There were 3 possible routes from Clifton to Alpine, where we are now. The first was 94 miles straight north up US 191. But the average speed on that route was 36 mph, so it was anything but straight. In fact, trucks over 40 feet were prohibited! That was not going to be our route. The second was 117 miles, going a little south, then east on Arizona and then New Mexico 78, then back northwest on US 180. The average speed on that route was just over 50 mph. One review said trucks were not advised to take the state routes. That left a route that went south almost to I-10, then back north. It would be about 200 miles, but with an average speed of over 60 mph there would be no worries.
We decided to go to a highly recommended hike outside of Glenwood, NM called the Catwalk. The route there went across those state roads, so we could drive them in the truck and decide if we wanted to drive them towing the trailer.
The Catwalk was beautiful. It’s a route that was constructed by the CCC along Whitewater Creek and then reconstructed repeatedly when it gets washed out. The creek seems to run year round, at least it was flowing when we were there. The creek flows through a very narrow canyon and the trail is a metal walk anchored to the sides of the canyon.
We would have liked it more except that we went on the Saturday of Easter weekend and it was crowded! We aren’t used to crowds. Also, Matey hated the metal mesh decking and I ended up carrying him over the prettiest parts.
We might have been more disappointed if we hadn’t fulfilled our other purpose. We got a look at Arizona-New Mexico 78.
The route crosses over the southern end of the White Mountains and it is not a route for the faint of heart.
These pictures were taken from the only pull out on about a four or five mile ascent with switchbacks. As usual, the photos don’t really convey the drama of the several hundred foot drop off immediately to the side of the road. The speed limit was 35 through most of this. Happily, the descent on the New Mexico side was not as long and Bud thought it would be fine to tow.
Since we wouldn’t have such a long drive I took Matey for a last look at Clifton on Easter Sunday morning before we left.
The Catholic Church, built in the late 1800’s is still in use.
They seem to hang onto a lot of old things around Clifton.
Between its geography and its history…
Clifton has more character than most small towns. I’m glad we stopped.
On the Roam Again 
That cat walk looks very inviting!
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