Clay’s Private Rock Climbing, Hiking & Camping Weekend

Arrive and set up camp. Food, beer…you know. Guy’s weekend stuff.

THE SEARCH FOR THE ICE CAVES: You will hike about a mile up the Smiley Carriageway (500 ft elevation gain), to a small wood bridge over a dry creek. We will follow this creek (Shingle Gully) on a steep upslope. It’s a faint path. The gully becomes steeper and steeper until suddenly, a vertical wall of rock appears. This cliff is unusual because it runs up and down the slope instead of across. It is the beginning of the odd formation that forms the ice caves.

The caves in this area are tectonic, not eroded or dissolved like most caves. In other words, they are formed by the natural movement of the ground. The geology of the area consists of a layer of slippery shale underneath a hundred feet or more of much harder limestone/conglomerate. Where the whole formation leans, huge chunks of it break off and slide down a few feet at a time (called a block slide). This creates the deep cracks that make up the canyons. The ice caves of Shingle Gully are like a shark bite—an inverted U, in the edge of the plateau.

ICE CAVES: Above the canyon it can be scorching hot and dry, down at the bottom it’s always cool and moist. You will notice large quantities of ferns and moss surrounded by constant fog and cold air pouring out of the cracks in the side walls. Inside the canyon you will be able to peer into several caves. You might be able to go into a few, but many are too steep to descend without proper equipment (ropes and such). The canyon extends for a considerable length with alternate narrow canyons that run parallel to it.

HIGH POINT: From here we will switch onto another trail and begin a steep ascent to High Point (1500 ft elevation gain). Towards the top the plateau is rocky and barren—essentially solid limestone—so the vegetation is mostly bushes and stunted pines, but provides a great view. Once we arrive at High Point we’ll chow down on lunch.

After lunch we will hike along the ridge for a consistent view of the Gunks region until we arrive at Vederkill Falls where we will spend time exploring the area.
That night we are going to cook and camp in the backcountry.

Wake up early and begin to head northeast towards Lake Awosting which has restrooms in case you need it and a designated swimming hole. This entire day will be spent exploring the beautiful Minnewaska State Park. On your journey you will be able to see Awosting Falls, Rainbow Falls, countless overlooks, Wolf Jaw, Battlement Terrace, the famous Trapps and The Lost City.
That night we will all camp out at a designated camp site.

Have breakfast and spend the entire day climbing in the famous Gunks. Though instead of climbing in one spot you will get a chance to climb, repel and traverse as you travel around the area. Levels of difficulty will vary with everything from beginner to expert to hard-core!