• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Rock-climbing in the Mohonk Preserve.   (Photo: Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House)

Sky Top, along the Shawangunk Ridge, is one of the classic rock-climbing spots in the Northeast, but the private property has been off-limits to climbers for more than ten years. This spring, the owners (who also run Mohonk Mountain House) have given resort guests exclusive Sky Top access. Hotel visitors can book a guide through Alpine Endeavors and scramble up some of the Gunks’ most sought-after routes (from $142 for a half-day; $189 for a full day). If you’re not staying at the resort—or you’re a rock novice—you can still hire a guide to show you the ropes at the Mohonk Preserve (open to the public).

Published on April 25, 2007 as a web exclusive.