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.

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Itinerary

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.

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Itinerary

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.

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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.

  • 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.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.

Level 1

Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

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.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.

Level 2

Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

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.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.

Level 3

Moderate — for Novices and Above

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.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.

Level 4

Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

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.

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Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 4.

Level 5

Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

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.

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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

  • Two Outdoor Bound guides
  • Roundtrip transportation from New York
  • Camping facilities
  • Tents
  • Please let us know if you plan to bring your own tent—in the text box on final checkout page

  • Rock climbing instructors
  • Rock climbing gear
  • Most meals and snacks
  • What is Not Included

  • Breakfast Friday morning
  • Dinner Sunday evening

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    Why Outdoor Bound?

    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.

    Outdoor Bound

    Outdoor Bound Catskills Summit & Rock Climbing Weekend

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    Catskills Summit & Rock Climbing Weekend

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    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 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.


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    Testimonials

    f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s!!!!! Magnificent. Thrilling. Arduous. Terrifying. Satisfying. Exhausting.— Ruth