Wanting to climb around 7th June - 17th June in PA or NJ

Hi
I'm a female climber from New Zealand, working a summer camp in Milford PA but I have from the 7 june - 17 june off work so I would really like to get some climbing in. PA or NJ would be easiest although I don't have a car. I've never climbed in usa and only have shoes and chalk (I'll buy a harness around the 7th June). I have climbed in Western Australia the last year i seconded a lot of trad still learning to lead also climbed sport, im happy to lead 5.9 to easy 5.10 and second upto 5.11.
Would appreciate any advice or help/links about any indoor climbing gyms and any outdoor crags that are easy to get to from Milford PA and any potential climbing partners.
Thanks!
Ash

Hi Ashlee, and welcome to the US! You may not know this, but you are only an hour away from one the best traditional climbing destinations in the US--the Shawangunks, or more commonly known as the Gunks, located in New Paltz, New York.

Finding a partner shouldn't be an issue! Enjoy!!

Thanks Chris!! :)
Yes I had heard of the gunks, sounds great!! But I'm a bit unsure of the finer details.
Is it easy to access? would you know the best place to stay close by to the gunks?
I forgot to mention I have an atc, biners and a anchor chain too. :)
Do you think if I turned up to the crag I would find someone to climb with?
Thanks!

Ahslee...The gunks are trad only. You can stay for free at Camp Slime (right at the crag) if you have gear. There is also a hostel in New Paltz, I think it's $30 per night. They supply linens and they have a common kitchen.

I suppose you could find a partner by hanging around at Rock and Snow, Camp Slime or just walking the carriage road.

You can get to the gunks by taking a bus out of New York City. It drops you in the center of town (right next to the hostel) and then you would have to hitch a ride to the cliff. Although, if you had a car, you are actually only an hour away from New Paltz.

I think there is some sport climbing near Mawah NJ, Powerlinz?

Everything Gail mentioned, plus it wouldn't hurt searching for partners on the Partner Finder thread of this website. There are a lot of local climbers, as well as folks coming from within a 3-hr radius ( myself, included) that will often be looking for partners mid-week. Good luck!

Gail--how is it that we have not crossed paths being that we both frequent the gunks, are from the Main Line, and climb at the Bird?--strange!

gblauer wrote:I think there is some sport climbing near Mawah NJ, Powerlinz?

Maybe there are a few bolts at Powerlinez, but it's mainly Bouldering and Trad (mostly Top-Ropable).

. (and Powerlinez is in New York, not NJ -- even if sometimes it seems like most of the climbers there are from NJersey)

The closest bolted Sport-climbing to NYC is the PI wall at West Point NY (but most people don't like the rock there as well as Gunks or Powerlinez)

Thanks for the info all, I appreciate it :)

Now that I am at a computer I have updated my Profile a little and here's a link to my crag account too thecrag.com/climber/ashleep…

I'm heading into NYC this Friday for a look around and might try some indoor gyms then I'll try get out to New Paltz after the weekend and see how I go.

If you are in NYC, the Cliffs in Long Island City (take the subway) is a great gym. Nice people, a great variety of routes. Fair pricing.

Hi Ash

My wife and I are Australians, we moved to Philadelphia this year. We are heading to the Gunks on Saturday morning, we will spray at Camp slime and return on Sunday.

I didn't bring my full rack over so we are mostly going to be top roping, I'm teaching my wife to lead so maybe a little easy leading 5.8 (or about 16 ewbanks) with my limited gear. You are welcome to join us. Just a ride out there or come join us for climbing, whatever you feel like.

Ben

Thanks Ben for the offer
I read this too late I'm on my way to NYC right now and I'm going to bus to New Paltz on Sunday and climb with a local there.
Much appreciated. Maybe I'll catch you two another time

If you are at the gunks Monday and Tuesday , I am up for climbing. 904 710 6299 Jason

Hey! I'm free most of the week starting june 9th if you're up there! My # is 865-313-8724. I only really lead up to 7 trad. Hey Chris!

I can vouche for that Melissa girl--she's a good egg! Seems like there will be a party at the Gunks on Monday/Tuesday. See you all there!

Hi all despite the dismal weather I went out with a local guy Joe today. Was great fun! We were at Ubberfalls and seconded Joe on Dennis(p1 & p2), Jackie p1 and Classic P2. And I had a great day! We are heading out tomorrow too- weather permitting.

I head off on Wednesday and will be back Friday morning but with another New Zealand friend. He has not climbed before, if you Jason or Mel or anyone would be free to climb with us Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday that would be great. My friend can hike around while I second and he can go on top rope.

If no one is free to climb but willing to give us a lift to the mountain this weekend, just so we can explore that would also be really great (having no car sucks!)

My number is +1 559 257 6318

THANKS
Ash

Ashlee
You may be able to catch a bus from Milford to new paltz we climb every weekend , you are welcome to join us . I'm always up to climb during the week. My cell number is 914 760-0216

Ashlee,

I was looking to go up to the Gunks this Sat (6/14) for the day. If you and your friend are in or near NYC I can give you guys a ride. I live in New Jersey and you can take a train 1 stop from NY Penn station to meet me in NJ.
If you'd like we can toprope with the three of us or do some easier multipitch while your friend hikes, it's up to you. I have a harness your friend can borrow, if need be.

Jim

I'm hooked on The Gunks and New Paltz so I have decided not to leave New Paltz tomorrow (Wednesday)and am going to be staying here in New Paltz Hostel till Tuesday 17th. So would love to climb over this time if anyone is free (my numbers above).
Ed and Jim that would be great if we could climb with you! Jim what time do you think you will be in New Paltz? We will go to the Rock and Snow shop and rent gear for my friend, but if you could bring a harness please that would be great.

Ashlee,

I usually get to Rock and Snow by 8:30 AM.
I'll bring an extra harness. What size shoe does your friend wear? I might have a pair to use.

Jim

Ok we can meet you there at 8.30am Saturday that works. I'm not sure of his shoe size sorry, thanks though.

Hi Jim
Im really sorry to do this but we cant come climbing tomorrow now.
Jason who posted above in the thread called me and said that he was keen to climb tomorrow and was going to meet at rock and snow at 8.30am too so I'm sure you two can climb together?
Thanks very much for your offer.
Ashlee

Ashlee,

Sorry you couldn't make it yesterday, but thanks for putting me in touch with Jason. He's a great partner and the weather turned out terrific.
Enjoy the rest of your stay.

Jim