It was probably at least 30 years ago that I first visited the Catwalk in southwestern New Mexico. I can’t remember how I learned about it but I do remember that I really wanted to see it.
In my memory,1 the Catwalk then was a flimsy contraption; multiple segments of metal strung together along the sides of Whitewater Canyon. I doubt it was made of aluminum but that’s how it felt. It wasn’t scary at all — it was a bit like being in a funhouse on the midway.
I wanted to go back to visit but every time I was in the area, the Catwalk had washed out and was under (re)construction. It’s such a narrow little canyon in places that it’s not difficult to imagine the damage a violent monsoon-season thunderstorm might do as the water sweeps through.2
I was finally able to visit the new-and-improved Catwalk near the end of 2018, and again near the end of 2021. As best I can tell, the last time the Catwalk washed out was in 2012 or 2013;3 apparently it was rebuilt in 2015 and 2016. The new version of the Catwalk seems substantially more stable than the Catwalk of my memories, yet Whitewater Canyon remains extremely narrow. I wonder how long this particular iteration will last.
After a half-mile or so, the canyon finally opens up a bit. It’s at about that point that you get to walk/hop/skip through Whitewater Creek to the other side. You can see the sheer canyon walls (above) reflected in the water (below).
Was the Catwalk perhaps more enjoyable in my youth?
Absolutely not. It’s every bit as much fun now as it was 30+ years ago. I can’t wait to go back.
My memory of that visit is sketchy at best. It might even be straight-up inaccurate.
What’s hard to imagine is why the Forest Service continues to rebuild it. It seems to be a Sisyphean endeavor.
That washout was due to the Whitewater-Baldy wildfire, which was followed by a hundred-year flood. The two events were almost certainly related.
What a beautiful surreal spot!I can guess where the name "Catwalk" comes from :D
Stunning pics, Lisa!! Would you show me some love by checking out my article: https://coffeetimes12.substack.com/p/your-soul-can-lead-you-to-happiness
You find the most amazing places! Introducing all your subscribers to the beauty of New Mexico! So grateful to you for the adventures you share with us.