question about Gunks App

Me from MN and haven't climbed the Gunks in 20 years. Taking two short kids for their first Gunks experience looking to get them on some very easy routes 5.4 or less, though the key factor is short reach.
We'll be two dads with two kids.

1: Any recommendations?
2: does the Gunks Trapps App show any routes less than 5.4?
I have the Mountain Project App but given our limited time wouldn't mind getting the Gunks App as well if it shows the super easy routes.

The Trapps App has route filters that allow you to see only routes between minimum and maximum grades that you specify, starting at 5.1. The app lists 21 routes in the 5.1--5.3 category. With no idea how old and how experienced your kids are and how many adults are going to be along, one couldn't even begin to make recommendations, but 5.4 might be pushing it. By and large, at these low grades, there are going to be enough features for shorties, and anyway, a quick pull and they're over the difficulty anyway, right?

Obviously, beware of routes with diagonal or traversing pitches, arrange belays so that you are always in perfect communication, and don't forget to figure out how you're going to get everyone down safely.

Peterskill is also a good possibility, but not if you want the kids to get some experience of being up high.

You can download the Peterskill App from the GunksAp guys. It's a much better place to take kids IMO. 28 routes 5.4 and under at PK, all abut one accessible via walk-up.

Bunny

Gunkiemike wrote:You can download the Peterskill App from the GunksAp guys. It's a much better place to take kids IMO. 28 routes 5.4 and under at PK, all abut one accessible via walk-up.

Mike's on to something here... ;-)

Thanks. Kids are 4ft tall and so far do more bouldering but are just starting to take an interest in roped climbing. Two adults and two kids. I think we'll take the recommended peterskill idea. Start them at PK and see how they handle the heights.
I've been trad climbing for 30+ years, but I want to make sure the kids have a good experience. the other adult less trad climbing but competent.
I did several fun short trips to the Trapps in the early and mid 90s. I remember having fun on High E, and Nosedive. Few places with such fun easy routes.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Mark Lutterman wrote:Thanks. Kids are 4ft tall and so far do more bouldering but are just starting to take an interest in roped climbing. Two adults and two kids. I think we'll take the recommended peterskill idea. Start them at PK and see how they handle the heights. I've been trad climbing for 30+ years, but I want to make sure the kids have a good experience. the other adult less trad climbing but competent. I did several fun short trips to the Trapps in the early and mid 90s. I remember having fun on High E, and Nosedive. Few places with such fun easy routes. Thanks for the suggestions.

Top roping in the Gunks is difficult (especially when compared to Peterskill), it's mostly multipitch trad. Seeing that you're already limited in the grades you would be looking to climb, that further complicates to the point you would be aiming for only a handful of routes, assuming you get there before others arrive and your gang roping doesn't interfere with other parties wanting to get on the route.

Get to Peterskill early, they limit how many people can climb there on any given day. Peterskill is fun, follow the guidance on bringing some static line to extend back form the edge of the cliff for TR anchors (some spots you can/need to build a gear anchor, so bring the rack). There's even a few trad climbs if I recall.

Kevin Heckeler wrote:
Get to Peterskill early, they limit how many people can climb there on any given day.

What time does Peterskill open for climbing? I like the recommendation as a way to introduce 4ft kids to the area. We have plenty of gear for TR and trad.

There are many great top ropes that set up with walk ups & walk offs, at the Trapps.

Are you staying at the 'new' camp ground?
If so ask Paul, hire Sue, she will make it worth the visit.
She is Also one of the most amazing women around,
she teaches Climbing (& Boxing) to the Cadets at West Point, The U.S. Military Academy.

( I know the prices seem steep, for what you know how to do yourself, ) but,
(if you can afford it )
your best experience would be to hire a guide who
can take you into the historic Mohonk Mnt House property to climb at Sky top.

Having a dedicated guide, frees you up to enjoy yourself, take pictures safely, ( at Sky top I saw some fixed, protected, places to take great pics. From. And the added person often reduces familiar stress, saves tears & potential disappointment.

Call Rock & Snow, the climbing store. Ask, they will know who is best with kids.

Entering from the 'bridge' (West Trapps parking-lot?) the climbs at the 'Brat' area, Are secluded a bit off the carriage road, offering a controlled environment.

and just back above there, is a zone of a number of un documented? Very easy climbs.
There is an amazing low angle beginners area, to get started on.

Starting with a positive experience, building confidence, at the start of the day is important for a good experience.

