Day Hiking

Day Hiking Areas

• Black Range Crest Trail #79
• Holden Prong Trail - #114
• Ladrone Gulch Trail #127
• Wolf Hollow Campground
• Catwalk Recreation Area

  The Catwalk's history began with the discovery of gold and silver in the rugged Mogollon Mountains above Whitewater Canyon. In 1893, the small town of Graham (also known as Whitewater) grew around a mill, located on the west hillside near the present day location of the parking area. The mill only lasted about 10 years. In the mid-1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps rebuilt the Catwalk. The Catwalk bridge system washed away during a huge flooding event after the 2012 Whitewater-Baldy Fire. The bridge system was rebuilt and is now open for approximately .5 miles from the parking lot. This is a very accessible area and easily hiked by all ages. After the bridge system, the trail system has been cleared for another .5 - .75 miles. It goes across a low-water crossing, across the fiberglass bridge and through the arch. Once you go up the stairs to a small viewing area the trail can become steep. Past the "swimming hole" the trail becomes unnavigable. A series of trail reconstruction projects are scheduled to occur in summer and fall 2023 to restore trail access toward Hummingbird Saddle.

  View Catwalk Recreation Area photos on Flickr

   

• Catwalk #207 Trailhead
• Catwalk National Recreation #207 Trail
• Crest Trail #182
• Deloche and Winn Canyon Trail #179
• Gold Dust Trail
• Little Dry #180 Trailhead
• Log Cabin Trail #808
• Mineral Creek #201 Trailhead
• Powerhouse Trail #810
• Rain Creek #189 Trailhead
• Redstone Trail #206
• South Fork Whitewater Trail #212
• Armijo Springs Campground
• Head of the Ditch Campground
• Largo Trail #14
• Quemado Lake Recreation Area

  Quemado Lake is located 16 miles south of Quemado, NM.  From Quemado, take NM 32 south 14.2 miles to the Quemado Lake/NM 103 sign. At sign turn left onto NM 103 and go 4 miles to where Forest Road 13 (gravel) begins. Continue straight on FR 13 for 1 mile.

• El Caso I-IV Campground
• Juniper Campground
• Piñon Campground
• Quemado Lake Boat Launch
• Quemado Lake Overlook Trail
• Quemado Lakeshore Trail #144
• Vista Trail #1
• Sawmill Canyon Trail #13
• Aeroplane Mesa Campground

  Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a great location for hikers and horseback riders to access the wilderness.  The area is relatively open and 'park-like' with grass interspersed with trees.

• Apache Creek Campground
• Apache Creek InterpretiveTrail # 16
• Ben Lilly Campground
• County B-054 CDNST Trailhead
• Flying V Trail #706
• Frisco Box Trail #762
• Mail Trail #125
• Snow Lake

  Snow Lake is a small reservoir located on the Reserve Ranger District approximately 30 miles from the town of Reserve. Snow Lake is most easily accessed via FR 142.

• Snow Lake #142 Trailhead
• Tularosa Cabin
• Arrastra Interpretive Site
• Cherry Creek Campground
• Dragonfly Loop Trail - #720
• Dragonfly Trailhead
• Fort Bayard Big Tree Trail #755
• Gallinas Campground - Upper
• Gallinas Canyon Trail #129
• Gila River Bird Area
• Iron Creek Campground
• Jack's Peak CDNST Trailhead
• Little Walnut-Gomez Peak Day Use Area

  Located just outside Silver City, the Little Walnut-Gomez Peak picnic grounds provide a pleasant day use area for small or large groups and individuals/families. The area is generally open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset during spring, summer and fall; winter hours vary according to weather conditions.

  The Silver City Ranger District offers three reservable large group picnic areas within the Gomez Peak – Little Walnut day use area, as well as individual picnic sites. All areas have vault toilets, picnic grills, and tables. In addition, the largest area also offers added amenities of a covered shelter, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.

  Please NOTE: Water is not available at the group or family picnic areas at Little Walnut.

  View a detailed Recreation Opportunity Guide

  View a Little Walnut Trail System Map

  For information on the picnic areas, see: Little Walnut (East, West, Individual/Family) or Gomez Peak Large Group Area.

• McMillan Campground
• Railroad Canyon Campground
• Sawmill Wagon Road Trail #243
• Sheep Corral Trail #231
• Signal Peak Trail #742
• Tadpole Ridge Trail #232
• Turkey Creek Trail #155
• Aeroplane Mesa #705 Trail
• Black Canyon Campground - Lower

  This is a beautiful remote camping area. Trail #94 begins at the rear of the campground.

  Located in a remote area of forest approximately 30 miles from the Wilderness Ranger District office. This campground is accessible from FR 150, and driving approximately .5 miles from the road, across the stream. You will enter an area with a newer vault toilet and a beautiful meadow next to the stream.

  Please be advised - the district recommends high-clearance 4x4 vehicles on FR 150.

• Forks Campground
• Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument

  The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is a National Park Service managed area that is surrounded by the Gila National Forest. The surrounding area includes a number of campsites, an interpretive trail and an educational/visitors center. Please visit their website for information regarding the Cliff Dwellings, possible closures, and other area information.

  • Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument Website
• Lake Roberts

  Lake Roberts is located in the Wilderness Ranger District along NM 35. It can be accessed via NM 35 or NM 15. NM 15 is a narrow paved, winding road that may not be suitable for trucks with trailers.

• Mesa Campground
• Upper End Campground
• Little Creek Trail #161
• Rocky Canyon Campground

  This is a fairly small campground and is popular with horse riders and hunters.

• Ruins Vista Picnic Area
• Sapillo Campground
• Spring Canyon Trail #247
• West Fork Trail #151