The Gunks, Spring 2024 Newsletter

What to look forward to with climbing at The Gunks this Spring

People, we did it! We outlasted the Winter. Can you hear the dripping water from the eaves and the singing songbirds? I can!

On this day, April 1st, 2024, I pronounce it officially springtime-and-rock-climbing-time. Time to go to the Gunks!

The Springtime is My Second Favorite (Behind the Fall)

The Springtime in upstate New York is beautiful. It can be fickle, with sudden crispy cold, cold snaps, but in general, it’s an obvious reprieve from the previously wintery conditions. There’s more sunshine, warmer temperatures, and a pent-up, bursting-at-the-seams energy to get back outside and rock climb.

Average Springtime Temperatures at The Gunks

• April- 38°F, high of 48°F; seems cold, I know, but it’s okay in the sun.

• May-low of 49.5°F, high of 58.5°F; oh yeah, we’re getting there.

• June- low of 58.6°F, high of 67.3°F; the most idyllic.

Driest Springtime Month: April

Springtime Holidays (to celebrate with climbing) in 2024

• April 1st: Easter Monday

• May 27th: Memorial Day

• June 17th: Juneteenth

Current Cliff Closure

Every year, the Mohonk Preserve closes a section of the cliff to give more space for nesting peregrine falcons. At this point in the season, the 2024 closure is substantial. Pretty much everything from the Mac Wall onward is closed (going towards the High E Buttress).

But have no fear! There is still plenty to climb in the meantime!

We can expect the closure to shrink in the coming months. By the summer, we’ll have access to the rest of the cliff. Hopefully, we’ll get to see the new peregrines enjoying the cliff!

You’ve Been Patiently Waiting, Now Let’s Climb!

You’ve been patiently waiting all winter long, cleaning your rope, fine-tuning your trad rack, and definitely spending too much time in the climbing gym.

Finally, with warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to bust out your rock gear and go climbing. I look forward to seeing you at the cliff!