Gold Dust Trail #41
The 2.5-mile trail (one way) offers a quick access into Whitewater Canyon from Whitewater Mesa.
From the trailhead users will start heading northeast along the trail, maintaining a fairly even climbing grade for the first 0.5 mile, then maintaining an even grade as it contours across steep slopes and drops into Whitewater Canyon. The last 0.25-mile drops down though steep switchbacks to the bottom of the canyon. Equestrian users should be aware that there a few stretches where the trail is on solid rock and several of the switchbacks have a small turning radius; this may not be the most suitable trail for inexperienced horses or riders.
Trail users will be enjoy a pleasant hike/ride though grassland with scattered pinyon and juniper trees. The trail is fairly open with few good shade trees, so this is not the trail to pick in the heat of summer. With cooler temperatures you will enjoy great views of Whitewater Canyon and Whitewater Mesa.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Accessibility
This trail is not constructed to be accessible for people with disabilities.
General Information
Closest services:
The Trading Post Motel Store, 4.75-miles south on US Highway 180 in Glenwood, New Mexico has fuel and convenience store.
Connecting Trails:
Catwalk Trail #207
Whitewater Canyon Trail #207.1
At Catwalk Recreation Area, dawn to dusk
There is no fee for use of this trail. If accessed from Catwalk Recreation Area, a day use fee applies for each vehicle parked at the day use area.
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
Potable water is not available at this site.
This trail is designated for non-motorized uses.
All stock feed brought onto the Gila National Forest must be certified weed free.
Getting There
Trailhead/Starting Points
33.37601852, -108.84350586 at Gold Dust Trailhead
33.37298965, -108.8420639 at Catwalk Recreation Area
Parking
There is ample parking at Gold Dust Trailhead and Catwalk Recreation Area.
Directions
From Glenwood, travel 3.4 miles west on U.S. Highway 180 to New Mexico Highway 159 (Bursum Road). Turn right (east) and proceed 3.9 miles to the Gold Dust Trailhead at Windy Point.
Additional Information
Operated By
US Forest Service
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
Catwalk Trail #207 (at the southern terminus of Gold Dust Trail #41) is designated for day use only.
Backpacking Info
Backpacking and camping opportunities exist on Whitewater Trail #207.1 and other destinations east of the southern terminus of Gold Dust Trail #41.
Horseback Riding Info
Sections of trail with rock surface and tight switchback radii may not be suitable for inexperienced horses or riders.
All stock feed brought onto the Gila National Forest must be certified weed free.