Three Pines 

This route tends to close for much of the summer due to Peregrine nesting on the ledge atop pitch 2. There is already signs of frequent bird activity as of March 27, 2006, so bag it soon if you're interested. FYI - Something Interesting also closes because it uses the same ledge and rap station.

Not sure if its the BEST 5.3 at the Gunks (my vote would be for Beginner's Delight or Minty), but it sure is a fun route. Great pro the whole way, great exposure on the 3rd pitch, hard to believe its a 5.3. My first trad lead ever. Watch for rope drag on 3rd pitch.

I agree with the 3rd pitch rope drag issue brought up by Puzman. Belay from the right side of the ledge to avoid it.

Fun route. Recommend doing at least one of the 5.6 variations on the third pitch to limit the otherwise mind-boggling rope drag. Alternatively, make another belay once you complete the traverse to the ledge. Communication with your second from the top of p3 may be difficult.

Can be kinda tricky to get off the ledge at the start of P3. Especially for less-tall climbers who aren't accustomed to taking high steps.

If have any doubt about the ability of your second, best to split P3 into two, stop and belay just above the exciting traverse, so you can talk to your follower(s).

There are two possible left-facing corners that could be climbed to start P3. I've usually taken the left of the two, because I found that I could protect it with a stopper and oppositional. Of course placing pro means that I've committed my second to climb the same corner that I chose.

Most recently I tried the (more obvious) right corner to start P3 -- seemed a little easier to get off the ground, a little more interesting climbing moves -- but definitely I was higher off the ledge before I could get in some solid pro.

Took my first Trad lead on it today. Really nice, and it wasn't too busy. Many stances with which to place gear really solidly. Then again, its a (5.3). Thanks to Tony Lopez for all the help in getting me on my first Trad multi-pitch lead!

Led the 2nd and "4th" pitches today. We did the 3rd pitch from the chains at the top of the second pitch to the ledge above the Dangler. That made communication easy for both of the upper pitches. Did the 5.6ish finish straight up the face (with the pin) to top out. Great climb, though the crack on P2 was a bit wet

It was a first trad lead for me in the Gunks. Great holds, lots of space to place gear. After each pitch, very comfortable ledges to prepare an anchor. Great climb for new leaders to practice.

Photo of 'Pitch Three' shows The Dangler in a whole new angle :)
Not sure if the new angle makes it look harder or easier :):

We did a 2.5th pitch by traversing across the GT ledge to underneath the Dangler and setting up another belay station. I would highly recommend bringing walkie-talkies for this one, as the 3rd pitch goes up and around making nearly impossible to communicate with your follower esp when it's windy.

The first half of the 3rd pitch was great - lots of exposure but the holds were all there. For those without walkie-talkies, I would recommend setting up another belay station right after coming around the left-facing corner.

I also thought the final 15 feet up the grey face was much harder than a 5.3 - not as many footholds and jugs. I belayed the follower from the pine tree. Has anyone belayed from the bolts on the last pitch?

I've done this climb more times than I care to admit. It's a great climb that can be ruined by overcrowding. I like to bring new climbers up it, but I like to do so at 7AM or earlier so we can get on it first and have it to ourselves.

I usually link P1 and P2 if crowds allow, they are both short and straight. If I'm doing the traditional finish, I like to split P3 and belay at the ledge with boulders right after the crux traverse. This allows me to talk new climbers through the crux and reduces drag.

If you can climb 5.6, going straight up the corner and then up the slab with the pin is much more fun than the wandering 5.3 P3.