Rock Climbing in the Gunks and Adirondacks
What to Wear
During the warm rock climbing months, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Functionality and flexibility are paramount to your comfort throughout the day. Comfortable shoes that allow you to scramble over rocky terrain; sneakers or trail shoes are ideal, and heavy hiking boots are not necessary. Avoid open-toed sandals. Please remember that sunny winter days can become surprisingly warm, and hot summer days can become cool, so be prepared for any weather. Depending on the time of year, wear shorts or long pants, and bring a windbreaker and a hat for cooler days. Layering is always a good idea.
What to Bring
Bring a small to medium-sized backpack. Pack a lunch and at least two liters of water or sports drinks per person per day. Depending on the season and the weather, we also recommend sunscreen, insect repellent, a cell phone, and a hat.
Mountain Skills Climbing Guides will provide all necessary technical climbing gear and day passes for the Mohonk Preserve
In addition, don’t forget your paperwork. Please fill it out and bring it with you!
• Participant Registration Form
• Acknowledgement of Risk Form
• Consent to Treatment and Model Release Form
What to Expect
For rock climbing in the Gunks, we typically meet at the East Trapps parking area just above the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. to finish any paperwork and outfit you with your gear for the day. From there, you can expect a short approach hike to the climbing area. We generally climb until about 4:00 p.m.
* Please meet promptly with your guide(s) at the agreed-upon time. This is very important on busy weekends as parking in the area fills up quickly. A limited number of parking spots are available, and late arrival may jeopardize timely access to your destination.
Wintertime Rock Climbing
Rock climbing in the Gunks is still possible and enjoyable during the colder months. The Trapps face southeast, so the rock is warm if it’s sunny out. We usually work half-days, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending when the sun starts to come off the cliff. Following the suggested clothing list for ice climbing works well for winter rock climbing.
Ice Climbing in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains
For ice climbing in the Adirondacks, your guide will meet you at 8:00 am at the Stewart’s Gas Station in Keene.
For ice climbing in the Catskills, you will be meeting your guide at 8:00 am at the Mountain Skills Office, in New Paltz.
Please arrive on time to ensure a great day of climbing. After meeting your guide, we’ll outfit you with your technical climbing equipment and finish any necessary paperwork.
Important Policies
No Dogs on Guided Trips
Although we at Mountain Skills are all animal lovers, the Mohonk Preserve doesn’t allow furry friends to be brought on guided climbing trips, so please make sure to make arrangements to leave Fido at home for the day.
Cancellation Policy
Mountain Skills will determine cancellations due to inclement weather 24 hours before a scheduled trip. If we must cancel, we will work to reschedule you as soon as possible.
Other cancellations are accepted up to 8 days in advance for a full credit or refund. Cancellations 7 to 4 days before your trip will be charged a $100 fee and rescheduled according to availability.
No-shows and cancellations 3 days or less before the trip are charged the full 100% fee.
Groups of 5 or more require a 50% deposit, which will NOT be refunded if the trip is canceled 8 days or less before the scheduled departure.
While we understand that unforeseeable situations do arise, Mountain Skills Guides are reserved based on your availability. Last-minute cancellations impede our ability to schedule others in your place. This policy provides our guides with a measure of job security. We appreciate your understanding.