Traverse a Rocky Playground on This New York Summit Scramble
Traverse a Rocky Playground on This New York Summit Scramble
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Hungry for more climbs? Check out the rest of our summer summit scrambles here.
- Distance: 9 miles
- Time: 1 day
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
Check off the best scramble in the Tri-State area on this 9-mile out-and-back. Less of a “trail” than a rocky jungle-gym, this route will force you to squeeze, duck, crawl, and climb class 3 across the Labyrinth. Do it by starting at Undercliff Road. Near mile 2.5, take Old Minnewaska Carriage Road 1.5 miles to the Mountain House property. From here, it’s a .5-mile scramble on the topsy-turvy Labyrinth. Use fixed ladders in spots and, ultimately, exit via a .1-mile-long shimmy through the Lemon Squeeze. Atop 1,617-foot Skytop Mountain, take in views of the Hudson Valley before taking Sky Top Road back to the Mountain House. Note: This one is popular; we recommend visiting in the early morning on a weekday to secure some solitude. Recommended gear Sticky shoes Contact mohonkpreserve.org
