May 17, 2010-- Halfway between Cliff and Reserve, NM off the less-traveled NM180 lies a canyon treasure that I just had to experience for myself. Built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the Catwalk National Recreation Trail is a hanging walkway following the path of an old pipeline that brought water down the Whitewater Canyon to the former mining town of Graham.
Today, the Catwalk Trail and the Whitewater Picnic Area has become a secret destination in the on the outskirts of the Gila National Forest. Taking my little family on the adventure, we drove the two hour drive from Datil Wells Campground to the Whitewater Picnic Area and enjoyed the shade and cleanliness of a half empty picnic area.
After sandwiches we began our hike by chasing lizards and marveling at the pretty mountain flowers in bloom.
We took the "easy" loop which was a gradual 10% grade up the canyon. Supposedly, both Geronimo and Butch Cassidy used the canyon for a hideout in there time.
It's hard to imagine you're in the arid and dry New Mexico that you've acclimatized yourself to as you ascend up the canyon and hear the roar of the water below you.
The shade of the canyon walls were welcoming as they blocked the sun and made for a cool hike.
In places you could see physical reminders of previous attempts to secure pipelines through the canyon.
The water levels were high when we visited the Catwalks an although we brought our swimsuits, with such strong currents it would only be wadding in a private pool today.
The Whitewater Picnic Area and Catwalk National Recreation Trail was an awesome experience, made all the more enjoyable because of its remoteness, oasis charm, uniqueness and beauty.
