Mohonk Mountain House typically requires no introduction, but if it doesn’t ring a bell, it’s a stunning Victorian castle that sits along the Shawangunk Ridge and is surrounded by 40,000 acres of natural beauty. This famous resort has been featured in movies and TV shows, and is known as being a luxury getaway that offers incredible hiking trails, farm-to-table dining and stunning scenery at every turn. If an overnight stay isn’t in your future, this post in all about my Mohonk Mountain House day pass review to share if day access to the resort is worth it or not.
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Where Is Mohonk Mountain House?
Mohonk Mountain House is located in New Paltz, NY, a small college town in the Hudson Valley. It’s only 1.5 hours from New York City and Albany, and offers easy access to a lot of different attractions in the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions.
Is A Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass Worth It?
In my opinion, it absolutely is, and is a great alternative if an overnight stay doesn’t fit into your budget or schedule. This is such a fun and special place to visit, even if just once in your life, and the views on the hiking trails, the peacefulness of the property, the impeccable service and delicious food (if you choose a day pass with a dining option) all make the price of Mohonk Mountain House day pass worth it.
Mohonk is a great place to visit for pretty much anyone, but if you’re looking for an escape from New York City, this is the perfect place to do that. You’ll feel miles away from the city, and even one day here will feel rejuvenating.
How Much Is A Day Pass At Mohonk Mountain House?
Mohonk Mountain House day pass prices vary depending on which you choose. The most budget-friendly option is the Hiking Day Pass, which is $35 per adult, and $30 per child (ages 4-12).
If you’d like to get lunch or dinner during your day trip to Mohonk, you can select a dining pass, which includes access to the hiking trails and grounds. Dining day pass prices vary from $98 per adult for lunch to $130 per adult for dinner (depending on where you choose to eat). Children’s dining prices start at $49 for lunch and go up to about $65 for dinner. All pricing is available on the Mohonk website by clicking here. Finding the pricing options for each meal service is a bit tricky – just click on the plus sign that’s directly under each photo, and a new drop-down menu will open with information and pricing.
*Please note this pricing is current as of 2022.
Can You Walk Around Mohonk Mountain House Without A Day Pass Or Reservation?
No, anyone looking to visit Mohonk Mountain House in any capacity, including just to walk around the grounds or trails, must have a reservation for either an overnight stay, or a day pass reservation for hiking, dining, outdoor recreation or spa services. There is a cost to book every type of reservation, even day pass holders, so there will always be a cost to visit Mohonk Mountain House, even just to walk around.
Mohonk Hiking Day Pass & Hiking Trails Review
If you’re on a budget and are looking to spend a day at Mohonk, the best option is the hiking trails day pass, which grants you access to the all the hiking trails on the resort grounds. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons of this option.
Mohonk Hiking Trails Day Pass Pros:
- Access to all the hiking trails on the resort grounds.
- Beautiful views of Mohonk Mountain House from the trails, as well as of the Shawangunk vistas.
- Ability to hike all day from 7am until dusk.
- Reservations can be made online.
Mohonk Hiking Trails Day Pass Cons:
- Those visiting with the hiking trails day pass have a designated parking lot, and it’s located about 2 miles from the resort at the Gatehouse. There are bathrooms and vending machines at the parking lot, however, and there is some direct access to trails, but the walk is still pretty far to connect to the best trail heads.
- Reservations can only be made up to 72 hours in advance.
- Once you make your reservation online, it’s non-refundable.
- You will not have any access to the interior of the resort, and will not be able to purchase food or drinks at the resort.
Is The Mohonk Hiking Trails Day Pass Worth It? Yes, I still think it’s worth it. Considering how great the hiking trails are, and the fact that most state and national parks also charge entrance fees, this isn’t much different, and I think it’s a great option for hiking in the area. Just plan accordingly and bring all the food and water you’ll need for the day, know what to expect, and pack a camera to snap those epic views!
Mohonk Dining Day Pass Review – Lunch At Mohonk
If you’re looking to enjoy a meal while hiking the trails, the best Mohonk Mountain House day pass option for you would be the dining day pass, which comes with some extra perks, in addition to the meal service.
Mohonk Dining Day Pass Pros:
- Access to all the hiking trails on the resort grounds from 7am until dusk.
- Access to the interior of the resort building.
- Better parking area right by the hotel entrance.
- Lunch or dinner service (you’ll choose while making your reservation, and pricing is slightly higher for dinner).
- Access to the resort gardens, greenhouse and carriage lounge (the carriage lounge provides options for additional food and drinks service you can pay for).
- Afternoon tea and cookies at the resort.
- Access to the evening live entertainment (when available).
Mohonk Dining Day Pass Cons:
- Reservations can only be made up to two weeks in advance over the phone.
