Catwalk National Recreation #207 Trail

Area Status: Open

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 occurring to restore trail access toward Hummingbird Saddle.

 

Glenwood, NM; June 18, 2014—Gila National Forest personnel met June 12 with representatives from Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration to begin the process of reconstructing the Catwalk National Recreation Trail and parking facilities along Whitewater Creek. 

 

Funding for reconstruction was awarded through an Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads program in early May. “The first order of business will be completing a hydraulics and hydrology study in Whitewater Creek”, says District Ranger Debbie Cress. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began conducting these studies last week. Cress adds the next step will be to incorporate results of these studies into preliminary design of trails and bridges. Cress plans to host a public meeting in late summer to provide an opportunity for local residents to hear first-hand updates on planning efforts and to share ideas about design elements for the Catwalk.

 

Central Federal Lands is leading the project, including National Environmental Policy Act compliance, required permitting, and contracting for reconstruction work. They estimate an opportunity for potential contractors to bid on this project in late 2014, with work anticipated to begin in early 2015 and be completed by summer of 2015. “The public can expect closures of the picnic area and trail during critical phases of reconstruction next year”, Cress noted. She intends to provide opportunities for recreationists to observe work in progress when it is safe to do so.

 

Currently, the Catwalk remains open from the picnic area approximately 3/8 mile in along the historic trail to the CCC steps. Efforts to clear metal debris beyond the closure are underway and the Forest anticipates reopening Whitewater Creek to off-trail exploration at the end of this year’s monsoon season. Closure of the universally accessible trail and Whitewater Creek from the CCC steps to the junction of Gold Dust Trail #41 remains in effect.

 

Please contact the Glenwood Ranger District office for further information, 575.539.2481.

 

At a Glance

Operational Hours: Dawn to dusk
Usage: Heavy
Closest Towns: Glenwood, NM
Restroom: yes
Information Center: Glenwood Ranger District
Phone: (575) 539-2481

General Information

Directions:

The area is approximately 5 miles from Glenwood, NM, at the end of NM Hwy 174 (Catwalk Road).


General Notes:

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Recent trail work has restored trail access to a campsite along the Whitewater Creek Trail 2 miles west of the Gold Dust Trail. The South Fork Whitewater Trail has also been reopened in 2023. Additional trail work is planned to restore access to Hummingbird Saddle along the Whitewater Creek Trail.

Current Conditions: A closure remains in place beyond the swimming hole due to a dangerous rock overhanging the trail.
Status: Open
Difficulty Level: Easy

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
33.372555

  Longitude : 
-108.841735