The drive from Show Low to Alpine, Arizona, was very scenic. We drove almost due east on Highway 60 to Springerville and Eager. From there, we headed south to the beautiful little town of Alpine, Arizona, where we stayed almost a week.

Alpine. at an elevation of 8,000 feet, is in the White Mountains and is situated in a large alpine meadow lined with tall pines and sprinkled with small lakes. There’s a small grocery store, post office, and a few other businesses. Elk herds feed in the vast meadow unharmed.

Alpine lies a few miles west of the Arizona/New Mexico border. Highways 180 and 191 split in the center of town. Highway 180 goes east and then south into New Mexico, and Highway 191 goes south in Arizona. These highways parallel each other and never meet again. Both eventually end up at the Mexican border.

Catwalk National Recreation Trail

We took Highway 180 into New Mexico as far as the little town of Glenwood, New Mexico. It is a very scenic drive, going from pine studded mountains to high desert to green valleys of cottonwood trees.

At Glenwood, we turned onto a side road (NM Hwy 184 or Catwalk Road) and drove 5 miles to Catwalk Recreation Area in the Gila National Forest. We forded a couple of streams that flowed over the road on our way there. At the end of the road is a large parking lot. A picnic area is situated under the shade of large sycamore trees near sparkling Whitewater Creek.

There is a trail that follows the creek up into Whitewater Canyon. When the canyon narrows, a metal catwalk attached to the canyon walls allows hikers to walk above the creek at tree level.

The Catwalk was originally a board walkway placed on top of a steel pipe that brought water to an ore processing plant. Apparently, a person needed to have the balance of a cat to walk on it. That’s how it got its name.

Later, in the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a wooden catwalk over the existing pipeline. It washed away during a flood in 2012. The present day catwalk was then built to replace the old one. It is now accessible for all ages and abilities. It is only .6 miles long. The trail continues beyond, but is closed due to danger of falling rocks.

The trail starts out easy. We walked in the shade of the trees and there was a cool breeze.

Before the path crosses the first bridge, it splits. A more difficult path stays to the left of the creek, while the easier path crosses the bridge on the right side.+

It got warmer as soon as we left the shade of the trees. We were going uphill at that point.

We thought we were getting closer to the catwalk when we reach some metal handrails, but we still had a ways to go.

Shortly after we were rewarded with our first glimpse of the catwalk.

We were above the treetops! At this point, the canyon was closing in on us. The walls were closer and towered above us.

We rounded a corner, and it was like we were in a cave. The rock wall curved over our heads.

Looking back, we could see the canyon walls and the creek below.

Each bend around the canyon walls showcased another beautiful sight.

Eventually we got to the bridge where we met up with the trail from the other side. There was a bench there and we rested awhile enjoying the beauty of the place.

At this point, the Catwalk crossed to the left side of the canyon and continued on. I walked across to where the other trail met up. Steep steps led down to the bridge. I was glad we chose the easier route.

We continued on the catwalk which was now on the opposite side of the canyon walls. Most of these photos are taken looking backward down the catwalk where we’ve already walked, so they look like we are still walking on the same side.

Sometimes we saw evidence of the past. Here is an metal anchor from a previous catwalk.

The canyon walls above us were so close, they almost touched. The rock in this part of the canyon is harder. Therefore, the canyon walls are narrower because they haven’t eroded as much as the walls near the picnic area where the rock is of a softer material.

The creek was always below us, rushing through the canyon.

Sometimes we could hear or see a small waterfall.

When we finally came to the end of the catwalk, we walked down to the creek below. We didn’t intend to go further, but the trail continued on. However, due to recent rock falls, the trail was closed.

The trail that continued on crossed the creek on stepping stones.

Trees and vegetation grew out of the canyon walls, making a beautiful contrast of colors.

Around one corner, there was a deep crevice.

By the time we got back to our truck, we were hot, tired and thirsty. This time we carried water with us and wore our hats. It was recommended to carry bug deterrent, but even though I was prepared, there were no bugs to bother us.

This is another example of a really beautiful spot in an out-of-the-way place. A hidden jewel waiting to be discovered.

“Lord, how many are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all;
The earth is full of Your possessions.” Psalm 104:24 NASB