- You will not have access to any additional outdoor facilities like boat rentals, golfing, etc.
Is The Mohonk Dining Day Pass Worth It? I definitely think this one is a great value for the money, especially with the upgraded parking option and access to the interior of the resort. If you subtract the $35 fee that you would pay just to hike the trails, that leaves you with around $65-$75 extra that you’ll pay (depending on which meal you choose).
You’ll be able to eat a ton, as there are buffet options for both lunch and dinner, and with extra perks like access to the resort grounds, gardens, greenhouse, afternoon tea and cookies and better parking spot, I think the cost is well worth it. Especially if you want to plan a full day at the resort.
Mohonk Spa Day Pass
The Mohonk resort spa was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as the No. 1 Resort Spa in the entire country, so if you’re looking for a relaxing day in the mountains, this may be the perfect Mohonk Mountain House day pass option for you. In order to enjoy the benefits of the spa day pass, you just need to book one massage treatment. Once you’ve booked your treatment, here are the pros and cons of the spa day pass:
Mohonk Spa Day Pass Pros:
- Access to the resort hiking trails from 7am until dusk.
- Better parking close to the resort entrance.
- Access to the interior of the resort.
- Access to the resort gardens, greenhouse and carriage lounge (the carriage lounge provides options for additional food and drinks service you can pay for).
- Access to the spa amenities from 8am-6pm, which includes the relaxation veranda and an outdoor heated mineral pool.
- Afternoon tea and cookies.
- Access to the evening entertainment.
Mohonk Spa Day Pass Cons:
- There is no food or beverage service included with this day pass (with the exception of the afternoon tea and cookies). Additional meals and drinks will have to be purchased as an add-on.
- No access to the outdoor activities such as boat rentals or golf.
Is The Mohonk Spa Day Pass Worth It? For those who are looking for a spa treatment, I think this day pass is mostly worth it. Massages start at around $200 for 60 minutes, which is on-par with luxury spa resort pricing (you could also just book a mani or pedi to save a little money). However, you’ll likely want to stay for a full day to relax and take advantage of the spa amenities, but since this package doesn’t provide any meal service, you’ll want to purchase that in addition to your spa service, which will increase the cost. This pushes the day pass into the splurge category (which, hey, we all need a little treat yourself day, right?).
This package would be perfect if it included a light lunch, however, if you’re okay with spending extra to add on meal service, then I think it’s a great option, and would make for a wonderful and restorative escape for the day.
Tip: If you’re looking to book the spa day pass at Mohonk and want to try to keep costs down, one great option is to take advantage of your access to the Carriage Lounge. You can purchase a la carte lunch or dinner options here like a pizza or flatbread, salads and burgers, and also choose from a nice cocktail list. Your bill will likely be closer to $50 or so for one person, as opposed to the minimum of $100 per person for a reservation at the Main Dining Room or The Granary.
If cost isn’t a concern, however, I do recommend The Granary in the summer season – great outdoor seating with a really fun BBQ-themed menu that’s very comforting and filling.
Mohonk Seasonal Sports Day Pass
This Mohonk Mountain House day pass option is best for those looking to spend their day hiking, but also want to take advantage of the other recreational amenities like golfing, boating or tennis. The amenities change with the seasons, so it’s best to check their website to check what will be available when you visit.
Mohonk Seasonal Sports Day Pass Pros:
- Ability to reserve the day pass online.
- Access to all hiking trails on the resort grounds from 7am until dusk.
- Access to the interior of the resort, greenhouse and carriage lounge (where food and drinks can be purchased at an additional cost).
- Afternoon tea and cookies.
- A 9-hole round of golf.
- A 30-minute session on one of the resort’s boats, which can be taken out on the lake (summer and fall season only).
- Winter equipment rentals for skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating (winter seasonal only).
- A 1-hour tennis court session.
Mohonk Seasonal Sports Day Pass Cons:
- Reservations can only be made up to 72 hours in advance.
- There is no food or drink service included in this day pass option (with the exception of afternoon tea and cookies).
Is The Mohonk Sports Day Pass Worth It? Yes, if you enjoy golfing and playing tennis, as that’s the biggest value you’re getting with this pass. If you don’t enjoy golf or tennis, then the only other real amenities you’re getting in addition to the hiking day pass is access to the interior of the resort, afternoon tea and cookies, and a 30-minute boat ride. That’s still a lot more than what the hiking pass offers, but this sport pass also costs about $100 more per person. So, it’s definitely worth it if you want to play golf and tennis. If not, then I think it’s worth it to consider another day pass option.
What Is The Best Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass Option?
My personal favorite option, and the one I think gives you the most value, is the Dining Day Pass for either lunch or dinner, depending on your preference. I like this day pass option the best because you get full-day access to the grounds and hiking trails, which is the best part of the resort, and with food being so plentiful for each dining option, you’ll leave completely stuffed.
