Catalyst for Adventure July 4th Weekend

Today you will meet your rock–star guides and fellow travelers for the weekend, load up the gear and head for the hills! The drive is two and a half hours, and we will make a bathroom stop along the way. Our destination is the campground nestled deep in the Catskills. After dropping our gear, we will undertake a stout six mile hike up Wittenberg Mountain. There will be steep, loose trails and thousands of feet of elevation change, so hiking boots are essential. Bring your own packed lunch for today’s adventure.

Back at camp, your guides prepare your hard–earned dinner and we will relax by the fire under a canopy of stars.

Rise and shine to a hearty breakfast, fueling us for a day’s adventure away from camp. Our first destination today is Stony Hill: a picturesque 400-acre farm resting atop lush, green rolling hills and nestled between the wild Catskill peaks. Here, our experienced wranglers will find the right horse for you and provide instruction on how to safely enjoy your ride around the deep woods and grassy fields of Stony Brook. Total riding time will be around an hour and a half. You need long pants for riding, and must weigh less than 200 lbs.
After horseback riding, we will continue to the small town of Phoenicia where we will have lunch and also a chance to explore town, shop, or just soak up the sights. After lunch, we will grab our inner tubes and hit the river for the afternoon. You will be equipped with an inner tube and life jacket and may also rent additional items (wetsuit, dry-bag, etc.) if you choose. The Esopus river is a tubing paradise: a healthy amount of whitewater, small ledges and also flat, mellow sections to recover from the belly laugh that is sure to take your breath away. Total time on the river will be between one and a half to two hours. After drying off, we once again make our way back to camp, dine and reflect on the pure thrill of the day.

Last day in the Catskills, but it’s not over yet. After packing up camp, we will hike to Kaaterskill Falls, the highest waterfall in NY state. The hike is short and steep and well worth the effort: this gorgeous two–tiered waterfall cascades over 260 feet into deep lush pools where you can relax, snap photos and swim under the falls.
On our return trip to NYC, we will unwind at Millbrook Winery, deemed “The Hudson Valley’s flagship winery” by the New York Times. Here, you will sample award winning wines and explore the craft and passion behind these high-quality grapes perfected over the years since 1984. The vineyard is set deep in the Hudson Valley and encompasses over 130 acres of prime vineyards open to exploration while sipping on your favorite varietal. We will depart the winery in time to have you back in NYC just in time to see the fireworks—Happy Fourth of July everyone!

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

• Activity

  How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

• Distances

  You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

• Surfaces

  What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.