The One Walk Above The Trees In New Mexico That's Beautiful Any Time Of Year
By Monica Spencer|Published January 15, 2020
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
Want to experience the New Mexican landscape from a different point of view? Witnessing it from above is an incredible and unique perspective but also sometimes difficult to experience.
One way to get around this? Embark on the Catwalk National Recreation Trail, located in the recreation area by the same name.
According to the New Mexico tourism department, pipelines ran through the canyon to a generator for a mill built in 1893. That mill, located near the present-day parking area, lasted just under 10 years. The catwalk follows the original line route and, if you're observant enough, you'll spot the original 18" pipes and bracings along the trail.
In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the catwalk into a humble recreational trail so that visitors could explore the area from a different perspective.
DesertUSA states that it was reconstructed again in 1961 with steel walkways, then a portion of the trail was destroyed during a flood and wildfire in 2012. It has been rebuilt since.
Today, everyone in the family can trek through the first portion of the trail, which feels more like an easy stroll as you meander through the canyon.
More rigorous portions continue deeper into the canyon, but you will want to consult with a member of the Forest Service before embarking on these more strenuous portions.
The Catwalk National Recreation Trail is located in western New Mexico's Gila National Forest, about 65 miles northwest of Silver City.
The trail is open year-round and the parking fee is $3 per vehicle. You can find additional information by visiting the National Forest Service website or AllTrails.