Unless you want to take advantage of a round of golf or use their tennis courts, I’m not sure if the Recreation Sports Pass is worth it. The biggest draw for me about this option was use of the row boats and canoes to cruise along the lake, but you only get to use one for 30 minutes, and it costs just as much as a dining day pass (but without the food). I think this option is only worth it if you’re looking to play golf or tennis, or you visit in the winter to go ice skating and cross-country ski.
The spa option is also great, but will require you to purchase a meal service if you want to stay for a full day and really make use of your access to all the spa amenities.
If you’re only interested in hiking, then the hiking day pass is also completely worth it, and I think the entrance fee is very fair for the amazing trails and views you’ll get to see.
Review Of The Granary At Mohonk Mountain House
My personal favorite place to eat at Mohonk is The Granary. I love it because it’s a casual place with seating along the lake, and it kind of feels like summer camp with all the best comfort food options.
The Granary is a buffet-style BBQ restaurant, and everything is self-serve and seating is open. At the BBQ, you’ll find lots of options like chicken, ribs and a veggie burger for vegetarians, and they have tons of salads and sides to choose from. They also have a dessert bar with fruits, cookies, brownies and all kinds of other treats and delicious pies, and an ice cream shack that serves Perry’s ice cream on cones or in dishes, as well as a few nostalgic favorites like ice cream sandwiches and Strawberry Shortcake ice cream bars. Drinks are standard soft drinks, ice teas and lemonades, and there is a beer and wine hut if you wanted to purchase alcohol.
Since you can eat as much as you want, this is a great option to refuel between hikes, and also stay a bit to digest and enjoy the atmosphere and views. I find the food to be really good, and especially love the ice cream shack.
Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass Add-On’s
As a day guest, you also have the option to extend your day a bit longer and experience Spirits on the Sunset Porch. When you make your day pass reservation, you’ll want to ask if there’s availability for this extra add-on, but if you can stay and watch the sunset on a beautiful porch with a cocktail, it’s definitely worth it! The cost of the cocktail and any additional small bites you choose to buy will come at an additional cost, but I very much enjoy ending my day at Mohonk this way.
Many of the day pass options include access to the Carriage Lounge, where you can purchase additional food and drinks. This is always a place you can stop if you’d like a snack or a cocktail while visiting for the day. Their food menu includes everything from appetizers and small bites to comfort foods like burgers and flatbreads.
Things To Know Before Getting A Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass
To help you prepare and plan for your day as a Mohonk Mountain House day pass guest, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check the Mohonk website here to see how you should make your day pass reservation. In general, hiking and sports day passes must be reserved online, and dining and spa day guests need to call to make their reservation.
- You will have to pay up-front for all services and day passes when making your reservation. Once you arrive, though, everything will be paid for, including gratuities for dining.
- If you want to purchase anything extra while there, including merchandise, additional beverages such as cocktails, you’ll want to make sure you have a credit card or cash with you (does not apply to hiking day pass holders).
- Know that parking areas vary based on the kind of reservation you have. If you choose the hiking day pass only, the parking area for these pass holders is about 2 miles from the actual resort.
- Have awareness about attire for the dining option you select, if you choose a Mohonk Mountain House dining day pass. The Granary is casual and allows hiking and athletic attire, but the main dining room option is resort-casual. Depending on what you wear on the trails all day, you may want to throw a change of shirt and shoes in your day pack. Call the resort with specific questions, and they’ll be happy to help!
- Grab a hiking map once you arrive at the resort, or off-line the trails map on your phone. Cell service is surpringly good on most of the popular trails, you never want to risk getting turned around and losing service on the more remote trails. There’s an information gazebo right by the boat dock at the resort that has free maps for hikers.
Best Hiking Trails At Mohonk Mountain House
Really, the biggest draw for most people when they’re looking to get a Mohonk Mountain House day pass is the hiking. If you’re looking to do the best and most scenic hikes while here for the day, here are my picks to consider.
Hiking Tip: If conditions are slippery or wet, the resort will close off some of the more dangerous hikes. If you’re looking to tackle the best hikes at the resort, I recommend you book your day pass for the summer season when closures are less frequent. In the spring and fall, they will close them if rainy and slippery, and some are closed all winter season. You can call the hiking conditions hotline at 845-256-2197 the day of your trip to find out if there are any closures.
Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze – If you’re looking for the most thrilling, unique and challenging hike, then you’ll want to tackle this one. I would say it’s more of a rock climb in many parts, with some challenging hiking spots as well, but I think this trail offers such memorable experiences, as well as incredible views. This is not one to tackle, though, if you’re looking for a leisurely hike.
