Catwalk Recreation Area

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

  Rhonda Cameron
a month ago
Walking the Catwalk Trail in New Mexico was a serene journey into nature's tranquility. The narrow canyon, filled with the soothing sound of Whitewater Creek, provided a peaceful backdrop for our adventure. Each step brought a deeper sense of calm. For anyone seeking a peaceful getaway amidst beautiful scenery, the Catwalk Trail is a must-visit destination.

  Nicole Morgan
a month ago
This spot is very hyped up; very popular. I'd been looking forward to it for years. It's very beautiful and exciting to walk the catwalk, but more crowded than I generally prefer. I wish I'd gone further on the trail, past the 1 mile of touristy areas but admittedly had poorly behaved dogs who had other plans. I'm grateful the trail is leash dog friendly, however it's very narrow. So if you need room to pass other dogs without being in touching distance, don't bother. Otherwise it's a nice, gentle, easy hike and fun to walk along the catwalk.

  addie gresiak
4 months ago
beautiful, easy, and very fun!! this walk in the fall is gorgeous, and me and my family enjoyed it so much. go past the sign and metal bridge, and take that first. it s basically a loop, so you ll get back by walking on the other path. we only saw maybe four other small groups walking. i definitely recommend going during fall!!Dog-friendliness: very dog friendly!! keep them in a leash sometimes tho

  Kendall Hill
a week ago
This was such a cool place to explore, although it was disappointing that the trail had washed out not very far down the trail. It didn't take us very long to explore the area but still had a great time.Restrooms: Vault type restrooms near the trailheadPicnic area: Plenty of picnic tables along the river near the parking lot.

  Justin Morgan
a month ago
This place is great. Stroller friendly for a good portion of it. Fairly easy hiking otherwise. Cabins nearby are awesome.

  Amanda Gresiak
4 months ago
Oh my goodness the beauty! This was surprisingly wonderful. Even my 12 and 14 year old loved it, and my husband was crawling on boulders like a kid. Fall hadn't yet finished on the hike so the trees were just beautiful! We found leaves the size of our heads! Definitely recommend. Wear your hiking shoes because it's not just an easy stroll.Dog-friendliness: Yes

  Squat Puke
3 months ago
Pretty cool stuff... Turned around after about 1.5 miles and 3 creek crossings...slippery snow exposed trail and being solo kept me smart...made it just beyond the ash flow signWould have like to explored farther.... Hopefully next time

  Amy
5 months ago
If you are afraid of heights like my boyfriend it was very hard for him to make it to the first platform. Me on the other hand not afraid of heights had a hard time walking on the metal grates. Overall it is very beautiful and definitely worth the he trip!

  Gregg Knowlton
3 months ago
This place is amazing! It has a metal catwalk which is anchored to rock walls & is positioned over a river so as you walk the length of it you are looking down at the water rushing below. Depending on the time of year you would go to check the place out determines how much water is in the gorge. It would be advisable to have a 4x4 because the roadway leading to the catwalk takes you driving thru the river & it is advisable to use caution when driving thru the water. Depending on the water flow you have to use good judgement so as not to get washed away. The 1st crossing is shallow & wide & further down the road there s another crossing which is deeper just before entering the parking lot which begins the hiking part that takes you to the actual Catwalk & that is when the real adventure begins. The Spring runoff can be very breathtaking & loud from the rushing water below that actual Catwalk. Pack food & drink as there isn t anything that s available once you turn off the highway leading to the area.From where I live (in TorC) it s an all day adventure leaving at 7am & driving the switchback mountain road & depending on your driving & stops along the way you can expect to return home at around 7pm. As I recall the average trip is around 180 miles which takes you thru Silver City & depends on your adventurous nature as there are things to do & see just getting to the Catwalk. There has been a couple times I ve travelled there & wasn t able to cross the roadways due to the water being to fast just be warned it could happened if the Spring runoff is to great. I ve always just took a gamble & drove there & twice wasn t able to get thru but there are other things along the way you can go back & explore. They do charge a $3 per vehicle parking fee that they started collecting as of 2021.Enjoyed your adventure!

