Rock Climbing the New Paltz Gunks
The Shewangunks, fondly known as the Gunks, is one of the best natural rock climbing areas not only in the Hudson River Valley, but also the country.
The quartz conglomerate rocks home to excellent hiking, biking, and climbing are located near New Paltz, NY. Some of the best known cliffs in the Gunks include The Trapps and The Near Trapps, as well as areas within Minnewaska State Park and the Mohonk Mountain House Preserve lands. The Trapps features extensive climbing over several miles of cliffs ranging in height from 30 feet to over 250 feet. A gravel carriage road provides access to most of the Trapps climbs, including a hike along the road as well as up to the rocks.
Adult climbers can purchase a day pass for $20 or a season pass for $105 to climb the cliffs. In addition to these more well-known climbs, there are several less traveled paths that only locals know about.
The Gunks feature terrain for all difficulty levels. But make no mistake, these rocks take endurance, commitment, and strength.
“Climbing the Gunks is not for the faint of heart,” said Brendan Jones, an employee at BC’s New Paltz Climbing Gym that offers instruction in indoor rock climbing. “Climbers come from near and far for the cliffs here, and they’re usually very experienced. However, there are plenty of places in town here for beginners to learn and get fully equipped and guided if they’re just starting out.” Some of these include locally owned guide programs, shops, and gyms such as BC’s Gym, Rock & Snow, Eastern Mountain Sports Schools, and Mountain Skills Climbing Guides.
Jones recommends that newcomers to the Gunks start at a lower level of difficulty than they are accustomed to until they get their bearings. He works as an instructor at the gym, primarily for children beginning in their after-school program. BC’s also offers daily orientation courses to teach new climbers the basics of toprope climbing. Climbers should stay with a guide or someone experienced in the sport and the area until they are comfortable in their environment, suggests Jones.
The peak climbing season is in autumn from September to October, when the Valley is filled with rich colors as the leaves change. However, spring is also popular with climbers as the weather gets nicer; however, climbers should beware of wet and slippery rocks.
While New Paltz is well-known for SUNY New Paltz, excellent local cuisine, and a rich culture of the arts and music, many in the area do not know about its famous rock climbing in the Gunks. Rachel Crook, a Connecticut native and senior at SUNY New Paltz, was unaware of all the outdoor adventure activities in the area until she began her studies there. “I absolutely love hiking around here, at Minnewaska or Mohonk, especially when I can get here on a weekday or off-season,” she said. “I’ve also gotten to try rock climbing a bit after being encouraged by one of my friends who works at one of the climbing shops in town. It’s such a popular sport here with locals and visitors that should be on everyone’s bucket list.”
As a novice climber, Crook admitted that the cliffs were intimidating, but so rewarding upon reaching the top. “It was exhilarating to make it from base to summit. I give major props to people who do this regularly,” she said.
Rock climbing is yet another hidden gem of the Hudson River Valley, allowing natives and visitors alike a unique opportunity to take in sprawling vistas while exercising in nature.