Sky Top Tower – This is a must-do for everyone because it offers incredible views of the resort on your way up, and even better views of the Shawangunk Ridge once you reach the top. I suggest taking the 30-minute steep option to get up there. It’s really not too bad, and there are plenty of places to stop and admire the views if you need to catch your breath. At the very top, you’ll get to see Sky Top Tower, too.
Eagle Cliff – This is my personal favorite trail, and it’s another easy one. There is a very gradual incline, but it’s minimal, and most people should easily be able to do it. This trail offers some of the most icon views of the resort from above, and also sweeping landscapes that include the resort and Sky Top Tower. Lots of great gazebos at the top to sit and enjoy the views.
There are, of course, tons more trails than what’s listed here. The Sky Top and Eagle Cliff are must-do’s because they’re very easy and provide great payoff, and you could easily add in another hike in addition to these if you’re there for the day. And if you want the most thrilling, definitely plan to do the Labyrinth and Lemon Squeeze, which is the most famous trail at the resort.
How To Get To Mohonk Mountain House
The closest airport to Mohonk Mountain House is Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY, which is about 45 minutes from the resort. For day pass holders, the best way to get to Mohonk Mountain House is by car.
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How To Get To Mohonk Mountain House From NYC Without A Car
If you’re coming from NYC and don’t have a car, there are a few options:
Train: You can take the Metro North or Amtrak train to Poughkeepsie, and then take an Uber/Lyft or a taxi from Poughkeepsie to Mohonk Mountain House. The train ride for either service is about 1.5 hours (with Metro North potentially taking up to 15 minutes longer).
Bus: You can take a bus from Port Authority Station in NYC to New Paltz, which typically takes about 1.5 hours. From the New Paltz bus station, you can arrange for Mohonk to pick you up and bring you to the resort. They require 24 hours advance notice for this option.
Private Transfer: Mohonk Mountain House works with a private transportation company, and can help you arrange a private transfer from the city to the resort. Call them directly for a quote or to book this service, and rates will vary.
Best Time Of Year To Get A Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass
Summer and fall are the most popular times to get a Mohonk Mountain House day pass, but they’re available all year-round, including winter. My personal favorite time is fall season during foliage because the weather is cooler and more comfortable for hiking, and of course, the fall color is spectacular. The only downside to visiting in the fall is that The Granary closes around October 10th each year, which coincides with peak foliage, and your only option for lunch will be the main dining room and Carriage Lounge (which are beautiful, but don’t offer outdoor seating).
Summer is also wonderful because everything is open and there are fewer weather-related trail closures. The days are also longer, so you’ll be able to stay or a few extra hours to maximize your Mohonk Mountain House day pass.
Spring is also a really fun time to visit because again, weather is cooler and more comfortable for hiking, and the resort has a beautiful tulip display in May, which showcases over 20,000 tulips in their garden. Day guests for tulip season get access to the resort’s gardens, as well an afternoon tea and cookies.
Can You Get A Day Pass To Mohonk Mountain House In The Winter?
Yes, you can! Winter at Mohonk is really beautiful, actually. In the winter, I would suggest you get either the dining pass, so you can go on some beautiful, scenic winter walks and hikes, and then enjoy lunch. Or, I would suggest you get the sports day pass, and then add on meal service.
The winter sports day pass will allow you to rent all the equipment you would need to cross-country ski, go showshoeing or ice skate all day at the resort. I think this is actually a better value than the summer or fall sports package for a lot of people, since winter rental equipment can often be expensive, and there’s such a variety of activities you can do for all skill levels and interests. The only downside to this package is that you’ll likely want to add a meal service so you can be there for a full day to take advantage of the amenities.
The winter season has the most trail closures, and many of the challenging ones are closed during the entire season, so that’s also a trade-off that you make visiting this time of the year. But the snow-covered views are really lovely, and the resort is extra cozy during the winter.
What To Pack For A Day At Mohonk Mountain House
Depending on the type of pass you get, you’ll want to make sure you bring a few extra things with you. Here are some tips on what to pack for a day at Mohonk Mountain House.
- A backpack to carry around with you during the day.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen.
- For those who get the hiking day pass only, be sure to pack enough food to sustain you for the day, as you won’t have access to any of the dining facilities at the resort. This includes water.
- Camera to take photos of the amazing views!
- Band-aids for any blisters.
- Bug spray since you’ll be walking through forest and woods.
- Extra shirt and shoes for dining at any facilities that have a dress code (ask the resort directly if you have questions about this).
That’s A Wrap On My Mohonk Mountain House Day Pass Review
Now you’re all set to start planning your own trip with the Mohonk Mountain House day pass! If you’re looking for a true escape into nature that insanely scenic, but also offers some really fun amenities, this is really such a fun and wonderful experience. And with different packages to choose from, there’s something to fit all budgets.
