The Ranch
Maybe it’s the allure, or all the stories you may have heard at your home DZ. Whatever the reason, you are going to visit Skydive the Ranch in Gardiner, New York! If there is one thing I can tell you, it is be prepared to have the time of your life! You’re almost guaranteed to make some lifelong friendships and will share some of the most epic and inspiring jumps of your career. I personally recommend visiting The Ranch in the warm weather months or in the fall when the leaves are changing. The area offers some of the most spectacular views during this time of year. Plan on staying at least 3 to 4 days depending on your schedule and budget so you are able to enjoy both your experience and the beautiful landscape.
Drop Zone:
Skydive The Ranch
4 stars ****
Location: New York
Skydive The Ranch
4 stars ****
Location: New York
Address: 55 Sand Hill Rd, Gardiner, NY 12525
You will need:
USPA card, Log Book and Reserve Card
USPA card, Log Book and Reserve Card
Check In:
You will check in at Manifest. There are two locations: One is located at the front of building. Follow signs for tandems. The other is located inside the hanger by the fun jumper packing area.
You will check in at Manifest. There are two locations: One is located at the front of building. Follow signs for tandems. The other is located inside the hanger by the fun jumper packing area.
*If you have a large sum of cash and do not want to lose it, you can put it on your account at manifest. If you need cash, go pull some out. This way it's safe!
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Amenities:
• The Ranch Pro Shop (The legendary Sonic)
http://ranchproshop.com/
• Bathroom
• Showers (outdoor)
• A Staff of Professional Packers - $7.00 per pack job. * Please tip your rigger, let them know how much you appreciate all they do!
• There is a large fun jumper hanger if you chose to pack yourself.
• Bathroom
• Showers (outdoor)
• A Staff of Professional Packers - $7.00 per pack job. * Please tip your rigger, let them know how much you appreciate all they do!
• There is a large fun jumper hanger if you chose to pack yourself.
Aircraft:
• *Twin Otter (3,yes three!)
• *Porter
• *Cessna
• *Twin Otter (3,yes three!)
• *Porter
• *Cessna
*Two of the Three TO
Flying in:
The closest Airport to Skydive the Ranch is Stewart International Airport
located at: 1180 1st St, New Windsor, NY 12553
Code: SWF
located at: 1180 1st St, New Windsor, NY 12553
Code: SWF
*18.5 miles to the south-approximately a 30 minute drive
* If flying in, we recommend renting a car.
* If flying in, we recommend renting a car.
You can also gain assistance by going to The Ranch Fun Jumpers Facebook page. Who knows, maybe someone in the area can pick you up.
*(Of course it’s a nice gesture to offer your driver gas money)
*(Of course it’s a nice gesture to offer your driver gas money)
Driving in:
We at Pussfoot love taking road trips. Road trips allow us the opportunity to meet amazing people and visit new drop zones. Having our own car on a skydiving adventure gives us a sense of safety and an additional place to store belongings. (Not to mention there is so much to see and in this area that in my opinion, a car is almost a MUST!)
* Use Waze - this will give you the most direct route and will also alert you to any Police activity.
* Pack light, you are still in America and can stop to get whatever you need.
* There are BP gas stations throughout the area so, be sure to get yourself a BP rewards card! You will earn $0.10 off a gallon for every 20 you buy. (On our last last trip I saved over $50.00 in fuel using one. You will find me putting the BP rewards card into every review. I swear by this card. I myself have filled a tank for under $1.00. Trust me, get one.)
*Remember to take breaks, switch drivers, stay hydrated and fueled up. The most important part of any road trip is enjoying the journey, no need to rush!
* Pack light, you are still in America and can stop to get whatever you need.
* There are BP gas stations throughout the area so, be sure to get yourself a BP rewards card! You will earn $0.10 off a gallon for every 20 you buy. (On our last last trip I saved over $50.00 in fuel using one. You will find me putting the BP rewards card into every review. I swear by this card. I myself have filled a tank for under $1.00. Trust me, get one.)
*Remember to take breaks, switch drivers, stay hydrated and fueled up. The most important part of any road trip is enjoying the journey, no need to rush!
Arriving at DZ:
So, you made it! Do you know where you’re staying?
** Don’t forget to check in to manifest when they are open, so you can fill out you waiver and be given an orientation.
So, you made it! Do you know where you’re staying?
