Climbing in the Shawagunks Mountain Range

The Army West Point Climbing Team took eight cadets to the Shawagunks Mountain Range in New Paltz, NY, to participate in a day of out-door climbing. Cadets on the trip included two new team members whom had never been outdoor climbing before. In the morning, the group made the arduous and complex hike up to the “Lost City” climbing wall. Building on the technical foundations learned in the indoor climbing gym, cadets were able to build anchor points atop the cliff under the supervision of senior team members and then safely rappel down. Utilizing traditional climbing systems, placing gear and building anchors, CDT Freddie Kratz ’19 practiced proper safety gear placement in preparation for his upcoming first lead climb. CDT Justin Black ’18 was exposed to some advanced climbing routes and able to fine-tune his skills in anticipation of the USA Climbing Nationals next week in San Diego, CA.