Only in Your State | New Mexico |September 20, 2020 | by Juliet White
In the village of Glenwood, nestled in the Gila National Forest, lies a hiking trail unlike any other.
We’re talking about the Catwalk Trail in New Mexico.
This pathway takes hikers deep into Whitewater Canyon, following the path of Whitewater Creek.
It replicates the route taken by an old, steel pipeline, which was installed at the end of the 19th century to provide the water needed for mining operations in the area.
If you keep an eye out, you can still spot the bolts that were once used to attach the pipeline to the canyon walls!
Mining began in this area after silver and gold were found in the Mogollon Mountains. In 1893, John T. Graham constructed a mill here. The mines and a town were situated further upstream. Due to the terrain, the mill could not be built any closer.
To resolve the water supply issue, three miles of pipe linked the town – and its generator – to water.
The Catwalk National Scenic Trail was created in the 1930s and it follows the route of that first pipeline. During 1960s, metal grating replaced the old wooden pathway. Then, in 2003, a half-mile stretch of the walkway was updated to make it wheelchair accessible.
This day-use trail steers you along a walkway several feet above the canyon. At one point the route takes you over a low suspension bridge that bounces and sways.
Water gushes beneath you, providing a steady soundtrack as it flows around huge boulders. There’s even a small waterfall tumbling over the rocks to one side of the trail. On hot days, scramble down to take a refreshing dip in the river.
The Catwalk Trail is part of the Gila National Forest and you can find more information about it by visiting the Catwalk Recreation Area webpage.
It’s open year-round from dawn until dusk.
