Mohonk Preserve

The Shawanagunks

(The Gunks)

The Shawanagunks, affectionately known as The Gunks by climbers worldwide, is a world-class trad climbing destination. The conglomerate cliffs of The Gunks span for several miles on a ridge above the small town of New Paltz, New York. The Gunks is a collective name for all of the cliffs in this area. The main cliffs are The Trapps, The Near Trapps, and Peter’s Kill. However, other cliffs are dotted throughout the region, including Millbrook and Skytop.

The Gunks is known for the quality of its rock (Quartz Conglomerate) and the quantity of roofs with abundant protection. This combination allows Trad climbers to throw themselves at routes and take falls in a relatively safe fashion. The Gunks is also known for its old-school ethic, with climbs often feeling more difficult than their stated rating.

The Gunks is located on and maintained by the Mohonk Preserve, which charges a fee to enter the park. A day pass costs $20 and will be included in the price of any booking to The Gunks.

The Gunks Location

 
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