Rock Climbing Summer Camp in the Gunks

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 travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Gunks, please refer to the New York State 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:

• • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • 5 days of rock climbing instruction
  • All permits and fees
  • Shuttle to and from the camping site
  • All meals during the 5-day camp

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to and from the pick-up point
  • Personal equipment
  • Beverages and snacks

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.

Rope and climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.) will be provided by your guiding service. You’ll need:

• • Climbing harness 
  • Climbing shoes
  • Climbing helmet
  • Chalk bag

Climbing gear can be rented from the guide with prior notice. Contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

• • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
  • Bath towel & washcloth
  • Beach towel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Pillow
  • Sleeping bag
  • Everyday clothes (including something with long sleeves)
  • Flip flops for the shower
  • Closed toed shoes & socks — Required
  • Long pants/jeans — Required
  • Swimsuit
  • Pajamas
  • Sweater/Jacket (evening temps can get down in the 40s)
  • Underwear
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Water bottle
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Laundry Bag
  • Comb & brush
  • Soap, shampoo & conditioner
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Store money (suggested $25-$80)
  • Sunglasses
  • Flashlight
  • Camera — optional

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:

• • The max guest to guide ratio for the summer climbing camp is 5:1. 
  • It takes a minimum of 2 climbers for this camp to run.
  • This is a group adventure, meaning you might get paired with other people.
  • Costs per person decrease as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family. 

Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to climb on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

When scheduling your days in the Gunks, you will be required to pay 50% of total price to reserve a spot. The balance of program fees will generally be due 60 days prior to the starting date of the program. It is your responsibility to adhere to the fee payment schedule. Late payment will result in cancellation of program reservations and forfeiture of all fees paid.

In case you need to reschedule or cancel the trip, the following cancellation policy applies:

• For rescheduling, any change requires notification at least 14 days prior to your day
• Confirmed cancellations by email for events in the Gunks received at least 21 days prior to the date reserved will have 50% of the reservation fee returned or credited to another day
• Cancellations for the Gunks within 14 days of the reserved date will not receive credit toward another day and forfeit their reservation fee
• Cancellations less than 24 hours or No-Shows are held to full payment

We highly recommend getting Travel Insurance.

Although you’r group can plan to climb a specific route or peak, no guarantees are made (in the mountains, anything can happen). Your guide’s purpose is to use their judgment and experience to share with you a rewarding experience. If an unsafe situation arises, your guide will make the final decision and may turn around. There will be no refunds or rescheduling. However, if time allows, while you are on the trip, another attempt may be arranged.

To get to 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 2.5 hours to the Shawangunks Mountains.

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. From there, you’ll head to your tour. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and ability of the group.