Site Open

Catwalk Recreation Area

Catwalk Recreation Area is a busy day use fee site with picnic tables, restrooms, and trail access on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail. Fishing available in Whitewater Creek.

Current Conditions

High stream flows are common at the last low water crossing before the Catwalk parking lot. Use caution if you decide to cross and remember that flows may increase from snowmelt in the afternoon, or under the influence of monsoon rains.

Reservations

General Information

Catwalk Recreation Area is located at the mouth of Whitewater Canyon. The Catwalk's history began with the discovery of gold and silver in the rugged Mogollon Mountains above Whitewater Canyon.

In 1893, the small town of Graham (also known as Whitewater) grew around a mill, located on the west hillside near the present day location of the parking area. The water needs to serve the town of 200 were met by construction of water lines drilled and bolted to the solid rock walls through Whitewater Canyon. The modern-day catwalk follows the route of these water lines. The mill only lasted about 10 years and all that remains are concrete foundations clinging to the west side of the canyon near the parking lot.

In 1935 - 1936 the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the Catwalk as a recreation attraction for the Gila National Forest. The original CCC-built Catwalk served until 1961, when it was replaced with metal structure. The 1060's era Catwalk bridge system washed away during a huge flooding event in 2013 after the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire. The bridge system was again rebuilt and provides access approximately .5 miles up the canyon from the parking lot. This is a very accessible trail and easily hiked by all ages/abilities.

Beyond the bridge system, the the Whitewater Trail #207 has been cleared for approximately 5 miles. The trail was destroyed during the 2013 flood, resulting in numerous washouts and missing sections of trail. The forest is working to restore access to many of the western Gila Wilderness trails following damage by the Whitewater Baldy fire and post-fire flood.

Year-round

Dawn to dusk

Pass required. Use self-service fee envelope. The New Mexico Enchantment Pass and America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes honored are: the Annual Pass, the Military Pass, the 4th Grade Pass, the Access Pass, the Senior Pass and the Volunteer Pass. Make sure to display your Interagency Pass on your mirror or your dashboard.

Day use only

There is a daily $5 per vehicle fee

Dogs must be on a leash at all times in all developed recreation sites. Please pack out your dog's solid waste.
No drinking water available. Hydrate well and bring extra water and sunscreen.
Recommend wearing closed-toe shoes.
Watch out for rattlesnakes and other wildlife.
If the trash receptacles are full, pack out your trash.

Address: Hwy 180 S, 18 Ranger Station Rd., P.O. Box 8 Glenwood, NM 88309
Phone: (575) 539-2481
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Elevation

5,100 feet

Directions

From U.S. Highway 180 in Glenwood, NM, turn east on New Mexico Highway 174, following signs for Whitewater Picnic area and Catwalk National Recreation Trail. Follow Highway 174 to its end at the Catwalk recreation area parking lot/fee area.

Travel Considerations

Any of several low water crossings along New Mexico Highway 174 (the Catwalk access road) may be flooded and impassable during periods of high stream flows.