Multi-Day
Catskills Summit & Rock Climbing Weekend
Celebrate Your Independence in the Catskill Mountains!
The perfect adventure weekend! Summit some of the tallest peaks in the Catskill Mountains; swim under the highest waterfall in New York; and climb the best rocks in the East! All-hiking option available as well, with another stunning waterfall.
Celebrate your independence from the urban jungle and escape to the Catskill Mountains. Your weekend-long adventure will provide the stimulation and relaxation every New Yorker needs.
The Catskill Mountains
The groundbreaking American conservation movement originated in the Catskill Mountains, 6,000 square miles of mountains, rivers, forests, and parkland considered America’s First Wilderness. Though just 100 miles north of New York City, the region’s natural state has been remarkably preserved, thanks to the state constitution that designated a quarter of a million acres “forever wild” forest and the region’s importance as the watershed for New York City and almost half the state. The spiritual and natural heart of the region is the 700,000-acre Catskill Park and Forest Preserve, a dense area with 35 peaks soaring to elevations of 3,500 feet. This scenic area overflows with lush hills and valleys, forests, farmland, waterfalls, trout streams, reservoirs, and six major river systems.
Event Details
- Friday, July 4 Depart 73rd Street and Broadway at 8:00 AM
- Saturday, July 5 Catskill Summit Day
- Sunday, July 6 Rock Climbing. Return to New York by 7:00 PM
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Itinerary
Friday > Waterfalls, Hiking & Camping
Departing Friday morning at 8:00 AM, we will head north on a 2 hour drive. As we enter the mountain region, take in the magnificence of the Catskill Mountain Range. Our first stop will be the Kaaterskill Falls, the highest waterfalls in the state of New York, with a total height of 260 feet. Immerse yourself under the roaring falls and feel your city life wash away. Natural pools will refresh and revive as you float and sunbathe. After this spectacular and refreshing experience, we will head to Devils Tomb where will set up camp and embark on an short (4-6 mile)—but intense—afternoon hike. We will climb 2,000 feet in total. Later in the evening, you will be rewarded with a campfire feast.
Saturday > Hike through Catskill Mountains
Today you have a single mission: summit one of the highest peaks in the Catskills. Let the mountains give you a focus that’s almost impossible to achieve in the city. With your blood pumping and senses highly stimulated, your summit will give you an incredible feeling of accomplishment and gratification. We will ascend over 4,000 feet on this daylong summit & descent.
In the evening, relax by a lake and treat yourself to a sumptuous campfire dinner.
Sunday > Rock Climbing or Hiking and Waterfall
Rock Climbing
Climb the legendary Shawangunk Mountains! All levels of climbers welcome. If you are new to climbing, you will learn all the fundamentals. We will learn about climbing equipment, how to use it properly, climbing commands and techniques, rappelling and safety steps. You will have ample time to practice and enjoy the view from the top. All technical equipment is included. All you need is a desire to climb.
If you are an experienced climber, there are plenty of more challenging pitches to wear you out.
You will burn hundreds of calories and gain skills and confidence as you change your course throughout the day.
Hiking
Not into climbing? Hike with us through the beautiful Shawangunk Mountains: seven miles over mixed terrain and yet another beautiful waterfall! This hike is moderate intensity, and tops off your weekend with invigorating exercise and a lush, relaxing setting. This option costs $100 less than the full weekend package.
After a you have had your fill, your adventure-packed weekend comes to an end as we head back to New York.
Intensity Levels
This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.
Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels
We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.
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Activity
How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.
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Distances
You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.
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Surfaces
What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.
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Elevation Change
The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.
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Altitude
The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.
Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful
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Activity
1 – 3 hours
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Distances
Walk or hike less than 3 miles
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Surfaces
Flat terrain
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Elevation Change
Little or none
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Altitude
Less than 3,000 feet
Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers
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Activity
2 – 5 hours
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Distances
Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days
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Surfaces
Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible
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Elevation Change
Up to 1,500 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 6,000 feet
Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above
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Activity
4 – 6 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days
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Surfaces
Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps
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Elevation Change
Up to 2,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 10,000 feet
Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills
Experience required.
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Activity
5 – 8 hours most days
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Distances
Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
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Elevation Change
3,000 feet per day
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Altitude
Up to 14,000 feet
Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers
Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).
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Activity
10 plus hours per day
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Distances
Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days
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Surfaces
Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features
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Elevation Change
Up to 4,000+ feet per day
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Altitude
May well exceed 14,000 feet
Everything you will need for a great weekend
- Hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellant
- Water bladder or bottles, three liters
- Quick drying clothes: T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, pants, hiking shorts
- Fleece top and pants
- Lightweight gloves
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Sleeping bag – rated to at least 30 or 40 degrees
- Sleeping pad
- Toiletries
- Small towel
- Snacks for the road
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Liner socks (optional)
- Bathing suit (optional)
- Small pillow (optional)
What is Included
What is Not Included
White Mountains: Backcountry Luxury Hut, Camp & Hike Weekend
Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides
From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.
Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.
Diverse & Interesting Groups
There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.
New Experiences
Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.
Environmental Awareness
“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.
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Other Trips in This Category
- Adirondacks Winter Weekend Getaway
- Camp & Hiking Weekend in Taconic State Park
- Camp, Hike & Yoga Weekend in Taconic State Park
- Catskills Summit & Rock Climbing Weekend
- Kayak & Camping Weekend
- Labor Day: Mt. Marcy & Algonquin Hiking, Camping & Climbing Weekend
- Laurel Highlands Multi-Sport Weekend
- Mount Marcy & Algonquin Hiking, Camping & Rock Climbing Weekend
- Mount Marcy Hiking & Camping Weekend
- Mount Washington & Presidential Range Traverse
- Oktoberfest & Camping in Vermont
- Rock Climbing & Hiking Weekend Retreat
- Rock Climbing & Yoga Weekend Retreat
- Summit Mt. Washington, Ski & Chocolate Festival Weekend
- The Great Range Traverse Trekking Weekend
- Valentine’s & President’s Weekend: White Mountains, NH
- White Mountain Memorial Weekend Expedition
- White Mountains: Backcountry Luxury Hut, Camp & Hike Weekend
- White Mountains: Spring Celebration Weekend
- Whitewater Rafting & Multi-Sport Weekend
- Wilderness First Responder Training (WFR)
Bringing a Friend or Two?
Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.
Reminder about Winter Trip Conditions
We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.
Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.
