The Gunks: One of the Oldest Climbing Areas of the Northeast
New York's famed Shawangunk Ridge, or the Shawangunk Mountains or "The Gunks", is a world-class rock-climbing destination in North America. Famous for its great multi-pitch and trad climbs, the Gunks, located only 90 miles from the heart of the Big City, makes it not only great for a weekend getawy from the NYC metropolitan area but also for those seeking a real challenge: High Exposure. This must-do classic, established in 1941, still is today one of the most exciting 5.6 routes out there and should be definitely on every trad climber's bucket list.
About an hour's drive from New York City and less than two from Hartford lies one of the world’s most iconic rock climbing areas. Thousands of routes of all difficulties and styles just begged to be climbed. From beginner level ascents to high end challenging climbs, the Gunks has it all. Make no mistake; this is a WORLD CLASS venue.
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
The Trapps is the largest and most popular cliff at the Gunks
The Gunks has a number of world famous climbs, most notable are the plethora of classic traditional moderate routes. Apart from probably the most famous one, High Exposure, the list goes on and on: Madamme G's, Something Insteresting, Directissima, Arrow, Annie Oh, Bonnie's Roof, Ant's Line, CCK, MF, Yelow Ridge, Alphonse, and many, many more. There is a lifetime's worth of climbing to be had at the Gunks.
Known for its spectacular views, the Shawangunk Ridge is also rich in biological diversity. The Nature Conservancy recognized the Shawangunks as one of the "last great places" on earth. It's no surprise its rugged and a largely forested landscape is why this area is so popular with climbers and hikers alike. Most of the Gunks climbing cliffs are part of the Mohonk Preserve, a land trust that's been saving the land for life for half a century. Climbers have full and easy access to 1,000 routes and more than five linear miles of cliff face and to climb at the Gunks you have to buy a day pass (or membership) to help protect the Preserve. While most areas are permitted to climb some require authorized guides. And that's when a local climbing guide comes in handy.
Son of Easy O is likely the best 5.8 in the Gunks
There are a few bolted climbs at the Gunks, but no sport climbs.
Ragged Mountain Guides (RMG) is one of those to hold one of the 8 coveted permit authorizations available at the Gunks since company's beginning in 2010. This small owner operated guide service operating throughout the North East was founded by AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Matt Shove who has many trips including Alaska, Red Rocks, Joshua Tree, Yosemite, City of Rocks, North Cascades, and even Mt. Rainier under his belt.
Ragged Mountain's Main Cliff is perhaps Connecticut's most impressive crag
RMG's local areas include New York's world famous Gunks, Peterskill, and Ragged Mountain in Connecticut. They specialize in providing high end rock climbing experiences, guiding, and technical skill instruction for beginners to expert level climbers and instruct the AMGA's SPI Program and CWI Program nationwide.
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