  Lyndee D.
5 months ago
The catwalk refers to the original plank board walkway placed atop the steel pipes that used to bring water to the ore processing plant from 1889 to 1942. After the mine closed in the 1940's, the CCC rebuilt the catwalk. Today you can hike 20' above the stream bed on the now steel supported walkway. It cost $3 to park. The walkway is very accessible. It's a beautiful walk.

  IRAM
3 months ago
I definitely recommend coming here! It seems like a hidden gem.The views are amazing, and the rushing water sound from the stream makes it feel like you're next to a waterfall.Coming into the park, there is a bit of water from the stream, but if it's not too high, you can drive right through it. There is a gate they close if the water is too high to drive thru. There are signs that there are frequent flooding in the area. It costs $3 for your car group. Just fill in the pay sheet and deposit the money in the box. Remember to keep a copy of proof of payment at your car.The restrooms ( outhouse)have no running water, so pack hand sanitizer or soap and water. It's a little confusing coming in. After you sign in at the entrance of the trail, you can either go left or right at the bridge ( I recommend going right. There are some signs that say closed/do not enter or something like that at the bridge, but you can enter. I think it means you can't scale the hill at the bridge because they have it fenced off. As you keep walking, you will walk on a metal suspended bridge and get to a part that takes you downstairs. You can walk thru the stream on the rocks, and the trail keeps going. It takes you about a 1/4 mile farther until you hit another part of the stream that doesn't seem to be easier to walk thru. I'm guessing that is the end.To the right, if you look up, you will see that there was a trail and hand rails that are broken. I guess the trail used to take you up further, but it's damaged. Just come back, and once you get to the metal bridge, go the opposite direction, and it will take you back in a loop to the entrance.Restrooms: Outhouse style. No running waterPicnic area: Plenty of picnic tables and some grills

  Jacque Ireland
3 months ago
This is such a cool find!! Great place to stretch your legs on the way though. Easy little hike along the river. Nice picnic area along the river to have lunch. Our kids liked playing in the river.

  Dena Wampler
9 months ago
This was such a wonderful place! Unlike anyplace I've ever been. The river/creek is beautiful, feels great to dip your toes in the cold water. Easy trail with spectacular views. Bring some small bills with you because it's $3 for a day pass and we didn't have it. We met a lovely family who paid for our pass in a true welcoming New Mexico fashion. Great place!

  Sandra Limon
5 months ago
I love this hike. I have done it a few times in summer and fall. Great for kids of all ages and abilities. Water is always refreshing. So clean and well kept.Restrooms: Always clean and stocked with toilet paper.Picnic area: Lots of tables well spaced, nice location next to the water.

  That Girl
7 months ago
What a little hidden gem. It s totally off the beaten path but worth the drive. It is a fee parking area cost of $3 but if you have a Natl Park pass your covered, you just have to leave it displayed on your car dashboard. It s abt a 90min drive from Silver City NM.Hiked into area following the river and very scenic with well groomed trail. If you head over the 1st bridge then left when you get off the bridge that will take you up the canyon to the Catwalks, eta 15min. There are abt 1/3 of a mile of catwalks with great views around every corner. And below you is the river. I saw lots of people fishing and catching good size trout. So fun exploring in the canyon. I spent 2hrs but could have easily spent the whole day in there if I had the time.

  Arthur Ibarra
9 months ago
This place is adventurous and beautiful! Fun for the family entire family who wants to have a picnic or BBQ, then explore the rest of the day with a hike following a stream up a canyon. Plus, the kids can get wet along the way!

  Phillip Gem
3 months ago
Absolutely the best money ever spent to make a trail with structural steel. Amazing and excellent job to those that where involved!!!

  Kris Nielsen
6 days ago
One of the most amazing places to visit. The views and experience are unparalleled. We took the kids this time and they couldn't do the catwalk, though (they were scared). Still a nice walk and a nice time in this beautiful area.Picnic area: Nice picnicking right by the river.

