Rock Climbing
Rock Climb the legendary Shawangunk Ridge!
Push yourself to new limits and learn to rock climb. No experience necessary!
During this introductory class, you will learn all the fundamentals. We will learn about climbing equipment, how to use it properly, climbing commands and techniques, rappelling and safety steps. You will have ample time to practice and enjoy the view from the top. All technical equipment is included. All you need is a desire to climb.
If you are an experienced climber, there are more challenging pitches to explore. Top rope routes, available from 5.1 to 5.8 and up to 100 feet high, are yours to climb.
To know what to expect, be sure to watch the video to the right!
Event Intensity Level
This trip is Intensity Level 3. Read a full description by clicking on the intensity levels tab above.
Event Details
- DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
- Eastern Mountain Sports Upper West Side (Broadway/76th St.) Subways 1, 2, 3 to 72nd Street.
- DEPARTURE
- 7:15 AM. Please arrive at 7:00 AM for check-in.
- RETURN
- Approximately 6:30 PM, same location.
- BRING
- A pack large enough to carry your lunch and water for the day.
- CLOTHING LIST
- Appropriate for the season. Wear snug, comfortable athletic clothing that allows you to move freely (no jeans). Layers are a great choice. Wear clothing made out of synthetic materials or wool. See pack list tab above for additional details.
Want to share this event or trip?
Experienced Guides
We climb with an AMGA-accredited rock-climbing school based in New York’s Shawangunk Mountains, affectionately known to climbers as “The Gunks.” This company was created to help aspiring climbers learn how to climb safely while fostering a sense of awareness about the natural environments that climbers visit.
Our climbing guides provide an introduction to the vertical environment for beginners, and help experienced climbers hone their skills and pick up a few more. Our guides are highly experienced professionals licensed by New York State. We have climbed extensively throughout North America as well as in some of the finest crags around the world.
Rock climbing is our passion, and we bring our experience and enthusiasm to every client each day. We pride ourselves on having a staff that is sensitive to your needs, we teach with patience, and we never forget that your safety is our number one priority.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Overview
Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Level 1
Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.
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Distances
For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.
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Surfaces
You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.
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Elevation Change
There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Level 2
Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.
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Distances
Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.
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Surfaces
You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.
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Elevation Change
There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.
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Altitude
From sea level to 6,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Level 3
Moderate — for Novices and Above
Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.
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Activity
We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.
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Distances
Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.
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Surfaces
We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.
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Elevation Change
There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.
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Altitude
From sea level to 10,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Level 4
Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.
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Activity
You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.
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Distances
Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.
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Surfaces
These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.
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Elevation Change
There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.
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Altitude
From sea level to 14,000 feet.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.
Level 5
Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.
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Activity
You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.
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Distances
You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.
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Surfaces
On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.
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Elevation Change
There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.
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Altitude
Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.
Suggested clothing
- T-shirt—preferably a synthetic like Drimax, Coolmax, Capilene, Bergaline, etc.
- Shorts or pants—preferably nylon/synthetic stretch
- Rain jacket—Gore-Tex or comparable material
- Fleece or similar jacket
- Hat and gloves—depending on the season
- Athletic footwear, with tread—athletic shoes, hiking boots or climbing shoes if you have them
Optional items
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Camera and film (fully charged batteries)
- Any personal medications you may need
Register
Rock Climbing
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the quantity box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the quantity you enter.
Reminder about Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Trip Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
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