Review Spotlight: James Rodriguez Climbed the Trapps and Flew the CataMonster (and Banked 60% Off!) on a Fall Foliage Rock Climbing & Zip Line Weekend in the Gunks

Review Spotlight • Tuesday, October 20, 2026

James Rodriguez planned a fall weekend around two very different kinds of high-up adventure: climbing the classic cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains near New Paltz, then soaring over autumn forest on Catamount’s CataMonster zip tour in Hillsdale. For flights, a place to stay, and a rental car, he explored options with Alaska Mileage Plan, Best Western Rewards, and Alamo, using loyalty benefits and deal-finding to make the travel budget go further.

The Gunks and Catamount are not next-door attractions, so this is best treated as a road-trip weekend with a substantial transfer between areas. The payoff: cool October air, colorful mountain scenery, hands-on climbing, and a fast zipline finale. The headline’s 60% Off! reflects the illustrative comparison below, not a guaranteed rate or a claim about a specific booking receipt. Actual prices and savings depend on dates, availability, and terms.

Day one: horizontal cracks and crisp air at the Trapps

At Mohonk Preserve’s Trapps cliff, James found the kind of climbing that makes the Gunks famous: quartz conglomerate rock, distinctive horizontal cracks, and traditional routes that reward good footwork and thoughtful protection. With the leaves turning below, even the approach and belay breaks offered a front-row view of the season.

The cliff is on Preserve land, and climbing visitors need a current membership or day-use pass. Check the Mohonk Preserve visit information before setting out for current access rules and fees. The West Trapps trailhead can fill early on busy fall weekends, so plan ahead and allow time for parking and the approach.

A gentler climbing option

For climbers seeking single-pitch routes or a top-rope day, the Peter’s Kill area at Minnewaska State Park Preserve is another option. It has its own admission and climbing requirements; a Mohonk Preserve pass does not cover it. Review the New York State Parks information for Minnewaska for current rules, hours, and permits before visiting.

For a guided day, book with a service qualified for the area you want to climb. Gunks Guides offers guided climbing in the region. If you’re considering Sky Top, note that it is on private property: Alpine Endeavors states it is the only guide service authorized to operate there. Confirm the location and access details when booking.

Day two: the CataMonster’s big autumn finale

The second adventure calls for a drive to Catamount Mountain Resort in Hillsdale, New York. The CataMonster is the grand finale of Catamount’s zip tour: three dual zipline spans, with the final line extending just over a mile. Riders can reach speeds of 55 mph or more, and the complete tour takes about two hours.

Catamount lists Fall Foliage Hours from October 1 through November 1, Friday through Sunday. Since the season is short and schedules can change, check the CataMonster tour page and hours of operation before you travel. Reservations are a smart move, and arrive with enough time for check-in and the tour briefing.

How the travel partners can add value

Alaska Mileage Plan for flights

Compare routes and fares, then consider whether an eligible ticket can earn or use Alaska Mileage Plan miles. Earning and redemption depend on the fare, itinerary, and program terms. Browse trip options through Our Amazing Adventures and compare the full trip cost, not just the initial fare.

Best Western Rewards for a New Paltz-area stay

A convenient base near New Paltz can simplify an early climbing start and keep the first day focused on the rock. With Best Western Rewards, eligible stays may offer opportunities to earn or redeem points, subject to program rules and availability. Check lodging options through Our Amazing Adventures and weigh location, parking, and cancellation terms alongside the nightly rate.

Alamo for a flexible road trip

A rental car gives you room to carry climbing gear and flexibility for the trip between New Paltz and Hillsdale. Compare Alamo options through Our Amazing Adventures, checking pickup location, mileage, fuel policy, and insurance choices. A low base fare is only one part of the value equation.

Illustrative savings math for two

Here’s one example of how combining a good fare, a well-priced stay, a rental, and travel protection could change the trip budget. Estimates compare a sample standard-price plan with a hypothetical deal-oriented plan for two people. They are examples only, not live quotes or promised prices.

Weekend expense for two	Sample standard-price estimate	Illustrative deal-oriented estimate
Round-trip flights	$900	$360
Two hotel nights	$700	$280
Weekend car rental	$240	$96
Travel protection	$160	$64
Estimated total	$2,000	$800

In this illustration, the difference is $1,200, or 60% of the sample total. The figures are illustrative; actual prices and savings vary by travel dates, provider, availability, coverage, and booking terms. Climbing passes, guide fees, gear, and CataMonster tickets are not included, so add those costs when planning the full weekend.

James’s fall-weekend checklist

Hudson Valley foliage often reaches its best color around late October, but timing varies with elevation, weather, and leaf drop. Treat any forecast as a guide, not a guarantee. For the cliffs, pack layers and a windproof shell: a sunny trailhead can feel much colder once you’re exposed on the rock. Bring appropriate climbing gear, and check conditions before heading out.

Most importantly, climbing and ziplining require preparation. Use qualified, certified guides when appropriate, follow land-manager rules, wear the required gear, and check weather and operator updates. Catamount’s foliage schedule ends November 1, and tours may be affected by conditions or seasonal availability. Confirm your reservation and the day’s operating status before making the drive.

James’s route is a memorable mix of careful movement on classic rock and open-air speed through fall color. Ready to plan your own Gunks-area adventure? Explore travel options and book with Our Amazing Adventures.