  Mark Moore
6 months ago
Beautiful park with great views. Trail is not to difficult but does have some unstable rocks and water crossings.

  Kathy Root
a year ago
There was water across the road in 2 places but not too deep to cross to get to the Catwalk Area. We were only able to do part of the Catwalk because of really fast water running over part of the trail. What we did experience was amazing and beautiful! The area is well maintained, there are restrooms and a picnic area too. Highly recommend!

  Miranda Philippi
3 months ago
Great out and back trail! So cool to walk on the catwalk, a great option any time of year!

  David Lobree
a year ago
All I can say is Wow ! What fun hiking up this narrow canyon on the catwalks above the creek! We hiked this approximately 1-1/2 mile out-and-back trail in May 2022 on a pretty warm spring afternoon taking about 1 hour. This is a really fun hike! There are a few short hills and stairs, so be prepared. The trail and catwalks are in very good condition and not rugged at all. It is pretty amazing how the catwalks have been installed here quite and engineering and construction feat!The there was no problem finding a parking spot, as the large parking lot was not very crowded. There a is clean, well maintained vault toilet restrooms at the parking lot trailhead.The there was no problem finding a parking spot, as it was not very crowded. There a is clean, well maintained vault toilet restrooms at the parking lot trailhead.We used our lifetime senior pass to cover the required Forest Service recreation area fee.Highly recommended.

  Lauren Whitehurst
6 months ago
This place is such an experience! I recommend stopping with the family. Fun for all ages. It does get pretty busy but definitely worth the trip.

  Jana West
3 months ago
Beautiful evening walk and views. Not crowded and truly in nature.

  Susan Ski
10 months ago
This was an easy walk that is also wheelchair accessible up to the end of the catwalk. There is one incline going and coming that might be a little tough on a wheelchair but well worth it. The hike does continue beyond the catwalk but becomes a moderate level uphill hike. The catwalk itself was flat and this was the MOST UNIQUE BEAUTIFUL HIKE we've taken in quite awhile. It's A MUST SEE!Restrooms: There's restrooms at the parking lot but not along the way.Picnic area: At the parking lot there is picnicing.

  Shirlene Reilly
8 months ago
Absolutely my favorite place to go when I come to my second home in Luna, NM. I have already been twice and going again this week!!! My grandkids love it. Now, I've got all of my family, extended family and friends planning their trips. I have sometimes driven all the way from Marana, Az just to go to the Catwalk for fun!! I usually pay more for the fee as a donation because I feel that every little bit helps for the upkeep on this beautiful area. Thank you New Mexico!!!!Playground: Awesome and fun for kids and grownups!Restrooms: So nice and clean and accessable!Dog-friendliness: I didn't have my dog but many people did. I loved that the dogs got to go!!Picnic area: Awesome, clean, lots of picnic tables to accommodate! Great!!

  maro10ssrs
9 months ago
Been here 2 times. Enjoy the short walk to get to the actual catwalk. Great place to relax enjoy some flowing water, a few trails and the fresh air. Highly recommend this place for a relaxing day trip.

  Southeast Arizona RV Rentals
9 months ago
Excellent place to take in the beauty of south western New Mexico. Trails are Moderate hiking along the catwalk itself. They get more challenging at the end of the catealk but lead to small water falls and pools where hikers can dunk themselves in the falls and cool off. Recommend a good pair of river shoes or old pair of tennis shoes you can get wet. The trails and cat walk ARE NOT Wheelchair Accessible. There are nice areas at the begging of the walk for Picnicking. There are huge trees that provide plenty of coolShade. The complete round trip is approximately 2.5 miles. Paved parking, restrooms.Restrooms: Basic forest service restroomsDog-friendliness: Ok on a leashPicnic area: Cement tables amongst large shade trees

  Suzanne Brazzell
5 months ago
Great late morning hike. The last quarter of the trail was closed off.

  Mary Sandoval
5 months ago
The walking( hiking) trail is so easy ,I did it! And the views are amazing