General Information
The Shawangunk Ridge (pronounced Shongum, but most commonly called the Gunks) is privately owned land that provides climbing, hiking, biking, cross country skiing, and running to members and visitors. The land managed by the Mohonk Preserve is over 5000 acres and growing.
The Mohonk Mountain House is a beautiful resort where guests can hike, go horseback riding, and enjoy many other activities in the area. Climbing is not permitted at the Skytop cliffs near the Mountain House.
Because this is private land, a small fee is required for admittance. The fee is collected by a ranger in a truck along the carriage road, or at the gate to the Mohonk Mountain House (higher fee for this area). If no ranger is around, there is a fee box near the entrance. The fees help provide for preserving the land, paying the rangers (who also rescue injured climbers), and for maintained outhouses, among many other expenses. An annual membership allows entrance at any time during that year. We find that if you are going to climb at the Gunks for five weekends or more during the year, the annual membership is worth the cost. If you have an annual pass, you must still pay $2 per person to hike in the Mohonk House Area (Skytop) when you park at that visitors parking. For a much longer (and cheaper walk) you can begin hiking from the Trapps Parking area (labeled on map below).
Map
The Weather
Current Weather
We go to gunks.com current weather reports.
Monthly Historical Averages
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (F) | 33 | 36 | 47 | 59 | 71 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 74 | 63 | 51 | 38 |
| Low (F) | 14 | 16 | 26 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 39 | 32 | 20 |
| Precipitation (in) | 2.71 | 2.56 | 3.10 | 3.49 | 4.33 | 3.81 | 3.94 | 3.60 | 3.40 | 3.08 | 3.61 | 3.09 |
Phone Numbers
| Mohonk Preserve | 914 255-0919 |
| Mohonk Mountain House | 914 255-1000 |
| Minnewaska State Park Reserve | 914 255-0752 |
| Gunks Mountain Bike Association | 914 691-8201 |
| Rock and Snow (climbing shop) | 914 255-1311 |
| High Angle Adventures, Inc. (climbing guide service) |
800 777-CLIMB (-2546) |
| Weather Phone | 914 331-1494 |