My favorite New Mexico adventure! The Catwalk is such a unique hike tucked inside Gila National Forest. After a road trip across the desert and into the mountains, it’s been decided; I am a mountain person, not a desert person. This hike blew us away.
Location: Catwalk Road, Glenwood, NM
Hours: Daylight hours
Fees: $5 per vehicle (self pay station at the entrance)
Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Getting There
The Catwalk Recreation area is located just outside of Glenwood, NM. This tiny mountain town is cozy and unique. We stopped in at the gas station and convenience store on the way to the Catwalk trail. The gal at the store used to live in Minnesota, that was fun to hear!
Even the drive to the trail head is an adventure. One of the first encounters you’ll have with the Gila River is crossing it with your car. The river flows right over the road. You’ll have to drive through it to get to the other side.
While we were there, a major construction project was happening to the access road. I’m sure it’ll be awesome when it’s done. We had to wait a little bit, but that was no big deal. Well worth the 20 minute wait.
Trail Head
The pillars at the trail head are a grand entrance. Just beyond the pillars are picnic tables overlooking the river. A perfect place to complete your hike with a lunch. There is also a vault toilet set back a little ways from the river. There are no other opportunities to use the “facilities” along the trail, so take advantage of the primitive restrooms at the trail head.
The trail continues across the Gila river over a bridge. This is the first of many times that hikers will cross the river along this journey.
Dog Friendly
Hurray! A dog friendly adventure! Yes, this trail is dog friendly and most dogs in good hiking condition will do well on this trail. Be sure to follow Dog Etiquette on Trail and be respectful of other hikers.
Most of this hike’s terrain works great for dogs. The catwalk was friendly enough for a super senior dog to adventure in a stroller. An hiking couple had their dog out and about in a redesigns baby jogging stroller. I love seeing folks go the extra mile for their senior adventure dogs.
The Catwalk
High above the river, yet low enough to hear the roar of the water, the catwalk passes over several times. Look down through the holes of the catwalk, the river rushes on below. This is such a cool experience!
**Dog Warning** Dogs can cross the catwalk, but be aware the surface is textured. We didn’t realize this until we were heading out. There are small spikes on the platform. If your dog has tough feet, they should be okay. If not, I suggest protective footwear for your dog. Also, watch the grate hole size versus paw size.
Our Great Dane, Xena, had an okay time on this surface with only a couple of issues . Her feet are large enough to avoid slipping in a hole and her pads are tough from hiking. She did, however, get a toe wedged in a hole coming down the steps at a steep angle. Something to watch for with your pup.
Waterfalls
Waterfall, after waterfall, after waterfall. They just keep coming, it’s amazing. If you’re a waterfall nut, take this hike. The falls kick off right away along the trail and they seem to be cascading around every bend.
Don’t rush through this hike! Take the time to soak it all in. There is so much to see. The longer you observe the falls, the more you’ll find.
Terrain
Majority of the trail is well maintained with steps, gravel paths, catwalks and bridges. There are a few places to duck, so watch your head. The path is well traveled and very obvious, little risk of getting lost or taking a wrong turn.
Along the way there are numerous areas to stop and admire the falls and mountain environment.
Crossing the River
Depending on the water levels, there is an area that will require crossing the Gila River to continue on the trail. The mountain water is chilled from the snow melt. While the river is passable in this area, use extreme caution, hypothermia can set in quickly if one were to become submerged.
We didn’t drive 1,500 miles to be deterred by a little chill. Off came the boots and into the river we went. Scott and I carried the kids across while the dog happily waded over to the other side. Xena is such a trooper!
Closures
Be sure to follow signage along the trail. The terrain can be rough and the mountain unforgiving. We encountered a section of the catwalk that had collapsed and the trail beyond was closed. Pay attention to surroundings and heed the warning signs to avoid incidents.
There was an area that continued after crossing the river a second time. Following a quick scouting mission, it was determined that it would be too difficult for our senior adventure dog to continue on the alternate route. We turned back here, it was still a grand adventure!