Again given the crowded nature, of week-ends and the special opportunity of dads and kids,
The extra money spent on a day of guided climbing seems well worth the price, take lots of pictures.

I would NOT recommend the main, blocky vertical area at the state park - Peterskill, ( Ski-Minnie )
It is a fun zone for sure but it has draw-backs. Maybe the Dickie Bar zone ?
Again there is a limit to the number of climbers allowed making for a hassle at the start of the day, YMMV

Mark Lutterman wrote:Kevin Heckeler wrote: Get to Peterskill early, they limit how many people can climb there on any given day. What time does Peterskill open for climbing? I like the recommendation as a way to introduce 4ft kids to the area. We have plenty of gear for TR and trad.

Peterskill opens at 9AM. No one is allowed in before that. The limit is 100 climbers/day, and if you're there by 10AM you will have no problem with this.

You'll have the best choice of kids' routes on the West Cliff area of PK. Away from West Cliff, there are a few choice objectives: The "Santa's Escape" chimney is something most kids like; no arm strength needed for this classic back-and-legs chimney. There are a couple other chimneys out near the Skink block if they dig this, though these are a bit more of a challenge to drop a toprope on. "Big Slab" is easy (5.2) low angle fun that anyone should be able to do. Details on all these are in the current guidebook.

If you're thinking of a guide for the day (no indications thereof in your post, but Michael S. brings it up), talk to the guide service about who's good with kids. They will have a better handle on this than the folks at R&S. Also know that only Alpine Endeavors (disclaimer - I work for AE) can have you climbing at Skytop. It is arguably the most expensive guided cragging in the world, but it's worth it for some folks.

Disregard Michael S's suggestion of the Dickie Barre section of PK. It's really not kid-appropriate. But if they're not into climbing, the 15 minute walk up there (easy trail) does provide some choice blueberry picking.

Gunkiemike wrote: Peterskill opens at 9AM. No one is allowed in before that. The limit is 100 climbers/day, and if you're there by 10AM you will have no problem with this. You'll have the best choice of kids' routes on the West Cliff area of PK. Away from West Cliff, there are a few choice objectives: The "Santa's Escape" chimney is something most kids like; no arm strength needed for this classic back-and-legs chimney. There are a couple other chimneys out near the Skink block if they dig this, though these are a bit more of a challenge to drop a toprope on. "Big Slab" is easy (5.2) low angle fun that anyone should be able to do. Details on all these are in the current guidebook. If you're thinking of a guide for the day (no indications thereof in your post, but Michael S. brings it up), talk to the guide service about who's good with kids. They will have a better handle on this than the folks at R&S. Also know that only Alpine Endeavors (disclaimer - I work for AE) can have you climbing at Skytop. It is arguably the most expensive guided cragging in the world, but it's worth it for some folks. Disregard Michael S's suggestion of the Dickie Barre section of PK. It's really not kid-appropriate. But if they're not into climbing, the 15 minute walk up there (easy trail) does provide some choice blueberry picking.

Thank you, I'm not, at all, up to date as to the 'new' areas.
I actually did my 1st leads At The 'Bar' in the 70s.

Can you still get a day pass, are visitors to the Mnt House ~property~ still welcome?
I am pretty sure they are. Call and ask. ( you may have to have a meal,more$$)

I do think that a visit to the Magic Castle(Smiley Tower) Is a Great thing for Kids to get to do.
The Labyrinth trail to the Lemon Squeeze Is the most amazing when you are under 10years Old.

I know , and still remember that it fired every neuron in my brain when I stepped up that last mantel,
onto the flat slab and walked back across the bridge Looking down at where Id been.
A childhood memory that is priceless, ( @ $350.00 ?, is that Right Gunkie? )

Michael, Skytop rates:
mohonkmountainguides.com/lo…

An overnight stay or a meal reservation are no longer required. The web page is a touch outdated in this regard.

Day visitors can visit the Mtn House grounds (can't enter the Mtn House itself), parking at the gatehouse, from which they can walk in or take a shuttle van. The Labyrinth is still a big attraction for kids and adults alike. One change from the gold old days - the Crevice/Lemon Squeeze is now considered a one way passage, UP only. Too much traffic to reasonable support up and down.

Dickie Barre is finally getting the notoriety (well OK, that's a bit strong) it deserves. Such fine rock up there. Sadly, as is typical for the powers-that-be that run Minnewaska, only a portion of the fine climbable terrain there has been opened for climbing.