Visit the Catwalk in Southern New Mexico

Hello everyone! I know it’s been a long time, but a series of unfortunate events have kept me from writing these last several months….specifically the fact that my computer crashed in August. (The whole “I had a baby” thing didn’t help either!) However, I have recently joined the 21st century by getting a smartphone, so here we are!!

Today’s post is about a lesser known place in Southern New Mexico called “The Catwalk” (near an equally lesser known town called Glenwood.) The Catwalk is about an hour and a half away from Silver City and makes a good destination for those wanting to make a day trip.

The Catwalk is a steel walkway that winds through a box canyon alongside Whitewater Creek in the Gila National Forest. Unfortunately, the majority of pictures and information regarding this attraction are no longer accurate due to the Whitewater-Baldy fire of 2012. The whole walkway was washed away and has only recently been rebuilt and reopened to the public. What once was a mile walkway is now only half a mile, and the waterfalls that the canyon was known for are either gone or not the same.

I’ve seen the canyon before and after the flood and I have to say that it was not as impressive without the waterfalls and suspension bridge. Despite that, I would recommend it to those visiting the area. It’s still a unique and historic place, and if you add the Ghost Town of Mogollon to your itinerary it’s definitely a nice way to spend a day!

Directions: From Silver City, Head west on US-180 W. Follow 180 for roughly 60 miles, then take a right on NM 174 (if you hit the turnoff for Mogollon or Alma you have gone too far). Follow 174 for a mile and then turn right onto Cat Walk Rd (NM 174) for about another 4 miles. The parking area is at the end of this road. Directions were well marked at the time of writing this.

Restrooms: Yes

Distance of trail: 0.5 miles from the parking lot

Difficulty: Easy

Pets OK? Yes, dogs on leash

Crowds: Medium to heavy depending on the day of the week and season

Fees/Permits: $3 fee for parking (subject to change)

Tips:

• Make sure and bring food and drink. There is not a whole heck of a lot between Silver City and Glenwood, and sometimes the couple of places in Glenwood aren’t open. The closest restaurants are at the gas station in Alma (which is a little further up 180) and Mogollon (which is open 9-5 on weekends only)
• Call ahead to the Glenwood Ranger District before coming to make sure the road is open, as it’s subject to flash floods (575)539-2481
• With flash floods in mind, keep an eye on the weather before heading out. Monsoon season is typically July – August
• Bring shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet! There are many opportunities in the picnic area and along the trail to play in the water!
• I strongly suggest for you to make this stop a part of a day trip that includes the Ghost Town of Mogollon. It is not much further down the highway 180 and you might as well see it while you are in the area!

You will come to this bridge not long past the picnic area

Beautiful views along the hike

Representing Texas!

First section of the Catwalk

The trail was pleasantly non-crowded considering it was summertime!

For those of you interested in history and interesting facts the Catwalk has these plaques throughout the trail

Just past this area in the above picture is the end of the trail as of my visit. You can go down into the river from here and enjoy the water!

Hey Hope this has inspired y’all to spend a day visiting the Catwalk if in the area!

Leave me a comment and let me know what y’all think! Have you been here before?? I wanna know!!

Until next time!