Catwalk Recreation Area

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 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 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.

Title:	Catwalk - entrance
Caption:	Entrance to Catwalk Recreation Area
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Source:	US Forest Service

Title:	Catwalk - entrance
Caption:	Entrance to Catwalk Recreation Area
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Source:	US Forest Service

Title:	Catwalk Bridge 2
Caption:	Catwalk Bridge
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Credit:	Forest Service
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Title:	Catwalk Bridge 2
Caption:	Catwalk Bridge
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Credit:	Forest Service
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Title:	Picnic Table at Catwalk
Caption:	Picnic table at Catwalk
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Credit:	Forest Service
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At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Dawn to dusk. This is a day-use area only.
Reservations:	None needed
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site,Accessible,Picnic tables,Toilets,Parking
Fees:	There is a per vehicle fee. The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes honored are: the Annual Pass, the Military Pass, the 4th Grade Pass, the Access Pass, the Senior Pass and the Volunteer Pass. Make sure to display your Interagency Pass on your mirror or your dashboard.
Permit Info:	None needed.
Open Season:	year-round
Usage:	Medium-Heavy
Best Season:	Spring and Fall
Restrictions:	Dogs must be on a leash at all times in all developed recreation sites. Please pack out your dog's solid waste. No water. Hydrate well and bring extra water and sunscreen. Recommend wearing closed toe shoes. Watch out for rattlesnakes and other wildlife. If the trash receptacles are full, pack out your trash.
Closest Towns:	Glenwood, NM
Restroom:	Vault Toilets
Passes:	The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Passes honored are: the Annual Pass, the Military Pass, the 4th Grade Pass, the Access Pass, the Senior Pass and the Volunteer Pass. Make sure to display your Interagency Pass from your mirror.
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).

Parking:

The parking area is paved and marked.

Activities

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

The Catwalk National Recreation Trail comprises the first .5 miles of trail #207. This should take between 1 and 1.5 hours for a round trip. The first 0.5 miles is universal design trail with ADA accessibility. If you chose the loop back on the side of the trail that is part of the original CCC built system, it is not ADA accessible.

Status:	Open
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

The Catwalk National Recreation Trail #207 becomes a forest trail that leads into the Gila Wilderness. The area beginning at the .5 milepost on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail (#207), Whitewater Creek Trail (#207.1) and Whitewater Creek beyond the fiberglass bridge, south and north of the Whitewater Canyon Rim are an "enter at your own risk" area. The area heading along Whitewater Creek east on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail (#207), and Whitewater Creek Trail (#207.1) to the intersection of the Gold Dust Trail (#41) and Whitewater Creek Trail (#207.1) can be hazardous to public safety.