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 your pants on the side of a mountain where eagles dare? You can, and they call it via ferrata, and no, it is not an Italian automobile.

Via ferrata dates back to World War I, when troops used it to transport men and material. FOX31 went to Arkansas Valley Adventures in Idaho Springs to give it a try.

“We have these protected rock climbing routes out here. The rungs are your hand holds and your foot holds, and we have a cable that you are clipped into," said Sara Dudek, of Arkansas Valley Adventures.

Via Ferrata is Italian, it means “iron path”, it's not clear if that is because it is made of iron or you need iron nerves to do it. So, is it safe?

“It is very safe," Dudek said. "I’ve not really encountered an injury more serious than someone like stubbing their toe on one of the rungs or skinning their knees on the rock."

Safe and scary at the same time, pretty cool.

The steel cables, ladders and fixed anchors allow you to go places you probably would not go otherwise. It is basically like hiking with a little terrifying rock, with climbing thrown in. Via Ferrata requires no previous climbing experience. But it probably would help to have a good pair of hiking shoes.