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Subject:
The Gunks
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KristenG08
Joined: 05/03/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
West Plains, MO
Posts: 26
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Posted: 12/11/07 10:57pm |
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Planning a trip to the Gunks in late May. What do I need to know?
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abenson
Joined: 10/09/06
Outdoorzy Adventurer
Louisville, KY
Posts: 163
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Posted: 12/12/07 8:12am |
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might need some hand warmers.
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KristenG08
Joined: 05/03/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
West Plains, MO
Posts: 26
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Posted: 12/13/07 1:42pm |
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hand warmers. check. ok maybe i need to narrow this down a bit to what I'm looking for. I need places to camp, camping rates, the best problems etc.
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gonzobeer
Joined: 02/08/07
Outdoorzy Maniac
Louisville, KY
Posts: 243
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Posted: 12/13/07 2:38pm |
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Everyone going to the gunks for the first time HAS to check out High Exposure, probably the most fun 5.6 I've ever been on. busy at times, but worth it. Le Teton is another awesome route, hell I've never met a route (or roof) in the gunks I didn't like. check out gunksclimbers.org.
Licentia Haud Vestigium
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KristenG08
Joined: 05/03/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
West Plains, MO
Posts: 26
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Posted: 12/13/07 11:54pm |
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Thanks! But now I need camping info. we are all poor college students and are trying to make the trip wallet friendly. any ideas?
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gonzobeer
Joined: 02/08/07
Outdoorzy Maniac
Louisville, KY
Posts: 243
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Posted: 12/14/07 1:00am |
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Well, what are you wanting to camp around....nothing? Or close to nothing? Any National forest or preserve typically allows primitive, and if memory serves me correctly the law in the gunks is this:
To protect backcountry resources, state law requires all campsites to be at least 150 feet from any road, trail or water source, except at sites designated by the DEC. A designated site is either a lean-to or a campsite marked with a yellow "camp here" disc.
Camping is also prohibited above 3,500 feet in elevation from March 22 until December 20 each year to protect the fragile summit environment.
Groups of 10 or more must obtain a camping permit from the area Forest Ranger before entering state land. In a wilderness area, group size is limited to a maximum of 12 individuals to protect the wilderness character of the area, especially the opportunity for other visitors seeking solitude. Larger groups can be accommodated in Wild
Forest areas such as Balsam Lake Mountain or Sundown Wild Forests.
Whenever possible use an existing designated campsite to lessen your impact.
Campfires are permitted below 3,500 feet in elevation, but only dead and down wood may be used. In a designated campsite, use the existing fire ring and burn wood no larger than that which can be snapped in your hands - it?s sure to be dead and dry, and will burn down to ash. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure your fire is cold before breaking camp. Camp stoves are a much safer option.
Keep a clean camp. Wastewater should be taken a minimum of 150 feet from any water source and gently sprayed into the underbrush as against pouring it into a sump hole. Cooking water should be strained of any food particles and treated in a similar fashion. This distributes rather than concentrates the dirty water, dispersing both the impact and related odors that attract wildlife. All food waste should be packed out.
Human waste - If available, use the privy. If not, dig a ?cat-hole? 6-8 inches deep, a minimum of 150 feet from any water source. Cover waste with soil and leaf litter. Minimize the use of toilet paper and burn or pack it out. When appropriate, use leaves instead. (But be careful what you use!) Treat feminine products as you would all other garbage and pack out as well.
Drinking water - The DEC can?t ensure the purity of any water source. Giardia lamblia is a water bourne parasite which can cause severe and prolonged intestinal disorder and has infected the water supply as a result of poor human sanitation habits. Boil all water for 2 minutes, filter or treat chemically. Water can be scarce, especially in the summer, so make sure you bring enough!
If you bring a pet - Your pet must be under control at all times. When others approach, particularly small children and other animals, leash your dog. Keep your pet quiet. Remove droppings from the trail and camping areas.
Ok so I copied that. But check out shawangunkridge.org for non climbing stuff. There's plenty of camping and other cheap stays around.
Sam
Licentia Haud Vestigium
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KristenG08
Joined: 05/03/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
West Plains, MO
Posts: 26
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Posted: 12/14/07 4:41pm |
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Thanks that was really helpful (even though most other campsites have similar rules if not exactly the same) but the fact that you went to all that effort of copying and pasting, I give you props. I am ssoooooo looking forward to this trip.
