Catwalk National Recreational Trail

Take a Day Trip to Glenwood, New Mexico

For a scenic drive and beautiful place for an exhilarating hike, check out the Catwalk National Recreational Trail in Glenwood, New Mexico.  From Silver City, take highway 180 west and north for a one hour drive to just north of Glenwood. Turn right off of highway 180 and follow the signs to the Catwalk.  A water pipeline along Whitewater Canyon was built in 1893 to provide water for a mill and the town.  It ran up the very narrow stretches of the canyon, sometimes as much as 20 feet above the canyon floor, and was considered to be an engineering feet in its time.  The pipeline was in constant maintenance and workmen who walked the line to repair the damage dubbed it the “Catwalk”.  In the 1930s the CCC built a trail consisting of a hanging walkway following the path of the old pipeline.  The trail was rebuilt in 1961, and in 1978 it was designated a National Recreation Trail. 

WARNING Due to flooding and heavy rainfall, the Catwalk Recreational Area could be closed, as well as most of or all of Trail #207. Check the Forest Service website for status updates. Rainfall also frequently washes the road to the Catwalk so be prepared for rougher road conditions. Never go into the Catwalk prior to a monsoon or right after a heavy rainstorm.

Stop by Bill Evans Lake on the Way

One may stop to enjoy Bill Evans Lake either going to or coming from the Catwalk. It is located just off of highway 180 about 29 miles northwest of Silver City. It is a 62-acre fishing lake that is stocked with rainbow trout and often yields record small mouth bass catches. You may fish, picnic, and bring your self-propelled boats or boats equipped with electric motor to Bill Evans. The lake has a restroom and a boat ramp. A wonderful view is offered along with the chance to spot wildlife and some of the many varied species of birds in the area.