Picnicking

Picnicking Areas

• Aldo Leopold Vista Picnic Area
• Catwalk Recreation Area

  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 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 Fire. The bridge system 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. After the bridge system, the trail system has been cleared for another .5 - .75 miles. It goes across a low-water crossing, across the fiberglass bridge and through the arch. Once you go up the stairs to a small viewing area the trail can become steep. Past the "swimming hole" the trail becomes unnavigable. A series of trail reconstruction projects are scheduled to occur in summer and fall 2023 to restore trail access toward Hummingbird Saddle.

  View Catwalk Recreation Area photos on Flickr

   

• Whitewater Picnic Area
• Armijo Springs Campground
• El Caso I-IV Campground
• Arrastra Interpretive Site
• Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area

  Located just outside Silver City, the Little Walnut-Gomez Peak picnic grounds provide a pleasant day use area for small or large groups and individuals/families. The area is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset during spring, summer and fall; winter hours vary according to weather conditions.

  The Silver City Ranger District offers three reservable large group picnic areas within the Gomez Peak – Little Walnut day use area, as well as individual picnic sites. All areas have vault toilets, picnic grills, and tables. In addition, the largest area also offers added amenities of a covered shelter, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

  Please NOTE: Water is not available at the group or family picnic areas at Little Walnut.

  View a detailed Recreation Opportunity Guide

  View a Little Walnut Trail System Map

  For information on the picnic areas, see: Little Walnut (East, West, Individual/Family) or Gomez Peak Large Group Area.

• Little Walnut East Group Area
• Little Walnut West Group Area
• Mogollon Box Day Use Area
• Wright's Cabin Picnic Area
• Lake Roberts Picnic Area
• Ruins Vista Picnic Area