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Elevation: 1,000 ft
GPS: 41.7389, -74.21422
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: IJMayer on Aug 7, 2011 · Updates
Admins: Morgan Patterson, Jay Shultis, RJ B

Description Suggest change

Peterskill is an area of the Minnewaska State Park Preserve, located 2 miles east of the Trapps on Rte 44/55 in Kerhonkson, NY. Peterskill features a small cliff band about 50 to 80 feet in height, but also features one of the highest concentration of documented bouldering problems in the Gunks. To walk from one end of the Peterskill cliffs to the other would take less than 15 minutes and in that time you'll walk through many areas densely packed with high quality boulder problems of all grades.

MSPP allows only 30 bouldering passes per day (they allow 70 roped climbing passes per day) which means that it is unlikely that you'll see huge crowds of pads and people under the boulders. Passes cost $10 per person. This can be a good thing if you're looking for a spot to quietly hone your skills on the moderates or a bad thing if you're looking to stack some pads for your death-defying project. The only time that the number of passes becomes an issue are the first nice days in Spring and those heavenly weekends in September in October. On most weekends in the Summer and almost always during the week you'll have no need to worry.

The Peterskill boulders are mostly in the shade which keeps the climbing relatively cool, but the rocks take a little bit longer to dry out. Don't be surprised if the horizontal cracks and pockets still feel a little wet a day or two after a heavy rain. In the spring the bugs are pretty heinous compared to the Trapps Carriage road, but the friction is excellent, so it's usually worth it.

You have to keep an eye on the time as the park closes for the night and the rangers lock the gate. They WILL lock your car in for the night, which means you'll get a ticket from the New York State Park Police. There is no camping at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, so you should use the DEC Multiple Use Area where most visiting climbers camp. For info on food, and other places to stay nearby, check out the Gunks main page.

Finally, cell phone reception is virtually non-existent in the boulder fields. Plan accordingly.

Getting There Suggest change

Peterskill is located approximately 1.4 miles past the West Trapps Parking Area for the Gunks; continue along 44/55 past the Trapps lot, and you'll see the Minnewaska State Park - Peterskill Climbing Area sign on your right. From the parking lot to the boulders is no more than a few minutes walk; even at the furthest boulders, you're not more than 10 minutes from the parking lot.

Guidebook

Suggest change
For mobile devices, get the Gunks+ app - both iPhone and Android versions are available. Guides to Trapps Bouldering, Nears Bouldering, and Peter's Kill Bouldering are available.

33 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Peterskill Bouldering

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1 5
 28
Outbreak Roof
Boulder
V1 5
 18
Fire Escape
Boulder
V1 5
 17
Consciousness of Self
Boulder
V2 5+
 14
RX Do It Over the Counter
Boulder
V3 6A
 35
VD
Boulder
V3 6A
 22
Tree Bola Arete
Boulder
V3 6A
 18
The Diving Board
Boulder
V4 6B
 8
Spew Harder
Boulder
V4 6B
 29
Mentos
Boulder
V4 6B
 5
Cloud 9
Boulder
V5 6C
 17
The Classic One
Boulder
V7 7A+
 25
Tiger Style
Boulder
V7 7A+
 15
Village Idiot
Boulder
V7 7A+
 19
Delicate Soul
Boulder
V7 7A+
 9
The Hop
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Outbreak Roof Quarantine Area & Out…
 28
V1 5 Boulder
Fire Escape Khadejha Area
 18
V1 5 Boulder
Consciousness of Self SPF Boulder
 17
V1 5 Boulder
RX Do It Over the Counter Quarantine Area & Out…
 14
V2 5+ Boulder
VD Quarantine Area & Out…
 35
V3 6A Boulder
Tree Bola Arete Quarantine Area & Out…
 22
V3 6A Boulder
The Diving Board Diving Board Boulder
 18
V3 6A Boulder
Spew Harder Khadejha Area
 8
V4 6B Boulder
Mentos Tiger Style Boulder
 29
V4 6B Boulder
Cloud 9 Cloud 9 Area
 5
V4 6B Boulder
The Classic One Quarantine Area & Out…
 17
V5 6C Boulder
Tiger Style Tiger Style Boulder
 25
V7 7A+ Boulder
Village Idiot Golden Wall Area
 15
V7 7A+ Boulder
Delicate Soul Tiger Style Boulder
 19
V7 7A+ Boulder
The Hop Quarantine Area & Out…
 9
V7 7A+ Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Peterskill Bouldering »

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