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The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Mohonk Preserve's West Trapps Trailhead: Parking Secrets, Iconic Trails, And Latest Climber Updates

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The Mohonk Preserve West Trapps Trailhead, often simply called "West Trapps," remains the undisputed gateway to the world-famous Shawangunk Ridge, a mecca for climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts in the Hudson Valley. As of December 25, 2025, this trailhead is fully operational, offering unparalleled access to the most iconic rock climbing cliffs and a vast network of historic carriage roads and footpaths. However, securing a spot and knowing the latest operational changes is crucial for a smooth visit, especially with new member benefits and recent environmental updates.

This comprehensive guide provides the most current information for 2025, detailing everything from the critical new parking procedures to the must-do hikes and the latest climbing access news. Whether you are a seasoned "Gunks" climber heading to the Trapps, a hiker eager to tackle the legendary Undercliff-Overcliff Loop, or a first-time visitor, understanding these updates will ensure you maximize your time exploring this stunning natural preserve.

West Trapps Trailhead Essential Information and 2025 Updates

The West Trapps Trailhead is the primary access point for the most popular sections of the Mohonk Preserve, making it a high-traffic area, particularly on peak weekends. Located on Route 44/55 in Gardiner, NY, it is the focal point for rock climbing and offers direct entry to the heart of the "Shawangunks."

Critical 2025 Parking and Access Updates

Parking at West Trapps is notoriously competitive, especially during the summer and fall seasons. The Preserve lands are open daily, but the lot often fills before 9 a.m. on weekends. Non-members are required to purchase a day pass for access, which covers hiking, biking, and climbing.

  • Members-Only Parking Pilot Program: A significant update for 2025 is the continuation of a pilot program offering a "members-only" parking benefit. Preserve members can access reserved parking spaces at West Trapps (and other select trailheads like Spring Farm and Coxing) between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. This new perk is designed to reward dedicated members and help manage early-morning congestion.
  • Visitor Center Alternative: If the West Trapps lot is full, visitors are strongly advised to park at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center Trailhead. From there, you can access the trails via the East Trapps Connector Trail, a beautiful, albeit slightly longer, hike that leads directly to the main carriage road network.
  • Current Conditions: Always check the Mohonk Preserve alerts page before visiting. As of late 2025, trailhead lots are generally open, but winter weather conditions (snow and ice) can cause temporary closures until lots are cleared.

The Peregrine Watch Success Story

One of the most positive recent updates for the climbing community revolves around the Peregrine Falcon nesting sites. For decades, seasonal climbing closures have been implemented to protect these endangered birds. In a major development, the temporary climbing restrictions in the Trapps were removed as of July 3, 2025, following a successful nesting season and a positive assessment from the Peregrine Watch program. This means full access to the cliffs is currently available, a testament to the Preserve's commitment to conservation and the climbing community's cooperation.

The Iconic Undercliff-Overcliff Loop: A Must-Do Hike

For hikers, the Undercliff-Overcliff Loop is the crown jewel of the West Trapps area, a truly iconic route that showcases the dramatic geology of the Shawangunk Ridge. This loop is the most suggested hike from the trailhead and provides a unique perspective on the soaring cliffs that define the landscape.

Trail Specifications and Experience

The loop is a 4.7-mile circuit that is generally considered an intermediate-level hike or run. It follows two distinct Carriage Roads: the Undercliff Carriage Road and the Overcliff Carriage Road. The experience is split into two halves:

  • The Undercliff Section: This part of the trail takes you directly beneath the enormous white cliffs of the Trapps, offering breathtaking views of the rock face. You'll often see climbers high above you, a truly dynamic experience. The trail in this section is relatively flat and easy.
  • The Overcliff Section: The return journey, the Overcliff section, provides stunning, panoramic views of the Hudson Valley to the east. This section is slightly higher and offers a different perspective, looking out over the entire region. The carriage roads are wide, making this a popular route for both hiking and biking.

For a longer, more strenuous outing, experienced hikers and bikers can combine the Undercliff-Overcliff Loop with the Oakwood Drive trail network, extending the journey to approximately 8.5 miles round-trip.

The Gunks: Access to World-Class Rock Climbing

The West Trapps Trailhead is the epicenter of rock climbing in the Northeast, providing the most direct access to the famous cliffs of The Gunks (short for Shawangunks). The Preserve manages the land, and its trail network leads climbers to some of the most challenging and historic routes in North America.

Climbing and Bouldering Zones

From West Trapps, climbers can quickly reach the two most popular climbing zones:

  • The Trapps: This is the main, most extensive cliff line, offering hundreds of traditional climbing routes across various grades. It is easily accessible via the carriage road directly from the trailhead.
  • The Near Trapps: Located just south of the main Trapps wall, the Near Trapps offers a slightly different set of challenges and is a favorite for many climbers.

The West Trapps area is also a major destination for bouldering, with numerous large, scattered boulders providing challenging problems for those who prefer to keep their feet closer to the ground.

Beyond the Trapps: Millbrook Ridge and Other Trails

While climbing dominates the West Trapps narrative, the trailhead also serves as the jumping-off point for longer, more secluded hikes into the southern parts of the Preserve and the Shawangunk Ridge.

  • Millbrook Ridge Loop: A recommended hike from West Trapps is the journey to Millbrook Mountain and along the Millbrook Ridge. This route provides stunning views of the Hudson Valley and the surrounding landscape. The round-trip hike to Millbrook from the parking area is approximately seven miles, making it a full-day commitment for most hikers.
  • Connecting Trails: The West Trapps Trailhead is a key node in the larger Mohonk Preserve trail system, connecting via trails like the Millbrook Cross Trail and the West Trapps Connector Trail to other areas such as the Coxing Trailhead and Testimonial Gateway.

In the winter, when conditions permit and staff obligations allow, the carriage roads around West Trapps are sometimes groomed, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, adding another seasonal layer to this year-round outdoor destination.

Planning Your Visit to West Trapps

To ensure a positive experience at this world-renowned natural area, visitors should always plan ahead. Day passes can often be purchased at the trailhead, but checking the Mohonk Preserve's official website for the latest fee structure and pass options is recommended. Given the early parking demand, especially on weekends, arriving before 7 a.m. is the best strategy for non-members, or utilizing the Visitor Center and the East Trapps Connector Trail if the lot is full. Remember that the Preserve's commitment to protecting fragile habitats, like the Peregrine Falcon nesting sites, means that rules and trail statuses can change, so always check for the most recent alerts before you begin your adventure in the Gunks.

The Ultimate 2025 Guide to Mohonk Preserve's West Trapps Trailhead: Parking Secrets, Iconic Trails, and Latest Climber Updates
mohonk preserve west trapps trailhead
mohonk preserve west trapps trailhead

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