Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) landscape

Photo: Photo by LaDawn Preuninger on Unsplash

Whitewater Trail (Catwalk)

~2 days · 14 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance14 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain5,551 ft
Gain / mile397 ft
High point10,384 ft

What the Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) is known for

The Whitewater Trail (#207.1) picks up where the Catwalk National Recreation Trail ends near Glenwood, New Mexico, climbing Whitewater Creek's canyon into the Gila Wilderness to Hummingbird Saddle on the crest below Whitewater Baldy. The Forest Service publishes it at 16.8 miles one way; the drainage was badly damaged by post-Whitewater-Baldy Fire flooding and upper portions remain rough, with restoration ongoing.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 18,642 ft to 34,003 ft over 14 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 13.1 mi · 94%
  • Downhill 0.8 mi · 6%
  • Flat 0.0 mi · 0%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) take?

Most backpackers hike the Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 14 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Whitewater Trail (Catwalk)?

The Whitewater Trail (Catwalk) climbs roughly 5,551 ft total — about 397 ft per mile, topping out near 10,384 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Whitewater Trail Plan Free →