Via ferrata is Italian for “iron road.” It describes climbing routes with safety wires, metal rungs, ladders, footholds, iron pins, or other permanently attached features across steep, rocky terrain.

Mammoth’s new rock climbing attraction, a beginner-friendly course with six different routes, opened Saturday, offering thrill-seekers a giant off-season alternative to hiking and mountain biking.

Via ferratas, a type of protected climbing route, require no experience and allows users to enjoy the same cliffs as seasoned alpinists.

Few outdoor adventures offer the payoff rock climbing does — a screensaver-worthy shot from a summit, along with a story you’ll never tire of telling. The boasting and epic views are rewards for years ...

Man posing on Donnerkogel Intersport via ferrata (klettersteig) ladder, with his leg hanging out, on a bright sunny day. If hiking seems a bit too mellow but you’re not quite ready to take on a steep ...

As my watch beeped twice to signal that 4 a.m. had arrived, I glanced up at the outline of the Tre Cime peaks of the Italian Dolomites to see if there was any sign of light in the sky. National ...

IDAHO SPRINGS (KDVR) — Hiking, fishing or camping in the Colorado outdoors is a lot of fun enjoyed by many people. But if you are looking for a little more excitement, how about hanging by the seat of ...

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Something new is under construction in central Ohio and it's the first of its kind in an urban setting in the United States. It's called a via ferrata, a type of rock climbing path.

Editor’s note: This is part of The Know’s series, Staff Favorites. Each week, we offer our opinions on the best Colorado has to offer for dining, shopping, entertainment, outdoor activities and more. ...

Long popular in Europe, the beginner-friendly climbing routes are being installed on peaks and in gorges across the United States. Here are six to try now. By Cindy Hirschfeld I stood on a rock ledge, ...