The Gila's backpacking trails will lead you from the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert to the brink of alpine tundra through some of the most spectacular scenery. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is one of the most well known routes. Backpackers should leave information at home with family or friends: where they enter the forest, when they will be coming out, make, model, color and license plate number of their vehicle, names and phone numbers of all members of the hiking party.
The Gila's backpacking trails will lead you from the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert to the brink of alpine tundra through some of the most spectacular scenery. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is one of the most well known routes. Backpackers should leave information at home with family or friends: where they enter the forest, when they will be coming out, make, model, color and license plate number of their vehicle, names and phone numbers of all members of the hiking party.
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 of parking area. The mill only lasted about 10 years. In the mid-1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the Catwalk. The Catwalk bridge system washed away during a huge flooding event after the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Complex Fire. It was rebuilt and is now open for approximately .5 miles from the parking lot. This is a very accessible area and easily hiked by all ages.
Quemado Lake is located 16 miles south of Quemado, NM. From Quemado, take NM 32 south 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. At sign turn left onto NM 103 and go 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1 mile.
The Gila's backpacking trails will lead you from the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert to the brink of alpine tundra through some of the most spectacular scenery. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is one of the most well known routes. Backpackers should leave information at home with family or friends: where they enter the forest, when they will be coming out, make, model, color and license plate number of their vehicle, names and phone numbers of all members of the hiking party.
