Carved sharply between towering cliffs, the Catwalk National Recreation Trail tests and rewards in equal measure. Located near Glenwood, New Mexico, this 1.5-mile route threads through an abandoned mining corridor above Whitewater Creek, where steel walkways cling to rock faces and narrow passageways dare even the steadiest foot. The trail’s elevation gain hovers around 400 feet, a manageable challenge that demands focus as the canyon pushes its rugged personality forward.

From the trailhead just outside Glenwood, the first steps lead into a forested embrace. Ponderosa pines stand tall, their needles scattering whispers overhead. The creek below hustles energetically, a watery companion hard to ignore. As you move deeper, the catwalks—metal bridges bolted to canyon walls—rise like narrow ribbons, inviting you to trust their strength above the rushing currents.

Terrain shifts swiftly: uneven rocky sections, twisted roots, and slick metal platforms require solid footwear and a measured pace. The canyon’s walls, etched with the ancient flows of water and wind, close in, focusing your attention forward and down. Wildlife occasionally peers out—gray jays call sharply from hidden branches, while mule deer may watch silently from shadowed ledges.

Practicality shapes the hike; carry at least two liters of water, especially on warm days when the canyon heat bakes the rocks. Early morning or late afternoon visits minimize heat exposure and bring softer light for photography. Avoid the trail during heavy rain or snow—water levels can swell rapidly, turning the creek from a playful companion into a fierce obstacle.

The trail culminates at a nerve-testing suspension bridge, swaying gently in the canyon breath. Beyond, the path curves back to its start with a series of switchbacks that offer expansive views of the surrounding Gila Wilderness. These final moments frame the canyon not as a conquered zone but as an environment fiercely itself, demanding respect for its shifting moods.

Whether you’re a casual hiker looking to engage with one of New Mexico’s more accessible canyon treks or an adventurer aiming for a technically interesting jaunt, the Catwalk Trail delivers. Prepare well, move deliberately, and let the canyon’s voice guide your steps along the steel ribbons above Whitewater Creek.