Photos by: Leasa Medina
Are you up for another great weekend trip? The charm of Southern New Mexico is so different from Northern New Mexico. Part of the beauty of this state is that every region has something new to offer. An amazing new aspect of Southern New Mexico I recently discovered was the Gila National Forest Catwalk.
The Catwalk Recreation area is as unique as its name and definitely not a sight to miss if you are visiting the area, or if you’re a New Mexico native like me.
Named for its plank-board walkway, with a steel pipe foundation that was originally used to bring water to a local ore processing plant, this area also holds a lot of history. You can even see the ruins of the long-forgotten processing plant from the parking area. As you walk along the newest structure, you can still see bolts and remains from the previous system. The winding slots caused me to wonder how this was ever created and caused me to feel as if I was not in New Mexico.
Not only is there a lot of interesting man-made history at the Catwalk, but you can also get a glimpse into geological and topical history of the area. It can feel a bit like walking back in time with every step. You can almost picture dinosaurs or some other long-lost creatures roaming the area as you walk along the safe perch of the catwalk.
Take a break from the one-mile trail at a spot along the Whitewater Creek. Any sighting of running water in New Mexico is a treat, so take a minute to enjoy its serenity and keep an eye out for wildlife.
The trail is so beautiful and easy enough for just about all ages. There is no difficult climbing or steep hills to worry about. If you are up for a challenge, you’ll have to venture off beyond the developed trail into the deeper Gila Wilderness. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into though before heading off the path.
Historical Area
The site of the Catwalk holds the history of an old mining town, called both Graham and Whitewater, and was built in 1893. It’s even said that Billy the Kid’s grandfather, William Antrim, was a blacksmith there. Graham/Whitewater was as short-lived area, only lasting about 10 years, but you can still see pieces of the mill walls near the canyons. Nature has taken this area back for itself and seeing where the natural landscape meets the industrial ruins can be a bit eerie.
So whether you’re looking for a great spot to take a day-trip for a fun scenic hike, or you’re a history buff like me who wants to learn more about this ghost town, the Catwalk is a surprisingly rewarding trip. Definitely add it to your New Mexico bucket list!
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