is to ffreak out and take the next step … step for step .. next time its going to be better :) greetings from swiss

[@alexandergeuze4689]

Its funny because shes doing good

[@JerryArizona]

She did great. So crazy that she was fine the time before, and on two other via's in the area.

[@alexandergeuze4689]

Haha ye … i did a lot of vf as well and to be honest … many times i am in scare as well … haha .. but its so much fun to do the next step anyway so ..