April 25-27, 2025

ABOUT THE ADVENTURE:

The Keene State Outing Club’s love for climbing and learning brought us to one of the most iconic climbing destinations on the East Coast—the Shawangunk Mountains of New York. From April 25th to 27th, eight of us set out to sharpen our skills in anchoring and trad lead climbing, immersing ourselves in the towering cliffs, sweeping views, and close-knit climbing culture of “the Gunks.” From unexpected characters to spray walls and slacklines, hawk-filled skies to headlamp-lit ascents, the weekend became another chapter in our club’s growing story of adventure.

Road to the Cliffs

We loaded up for the four-hour drive southwest into New York, winding past early spring forests until the cliffs of the Shawangunks came into view. Our base for the weekend was the Samuel F. Pryor III Shawangunk Gateway Campground—tents pitched under the cool evening sky. The evening passed in a mix of climbing on the campgrounds spray wall, conversation, and prepping for the real rock that awaited us the next day.

Learning the Ropes

Saturday morning greeted us with crisp air and a day full of possibility. Before heading to the cliffs, we practiced placing nuts and cams using the small stone walls near the pavilion, guided by the expertise of our more experienced members. With gear dialed in, we made the short drive to the Near Trapps and hiked into the Keyhole area, our first real taste of the Gunks.

We started with some approachable routes—Easy Keyhole (5.3), Black Fly (5.5), and The Keyhole (a stiff 5.5). The rock’s texture, the short approach, and the friendly spring sun made for an easy welcome into unfamiliar terrain. As daylight faded, we weren’t ready to quit. Headlamps lit the rock for a spontaneous night climbing session, where Bug topped out a wide crack, guided by beams of light and cheers from below.

Back at camp, dinner became its own adventure—chopstick-grilled chicken turned into kabobs, while around the fire pit we swapped stories with a visiting military school group. We traded routes on the spray walls, swapped beta, and even met David, a local climber with a rope, a pile of gear, and more stories than we could count. He shared climbing advice and local insight, pointing us toward the next day’s possibilities. He quickly became our unofficial guide for the days ahead.

Alec climbing *The Keyhole* while Zach belays

Bug climbs *The Keyhole* after dark, while some of us relax

Bug cooking chicken on our stove using skewers for chopsticks

Rainy Resets and Rope Tricks

Sunday morning brought gray skies and steady drizzle—not ideal for climbing, but perfect for exploring the town. We wandered through gear shops, picked up new layers, and stocked up on snacks. Back at camp, the rain eased up enough to string up a slackline in the open field, challenging ourselves to make it across while the cold breeze reminded us it was still early spring. More often than not, we ended up laughing on the crash pads instead.

Resting on the crash pads after failed slackline attempts

The Mac Wall and the Mega Pitch

Our last morning began huddled in sleeping bags around the picnic tables, savoring breakfast while braving the brisk air. Soon, we were back at the Near Trapps, this time at the Mac Wall; where the universe reunited us with David. True to form, he was free soloing within his comfort zone and offering belay help and life wisdom in equal measure.

We started on Overhanging Layback (5.7) before tackling the highlight of the trip—Something Interesting (5.7+). A 160-foot trad route usually climbed in three pitches, it was linked into a mega pitch by Zach, creating a sustained and unforgettable ascent. From the top, the view was staggering—hawks circling below, their patterned wings visible against the green expanse of forest.

Cooper, Owen, and our new found friend, David

Owen, Demi, and Kaia relaxing before another climb

Some climbing moments from Sunday (Ft. Demi, Owen, Alec, Zach, Kaia, and Cooper)

The Journey Home

We packed our gear straight from the crag, trading harnesses for hoodies and heading to town for a victory meal of greasy, glorious pizza. With stomachs full and memories fresh, we pointed the cars north, bringing home not just the skills we’d learned, but the bonds we’d strengthened. Another weekend, another adventure, and plenty of reason to keep chasing the next one.

Until next time.

Check this trips epic two-part video HERE!

📷 - Alec Byrne, Kaia Thomsen, and Abigail Bourque

Cracks, Cams, and Camaraderie: A Journey to the Gunks

Rain, Rock, and Rope: Conquering Acadia’s Coastal Cliffs