This morning we woke early and disconnected the truck from the trailer for the short drive to Catwalk Recreation Area. I’d never even heard of this cool place until a friend visited there last month! The kids were thrilled to see some tiny fawns across from our camp, and the drive through the small town of Glenwood was pretty charming. We arrived and parked in the small lot, where it’s $3 for the day or free if you have a parks pass.
The hike is just over a mile up through the gorgeous canyon, where Whitewater Creek runs year-round. We had the kids take turns reading each of the interpretive signs along the trail, and figured that made up for them missing a google meet or two for their classes!! There was a big gold and silver boom in the late 1800s, enough to facilitate the construction of a pipeline in the canyon, which fed water to the nearby mill. Later, the Civilian Conservation Corps built the actual trail, and more recently it was repaired and upgraded to allow wheelchair access. The kids and the dogs had a blast in the water as the sun rose over the canyon walls. This place was just a smidge out of the way, and totally worth it!
We got the trailer wrapped up in decent time, and I know that we’ll get into a groove with set up and tear down. The kids were able to get logged into their classes in the truck while we hooked up the hitch, and we’re back on the road!!
With the updated trailwork, this hike is great for kids, dogs, and wheelchairs. Anxious dogs may be a little squeamish with the metalwork of the catwalk, but our pups did great! Keep them leashed, and watch little kiddos carefully on the elevated trails. We’d recommend a sport sandal (Chacos, Tevas, Keens, etc) so you can play in the water! Trailhead parking is $3 (or free with any of the federal passes) and there are restrooms/trash/water stations available. There are also tons of picnic tables shaded by gorgeous sycamore, oak, and cottonwood trees, so pack a luck to enjoy!
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