** Don’t forget to check in to manifest when they are open, so you can fill out you waiver and be given an orientation.
Camping:
4 stars ****+
4 stars ****+
Open field with no shade. and a tent city like none you’ve ever seen!
Camp Fire (yes)
Cooking (yes)
Camp Fire (yes)
Cooking (yes)
Campers/RVs welcome but, no shore power or dump station. (dump station located at Jelly Stone Park 5 miles away) Please talk to Manifest or Joe prior to setting up.
Joe loving the Blue Sky
Where to set up:
When you arrive at the ranch you will find a large field to your right. Many people set up here for their stay. Please do not drive on the lawn! You can also set up on the right-hand side of the runway by the airplanes and the pond. If you are feeling courageous, feel free to find a spot in the woods with the rest of Ranch hands in the tent city. Talk to anyone for Intel on where you can put your tent. Please see the marked map below for details.
Below you will find a map of Skydive The Ranch. Follow the red arrows for - Camping Area (There are three choices). Just pull in and set up your tent. If it is late, please try to be quiet so as not to disturb those that might be sleeping. The bathroom is marked on the Map.
*Ranch PorterThe tent city is extremely safe, and to date there have been no complaints of theft. There is always someone watching out for your gear. With that being said, you never know who might not be part of the Skydive Code. Take care to lock up whatever you can, and be mindful of your items. Again, you can put all your cash onto your account and remove cash as needed.
* This is a Burble Drop Zone, so you may want to download the app. prior to arrival to speed things up.
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The DZ has ample wood for the large fire pit. (located toward the back of the main parking lot) However, if you would like a small private campfire you purchase wood from a local guy just down the road. $35.00 will fill up a small pickup truck. If you do not require that much, you can work with him to get a smaller amount. (**Wood is extremely pricey in this area as it is a popular camping area. A bundle can run you upwards of $7.00 a bundle) Trust me use the local guy… he is the most reasonable!
Tom Burns:
(845)-476-1298
Address: 395 Forest Road. Wallkill NY.
Bundles- $5
Racks- $35 (best deal in the area)
(845)-476-1298
Address: 395 Forest Road. Wallkill NY.
Bundles- $5
Racks- $35 (best deal in the area)
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Hotels:
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=hotels+gardiner+ny
There are not many choices for hotels close to the DZ, please see link above.
One option is Yogi Bear Jelly Stone Park. Located 5 minutes from the DZ,
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=hotels+gardiner+ny
There are not many choices for hotels close to the DZ, please see link above.
One option is Yogi Bear Jelly Stone Park. Located 5 minutes from the DZ,
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Jelly Stone:
Address: 50 Bevier Rd, Gardiner, NY 12525
(845) 255-5193
http://www.lazyriverny.com/
Check website for availability and rates (I stay here all summer and even land here )
Tents, RV and Cabins
http://www.lazyriverny.com/
Check website for availability and rates (I stay here all summer and even land here )
Tents, RV and Cabins
Rent a room:
coming soon
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Food:
During the summer you can usually find a hamburger and hotdog guy on site. The food is not typical of a street vendor and is quite good!
Other food options are available within 10 mins of the DZ.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=food+gardiner+ny
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=food+gardiner+ny
I recommend trying Pasquales! (I find myself taking the trip up to the area even in the off season just for his pizza!)
Not in the mood for pizza? How about some delicious German eats? The Mountain Brauhaus is the BEST German food I have had, other than in Germany! It is a MUST! They offer amazing food, a hearty beer list and some spectacular views! I promise you will not be let down. * Reservations are not taken. *
There is almost always a wait so if you want to avoid it, I recommend showing up around noon. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!
Not in the mood for pizza? How about some delicious German eats? The Mountain Brauhaus is the BEST German food I have had, other than in Germany! It is a MUST! They offer amazing food, a hearty beer list and some spectacular views! I promise you will not be let down. * Reservations are not taken. *
There is almost always a wait so if you want to avoid it, I recommend showing up around noon. Trust me, you will not be disappointed!
