The Gunks

“It’s time to get chizzied.” Third-year psychology major Wes Hoen is one of many avid rock climbers who migrated to the town of New Paltz. The Shawangunk Mountain range, also known as the Gunks, is located close to the town and is a notable destination for rock climbers. The spot gives both top-rope climbers and boulder climbers hundreds of different routes to explore. He said after having birthday parties at a local indoor rock gym near his home as a kid, he was hooked on climbing. Hoen’s career as a serious climber started when he was 14, after getting hired at the gym where he started. Hoen spent hours in the gym, training and improving his skill […]