Greetings from New Mexico.
That's right. It's my first official adventure on the Cactus Atlas.
Here in New Mexico and I decided to kick things off with a trip through Catwalk Recreation Area.
This place looks really special and I can't wait to dig right in. Let's go do it.
Here's some information to take a look at here.
Oh interesting. Looks like they might have trout fishing back here.
They do have a fee. Three dollars.
I actually have a national parks pass which I believe is accepted here
and I left it on my dash. An America the Beautiful Pass.
This back here is phenomenal.
All these picnic tables... this would be great for a picnic lunch.
There's a stream over there. Very idyllic.
Beautiful shade. Nice and cool.
It's got it all so far.
From what I've seen from other YouTubers and bloggers that have written or filmed in this area...
Clearly some rich mining history which I always really like
but what we're really here for is some natural beauty today and a short hike
through something amazing.
[Amy] Located in Whitewater Canyon in the Gila National Forest,
the Catwalk Recreation Area has an interesting history throughout time.
The creek flowing through the canyon provided electricity and water for the
nearby mining town of Graham, founded by John T Graham in the early 1890s.
Leading to an ore processing mill, pipes were built and bolted to the canyon walls
with simple wooden planks attached above.
This Catwalk is how the area got its name.
All was well until around 1913 when the mill was no longer profitable
and the town dried up with most leaving the area.
Utilizing the same original path of the pipes, the Civilian Conservation Corps came into the canyon
in the 1930s and rebuilt the catwalk.
This version lasted until the 1960s when the Forest Service upgraded the catwalk
to today's steel walkways.
In addition to having a history in area mining, the canyon also served as a sanctuary
for those seeking refuge from the law.
Apache leader Geronimo utilized the canyon in the late 1800s when hiding from US Army soldiers.
Outlaw Butch Cassidy also sought protection in the canyon while evading the Pinkertons.
Today the catwalk is open from sunrise to sunset and is a popular destination in the summer months
as a way to cool off.
Okay so we're kind of starting the trail proper here.
I don't even remember how long this hike is to be honest. I don't even care.
I think it's pretty short relatively speaking.
Not going to be out here half a day.
I just don't know when the cool stuff starts.
[Music]
You can hear that water trickling through there.
A nice little flow this morning.
I was worried but there might not be water or a lot but seems okay to me.
Slight climb in elevation but so far this is a piece of cake
and it's been paved the whole time.
Wow. This is pretty neat down here.
I see some more trail down to that ways.
Are we going over there?
I hear a lot more water down there too.
Just take a look at that.
I know the sun's kind of in a bad position now but that is fantastic.
Another look at the stream below.
Lots of birds flying around.
Still admiring the large rocks out here.
[Music]
Ah! The Catwalk.
This is why we've come, folks.
To see this amazing engineering. This amazing trail.
Check this out. Wow, this is cool.
Oh, wow. Look at that.
Man.
Yeah, as I thought. Video doesn't do it justice.
Wow.
So cool.
[Music]
Some signs here talk about the geology of the region
and apparently this was all formed by volcanic activity
as many things are out here in the southwest.
But, yeah, really awesome geology.
This whole canyon has a really narrow feel.
I... This is... This is so cool. I mean...
Wow.
[Music]
Not sure if that's the end of the Catwalk.
I read that you can keep hiking a little ways past it.
I don't know where this is going.
This trail is climbing up in elevation now.
Still a clear path. Just not paved.
[Music]
Ah! This is right on. This shade is .amazing
It's very cool back here.
Very warm in the sun. Cool in the shade.
Just like it's supposed to be.
I was just informed by some hikers that while the trail ends right up here,
apparently there's a swarm of butterflies somewhere over here
and she said it's amazing.
She said she's not seen anything like it so we'll see.
Alright, keep an eye out for butterflies, folks.
Let's see if we can find what she's talking about.
Ah! Yeah, look at that. She wasn't kidding.
Oh my god.
I've never seen anything like that either.
They're all, like, hanging out in one spot.
[Music]
Wow, so the butterflies... That might have been the highlight of this trip.
I mean how cool is that.
[Music]
Well, there you have it, folks.
The Catwalk Recreation Area.
That was amazing. I used to say a lot at the end of each adventure.
What do I got to say about this? I mean you saw for yourself.
A fantastic feat of engineering. A nice place to cool off in the hot summer.
I will be back. Oh yes, I will.
[Music]