The Specs
The Gunks are a neccessary rite of passage for any climber, anywhere, period. Thousands of steep, exciting routes await the adventurous spirit that heeds the call. And with close proximity to many major population centers of the Northeast, it's easy to get to. The ethic of the area is staunchly traditional, although you can find a spattering of bolted routes around. Most of the routes are face climbs and protection can consistently be placed in the many horizontal cracks that abound. Alien cams are the best gear you can use here, particularly some of the smaller offsets such as the yellow-green and yellow-red. Of course, you should have a full rack with nuts and a few larger cams as well, but Aliens tend to work like a charm.
Entrance Fee: $15/Person; valid for 1 day
You can also purchase an annual pass that saves a bundle:
Basic Annual Membership + Climbing Option - $85 - Available at the visitor center. This pass grants you 1 year of access to the Mohonk Preserve.
Camping: There are 2 campgrounds close by, one inside the park and one outside. They are both free, but tend to fill up quickly on busy weekends.
Mohonk Campground: inside park by the Trapps Bridge
NY State Multiple Use AreaCampground: Along Route 44/55 between New Paltz and the cliffs