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Happiegrrrl
Joined: 09/25/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
New York City, NY
Posts: 7
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Posted: 12/18/07 8:32pm |
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Hey - The gunks is my local crag, and I can fill you in. There's a LOT, though. So...I am only going to do a little. We can get you more info as the days go on.
The local climbing website is Gunks.com. You can get a lot of the information you are seeking there - so do check it out, and come back with questions you have.
May is good for climbing there. There's still some possible rain that can mess you up, but....rain does happen, not much one can do about that. At least it's not like down in AlaGeorgia!
The temps will be nice in May. Humidity will not be an issue. There could be bugs, so you'd want to have protection from them if you are bugged by bugs. We have millions of millipedes, and a caravan of gypsy moths in the caterpillar stage at that time. Watch where you sit, put your hands, check your shoe before slipping into your climbing slippers.....
Camping "sorta" sucks at the Gunks. But only if you'[re used to those hot water shower types of campgrounds. There are some nearby - $$. You can get the info on the Gunks.com site.
We have 2 FREE camping areas near the cliffs. Both are primitive camping. Camp Slime is on the preserve property - a 5 minute walk to climbing. You park your car in the lot which is a 5 minute walk away too(in the opposite direction from the cliffs), though, and so some people consider that inconvenient.
There is no water at the campsite. There is actually not really available water in the preserve. Unless you are cool with dipping a cup into the trickling spring that runs from the cliffs at the Uberfall(it's akin to being "downtown Main Street" of the cliffs). Some people LOVE the water. Others say they wouldn't risk it. It does taste good, that I can attest to. But I wouldn't depend on it for all my needs, simply due to taking too long to gather into your containers. Ot you can get water at the visitor center. I hear they have an outdoor spicket when they are open(don't know for sure) or you can fill up in the bathroom. But - 9 to 5 is when they're open.
Otherwise - buying water in town, or filling up in the bathroom at Rock & Snow, the local gear shop(GREAT place to go and get good beta from the people who work there).
Port-Potty only - a short (1 minute) walk from camping spots. No other bathroom. SMALL trash cans near the prota john. Not cool to toss huge trash bags full of stuff - but the evenings bottles and a the buts you would have from cooking and such is not a problem.
No open fires(cooking stove is okay).
The other free camping is cammed the "Multiple Use Area" or MUA. It is DEC land, about 5 minutes drive form the cliffs. Free - Port Potty only. Carry out what you bring in. No garbage receptacles whatsoever. Sites are far apart, and either up a hill or down a steep slope. Cars get parked in a lot that fills, though in May you should be okay. After the lot fills, people park along the road. the parking lot can be hazardous to the health of your car - so go slowly!
Camp ONLY is sites, or risk being awakened by a ranger and told to move - NOW. campfires allowed. 3 tens to a site. It's custom to share, so if you have one or two tents, someone may very well set up in the site if you are in one of the spots near the road/parking, or if the place is busy. Some sites are a good 10 minutes walk from the car - a schlep if you have lots of gear.
Some people are loud at night, kids camping/drinking, and there's not much you can do about.
Porta Potty only - no water available.
That's a start!
Here's my blog and here's my online t-shirt shop.
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gonzobeer
Joined: 02/08/07
Outdoorzy Maniac
Louisville, KY
Posts: 243
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Posted: 12/18/07 10:08pm |
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Well there ya go. I was wondering when you were gonna chime in Happie. Our resident Gunkenite ( I just totally made that up)
Licentia Haud Vestigium
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vegegal
Joined: 12/20/07
Outdoorzy Explorer
New Mlford, PA
Posts: 1
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Posted: 12/20/07 10:12pm |
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There is free camping a couple miles from Minnewaska state park, but it's first come first serve and there is maybe 50 very small spots with no facilities. A bit better is Jellystone camp ground about 6 miles or so. They have good facilities and primitive sites by the river, if you splurg can get a cabin but they aren't remote. Not to many camping areas around New Paltz. There is a Eastern Mountain Sports climbing store and climbing guides, if you call might be able to help you out. EMS is a great groop and expert climbers from all over the country. There are also great biking trials through the 3 different state parks right around the gunks if you get tired climbing. If you plan on top roping, get there early those routes get full guick. Tech climbs LOTS!! and some are that are more difficult then they look in the route book  . There is also a great rock & Ice store in town, a great brewery!! Have fun
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