Sure took 'em years to discover this lode. Maybe a change of management took place. Did Alpine Endeavors approach Mohonk or vice-versa?

From the Mohonk website;

Experience Rock Climbing at Sky Top!

Sky Top is the most dramatic view on the Shawangunk Ridge.
Its prominent face and stone tower stand out boldly along the northern ridge and can be seen for miles from the valley below. Sky Top is home to over 300 documented rock climbs, many of which are sought-after classics to Gunks climbers, routes such as: Lakeview, Strawberry Yogurt, Petie’s Spare Rib, Sound and Fury, Foops, Supercrack, Grey Face, Jekyll and Hyde, Pilgrim’s Progress, and more.





Starting April 1, 2007, overnight guests of Mohonk Mountain House can participate in rock climbing at Sky Top while escorted by an authorized guide from Alpine Endeavors. Climbing will be available seven days a week, from April 1 through November 30. Due to insurance concerns, and interaction with other Mohonk Mountain House scheduled events, only those guests escorted with an Alpine Endeavors authorized guide will be allowed to climb at Sky Top. Unescorted guests, day guests, and the public are not permitted to rock climb at Sky Top at this time.



Lake Mohonk

Climbing at Sky Top will be offered to all ability levels -- from complete beginners to experienced climbers. Sky Top offers an abundance of high quality rock climbing on routes of all difficulties. If you have never rock climbed before, or are an advanced climber, Sky Top will provide you with an incredible experience you will never forget.

There are three options available daily to overnight guests:

• Overnight guests can book an all-day session, 9am–5pm

• Overnight guests can attend a half-day sessions as available:
Morning: 9am-1pm
Afternoon: 2pm-6pm

• Private group outings for overnight guests up to 20 participants

To maximize the experience and instruction for Mohonk Mountain House guests, all programs will maintain a low climber to guide ratio. Guests can choose to hire a guide privately or participate with a group.

Here are the suggested ratios:
For multi-pitch rock climbing, 1:1 to 2:1
For single pitch and/or group programs, 1:1 to 4:1


In addition to basic climbing instruction and guiding, more advanced technical skills will be available. For more information on the advanced courses offered to overnight guests at Mohonk Mountain House, please view our Sky Top Climbing Courses.



For overnight reservations at Mohonk Mountain House , please call 1-800-772-6646 and specify your interest in rock climbing.

good for them. might as well capitalize on what theyve got.

Unescorted guests, day guests, and the public are not permitted to rock climb at Sky Top at this time.

This sentence might conceivably be cause for greater optimism re. greater access. or maybe it's just a nod to the historical significance of Skytop climbing, I dunno.

talk about cashing in:
http://www.mohonkmountainguides.com/logistics.html

The thing I find disgusting about the situation is that now Marty has a deep-seated interest in keeping Skytop closed to the non stinky wealthy public forever. Guides should be able to make a living, obviously, but that is mighty divisive to the climbing community.

2 nights lodging at Mohonk: $700
2 days of climbing at Sky Top: $500

Opportunity to climb Foops: Priceless

But I'd want some sort of raincheck policy. Going to the Gunks and staying in the MUA and watching it rain for 2 days is one thing... Paying $1,200 to stare at wet rock might just break my spirit.

Edited to add: I assume they'll let you lead, right?