Cat Walk Trail
May 21, 2021 17:22:23 #
In 1889 gold and silver deposits were discovered in the mountains above whitewater Canyon in south central New Mexico about 60 miles north of Silver City. As mines were developed, ore from these mines was hauled by wagon to Graham, also known as Whitewater Canyon, located at the mouth of the canyon. A 4" pipeline was constructed 3 miles up the canyon to meet the needs of the mill and the needs of the the 200 townspeople. In 1897 an 18" pipeline was constructed to meet additional needs. Ore from these mines starting in 1897 and because of inadequate processing methods, the mills closed in 1913 although the mines were still worked until 1942.
The name for the area, The Catwalk, refers to the original plank-board walkway placed atop the steel pipe that used to bring water to the ore processing plant, ruins of which can still be seen near the parking area. Brace holes were drilled into the solid rock walls, sometimes 20 feet above the canyon floor, to hold the timbers and iron bars that supported the smaller water line along its meandering course. Some of the original 18" pipes support sections of the present Catwalk. The first portion of the trail is relatively easy and leads to hidden pools and splashing waterfalls magical spots in the high desert environment. Beyond the developed trail, more rigorous trails lead into the Gila Wilderness. A yearlong $1.5 million construction project completed in December of 2003 upgraded the trail. Visitors will find new viewing platforms, a rock amphitheater, and easier access to the picnic area. It has been mentioned as one of the 10 most scenic trails in America and its an absolutely beauty. Its one of the prettiest and most scenic I've ever seen...
The name for the area, The Catwalk, refers to the original plank-board walkway placed atop the steel pipe that used to bring water to the ore processing plant, ruins of which can still be seen near the parking area. Brace holes were drilled into the solid rock walls, sometimes 20 feet above the canyon floor, to hold the timbers and iron bars that supported the smaller water line along its meandering course. Some of the original 18" pipes support sections of the present Catwalk. The first portion of the trail is relatively easy and leads to hidden pools and splashing waterfalls magical spots in the high desert environment. Beyond the developed trail, more rigorous trails lead into the Gila Wilderness. A yearlong $1.5 million construction project completed in December of 2003 upgraded the trail. Visitors will find new viewing platforms, a rock amphitheater, and easier access to the picnic area. It has been mentioned as one of the 10 most scenic trails in America and its an absolutely beauty. Its one of the prettiest and most scenic I've ever seen...
May 21, 2021 17:26:31 #
May 21, 2021 17:31:43 #
Longshadow wrote:
So cool.
Looks like a really neat place!
Looks like a really neat place!
Its a Gem LS
May 21, 2021 17:32:57 #
Blaster34 wrote:
In 1889 gold and silver deposits were discovered i... (show quote)
Magnificent shots🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀
May 21, 2021 17:36:56 #
Looks like a beautiful place. It's the first I have heard of it. I'll have to put it on my bucket list.
May 21, 2021 17:39:32 #
Blaster, it looks like this is definitely a place to visit. Thanks for the tour.
--Bob
--Bob
Blaster34 wrote:
In 1889 gold and silver deposits were discovered i... (show quote)
May 21, 2021 17:41:09 #
rmalarz wrote:
Blaster, it looks like this is definitely a place to visit. Thanks for the tour.
--Bob
--Bob
More than welcome Bob....I'd been by it several times before but never stopped (My Bad). Wasn't going to miss it this time but it is out in the boonies...
May 21, 2021 17:41:21 #
May 21, 2021 17:41:49 #
The lighting is especially wonderful in the 3rd, 6th, and 7th images. All are beautiful!
May 21, 2021 17:42:02 #
kpmac wrote:
Looks like a beautiful place. It's the first I have heard of it. I'll have to put it on my bucket list.
It is and it was my birthday present to myself yesterday to take the tour, loved it.
May 21, 2021 17:42:29 #
May 21, 2021 17:45:37 #
MFTVGirl wrote:
The lighting is especially wonderful in the 3rd, 6th, and 7th images. All are beautiful!
Thank you MFVT, it was early morning and a bright, bright, crystal clear day.
May 21, 2021 17:46:05 #
Fine set of a wonderful trail! If we get back to NM we'll have to try and fit it into the itinerary.
May 21, 2021 17:48:15 #
quixdraw wrote:
Fine set of a wonderful trail! If we get back to NM we'll have to try and fit it into the itinerary.
Thanks quixdraw, its a beauty and its about 110 miles north of I-10 on US 180, its out there...
May 21, 2021 17:48:39 #
Every shot is nicely captured and well-lighted. Is this near the Gila Cliff Dwellings?
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