The following is a release from the Forest Service:
Due to predicted heavy rains and thundershowers starting this week, hours of use at the Catwalk National Recreation Area, on the Gila National Forest near Glenwood, New Mexico will be restricted starting Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Hours of use will be between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. From 1:00 pm to 8:00 a.m., the entire Catwalk National Recreation Area is closed due to the continued threat of high water flows along NM State Highway 174’s low water crossings, plus the high risk of not being able to alert visitors in a timely manner to immediately vacate the area when flooding is forecast. This closure is expected to remain in place through the end of the monsoon season, which the National Weather Service has determined to be September 30.
“This temporary restriction of use is for public safety. Flooding and high water flows can still be expected from the burn areas above the Catwalk area from the Whitewater-Baldy Fire of 2012. I want to make sure people are safe and no one gets hurt,” says Glenwood District Ranger, Debbie Cress.
Currently the Catwalk area is open for visitor use from the picnic area to approximately 3/8 mile in along the historic trail to the CCC steps. The universally accessible trail and Whitewater Creek from the CCC steps to the junction of Gold Dust Trail #41 remains closed.
Contact the Glenwood Ranger District office, (575) 539-2481, for updated information prior to visiting the area, or visit the Forest website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/gila
