Just under two hours away from the Big Apple sprawls one of the finest climbing areas in the US—the Shawangunk Ridge, or simply “the Gunks”. In the 1940s, passionate climbers put up a bunch of classic routes that remain popular to this day, making the area one of the oldest in the country. With grades ranging from 5.4 to 5.13b and the famous one-to-three-pitch climbs for all levels of difficulty, both newcomers to the sport and more serious climbers will get exactly what they came for. Whether you wish to get your first taste of rock climbing or you’ve got prior experience and want to learn new skills for top-roping, leading, or multi-pitch climbs, these rock climbing clinics will deliver. Find out more about this superb climbing location from Viktor Marohnić, all-round adventure junkie and founder of 57hours.
Get your first taste of rock climbing with this introductory clinic in the Gunks! Learn about climbing equipment, master various techniques, and find out all there is to know about safety checks needed to rock climb. With your professional guide leading you throughout the way and choosing optimal routes for you, you’ll fall in love with climbing the moment you touch the magnificent rocks in the Gunks!
Day 1: Introduction and gear placement
Spend the first day of this clinic learning about gear placement, extension, anchor building, methods of belaying, and lowering off the anchor so that you can start leading.
Day 2: Reviewing skills and mock leads
Today you’ll keep working on the skills you learned yesterday and there will be some mock leads so that you can apply your newly-learned skills. You’ll also get to know about rappelling safety tips to stay safe on the rocks.
Expand your climbing horizons and start leading after this two day clinic in the Gunks. Let your guide show you all about gear placement, anchor building, lowering off the anchor, and methods of belaying so that you can successfully lead. This clinic is for climbers who have prior experience, can tie the basic knots (figure eight and a clove hitch), and are familiar with traditional gear removal and rappelling.
Day 1: Anchor selection and building
On the first day of this clinic, your guide will show you all there is to know about anchor selection with trees, boulders and/or bolts. You’ll also learn about anchor building, tether lines, and review basic belaying skills.
Day 2: Reviewing and practicing
Kick things off by reviewing the skills you learned yesterday. Cement your newfound knowledge and practice anchor building, rappelling off the anchor, ground management, and work some more on belay skills to get out on your own and top-rope!
Practice top rope anchoring in the Gunks with an expert guide and learn the skills necessary to build natural and/or bolted top rope anchors. Cover various topics such as anchor selection with trees, boulders, and/or bolts and work on your belay skills and ground management. Your guide will make sure to show you the ropes so you can successfully top rope in the future!
Day 1: Anchor selection and building
On the first day of this clinic, your guide will show you all there is to know about anchor selection with trees, boulders and/or bolts. You’ll also learn about anchor building, tether lines, and review basic belaying skills.
Day 2: Reviewing and practicing
Kick things off by reviewing the skills you learned yesterday. Cement your newfound knowledge and practice anchor building, rappelling off the anchor, ground management, and work some more on belay skills to get out on your own and top-rope!
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Gunks, NY, please refer to the New York State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.
The Gunks have plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!
For intermediate to advanced climbers, the Gunks have loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best hidden gems the area has to offer.
Your guiding service will provide the basic technical climbing gear. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it.
NOTE: For the Multi-Pitch Transition and Rescue Skills Clinic, all participants will need to provide their own rope and rack. For Intro to Lead Climbing, the participants will need to provide their own basic rack—nuts, cams, carabiners, slings, and cordellette.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and prices:
Rock climbing weekend in the Gunks can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to the Shawangunk Mountains (the Gunks), most people fly into one of the international airports in New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service for 2 hours to the Gunks.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
Day Trips Cancellations
Fully refundable within the initial 48 hours from booking, unless the trip date is less than 7 days from the time of the booking.
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to the trip date are refundable 100%.
Cancellations within 7 days prior to the trip date are non-refundable.
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We were rock climbing with Emily. She was a really knowledgeable and fun person to spend the day with! I am definitely going back again!