Bonticou Crag Trail [CLOSED]

This is great for a quick escape. The bonticou ascent is quite a scramble, so skip that if you have any fear of heights.

It’s a great moderately rigorous hike up to the crag. You can avoid the rock scramble by going left at the giant boulder with small rocks on it. However, some of the trail markings are confusing and it’s easy to get off trail. But all in all, a great hike with amazing views at the top.

So originally I was thought this 2.3 mile hike was gonna be toooo easy, but turns out there’s tons of connecting trails to this. This scramble was DEF on harder side, especially in the winter (icy). But fun & doable for noobies to scrambling. The trails are well marked with red, yellow, and blue paint, but make sure you get a map from the person at the entrance (or follow alltrails), because I got a little lost & I ended up going for a shorter hike than intended :( But still good!

fun hike. About 5 inches of fresh snow on the ground, mostly untouched, with some ski tracks coming down the Crag Trail. Not much of a view on the top with the snowy weather but still lovely. Decided not to descend down the rock scramble because of the snow conditions

A fantastic hike! Trails are well maintained, as this is in the Mohonk Preserve so there is a $15 entrance fee. I would consider this trail on the easier side of moderate. It has some ascent but it’s gradual for the most part. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, I highly recommend taking the rock scramble up to the top of the crag. Once at the top, you can continue to follow the yellow markers to the path leading down. Note that as you approach the rock scramble, go to the left and look for the yellow markers leading up the ascent path. I suggest wearing hiking boots for the ankle protection and traction. The views at the top are so worth the hike! Bring a lunch and enjoy the stunning scenery in the distance. I would do this hike and the rock scramble again!!!

Wow. Should come here back on a clear blue sky day. And figure out that last bit of the scramble!

Super fun! I’m an intermediate-level rock climber and had a great time on the scramble, but could see the danger points of this route if your less-experienced on rock scrambles. Overal was a beautiful hike and the scrambling made it extra-fun.

There are fees to enter trails & some are quite difficult involving using both your hands & feet to climb. Ladders are involved but the views are very much worth it!

Fun scramble not crazy difficult.

You don't have to do the scramble, but I highly recommend it. Such a fun experience with a breathtaking view at the top. I'd rate this hike as hard and not moderate if you choose to do the scramble to get to the top. One of my favorite hikes in the New Paltz area

great hike / scramble up combined talus and scree to the summit of the crag. More of a thinking hike than a flat out difficult all day epic, which it is not. Some moderate exposure but nothing too discouraging. Spend a couple hours and savor in the views... it won't disappoint!

Awesome trail, beautiful views. Not hard at all and I'd consider it an easy moderate. I also detoured the rock scramble which would have made it more difficult.

Took this hike with our puppy so we skipped the scramble. Trails are generally well maintained and well marked, but there are many within this area, leading us to consult the map several times to ensure we were on the right path. Views at the top are stunning. A quick one but very much worth it for the views. Near the parking lot you also have views of the Catskill mountains.