Mountain Brauhaus:
Address: 3123 Rte. 44-55, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone: (845) 255-9766
$$$
4 stars ****
Menu -
Address: 3123 Rte. 44-55, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone: (845) 255-9766
$$$
4 stars ****
Menu -
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Village Market and Eatery:
closest food to drop zone
Address: 125 Main St, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone: (845) 255-1234
Menu:
Address: 125 Main St, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone: (845) 255-1234
Menu:
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Hannaford:
Located within an 8 minute drive this grocery store has everything you need
Food, Beer and hygiene
Address: 2066 NY-32, Modena, NY 12548
Located within an 8 minute drive this grocery store has everything you need
Food, Beer and hygiene
Address: 2066 NY-32, Modena, NY 12548
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Things to see:
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You are located in the Shawangunk Ridge. A mecca for people in the Northeast for all things outdoor! If hiking and exploring is your thing, you are in luck! There are more outdoor activities offered here than you can possibly imagine. This region of New York also offers a unique and tasty view into some of the oldest wine country in the United States. Welcome and have fun!!
You are located in the Shawangunk Ridge. A mecca for people in the Northeast for all things outdoor! If hiking and exploring is your thing, you are in luck! There are more outdoor activities offered here than you can possibly imagine. This region of New York also offers a unique and tasty view into some of the oldest wine country in the United States. Welcome and have fun!!
If you’re still looking for fun and exciting things to do, please feel free to contact me directly.
Below is just a taste of what you have instore.
Below is just a taste of what you have instore.
Tuthill House at the Mill: The oldest Whiskey distillery in America
Address: 20 Grist Mill Ln, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone:(845) 255-1527
$$$
http://www.tuthilltown.com/tuthillhouse/
Liquor tasting and food 3.5 stars****
Address: 20 Grist Mill Ln, Gardiner, NY 12525
Phone:(845) 255-1527
$$$
http://www.tuthilltown.com/tuthillhouse/
Liquor tasting and food 3.5 stars****
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Mohonk Preserve:
4 stars ****
Rock climbing, Hiking and swimming
$$ yeah, they charge for parking still worth it!!
http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/climb
(Try Lemmon Squeeze and Split Rock)
4 stars ****
Rock climbing, Hiking and swimming
$$ yeah, they charge for parking still worth it!!
http://www.mohonkpreserve.org/climb
(Try Lemmon Squeeze and Split Rock)
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The Inner wall:
On a rain hold?
Indoor rock climbing
Address: 234 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561
Phone: (845) 255-7625
http://www.theinnerwall.com/
On a rain hold?
Indoor rock climbing
Address: 234 Main St, New Paltz, NY 12561
Phone: (845) 255-7625
http://www.theinnerwall.com/
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EMS:
http://www.emsoutdoors.com/new-paltz-gunks/
New Paltz (Gunks) Climbing School & Technical Climbing Gear Shop
Address: 3124 Route 44 & 55 Gardiner, NY 12525
GPS: 41.728496, -74.192628
800-310-4504 x2
845-255-3280 (local)
e0711st@ems.com
http://www.emsoutdoors.com/new-paltz-gunks/
New Paltz (Gunks) Climbing School & Technical Climbing Gear Shop
Address: 3124 Route 44 & 55 Gardiner, NY 12525
GPS: 41.728496, -74.192628
800-310-4504 x2
845-255-3280 (local)
e0711st@ems.com
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Ellenville Flight Park:
Want to try something new? Why not try Para-gliding or hang-gliding?
Address: 80 Hang Glider Rd, Ellenville, NY 12428
Phone: (845) 647-4917
Web site: http://ellenvilleflightpark.com/
Located less than an hour away, just over the Gunks to the west.
Want to try something new? Why not try Para-gliding or hang-gliding?
Address: 80 Hang Glider Rd, Ellenville, NY 12428
Phone: (845) 647-4917
Web site: http://ellenvilleflightpark.com/
Located less than an hour away, just over the Gunks to the west.
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Looking for more to see and do? This area is jam packed with fun things! Simply google; Things to do in New Paltz.
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In closing, The Ranch is called home by many near and far. After just one visit to The Ranch, you will find yourself to be a welcomed part of the family. This is just one of the many reasons you’ll find yourself wanting to return again and again! When you do visit, please make sure to stop in and say hi! This is our home Drop Zone, so we can be found here most weekends. (Unless we are out travelling to new places to help guide you on your next adventure.)
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Blue Skies and please share this on Face Book
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Credits: Brian Casserly