Whitewater Picnic Area
This is a shaded picnic area located adjacent to Whitewater Creek and there are 18 picnic tables and grills available for public use. There are several "bear-proof" trash cans for trash disposal. Do not place trash on the outside of the cans since this will attract wildlife. If the trash receptacles are full pack out your trash.
Reservations
All sites first come, first served.
General Information
Open year-round
Dawn to dusk.
Visitors may use their New Mexico Enchantment Pass in lieu of fee, or an America the Beautiful Senior or Access Pass for a 50% fee discount. Check out our Passes page for more information.
Permits are required for commercial or organized uses.
- Check for seasonal fire restrictions before using barbeque grills.
- Fires are only allowed in the free-standing barbecue grills.
- No campfires allowed and do not create fire pits.
- No fireworks are ever allowed on public lands.
- Bear-proof trash receptacles are available. If they are full, pack out your garbage.
- Park only in the parking lot on solid surfaces.
$5.00 fee per vehicle per day
Pets must be leashed in the picnic area and trailhead
Please contact the Gila National Forest Supervisors Office at 575-388-8201 for information about outfitters and guides who are authorized to operate on the forest.
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
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 33.37288284
Longitude: -108.84177399
Elevation
5,150 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
There are several low water crossings along New Mexico Highway 174, which provides access to the Catwalk Recreation Area, which may not be passable for some vehicles during periods of high stream flows. Always use caution when crossing flowing water - if in doubt, turn around, don't drown.
Parking
Ample parking in the day use parking area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
18 picnic tables
Recreation Opportunities
Hiking Info
Catwalk Trailhead is adjacent to the picnic area. Catwalk Trail #207 provides a wheelchair-accessible trail opportunity along and above Whitewater Creek.
Viewing Scenery Info
The site is located along Whitewater Creek at the mouth of the creek's narrow slot canyon.
Viewing Wildlife Info
The site offers excellent birding opportunities.