The mile-long Catwalk, in parts, a steel walkway hanging over Whitewater Creek, in the Gila National Forest, meanders up into Whitewater Canyon. The Catwalk name came from miners in 1889 who constructed a 4-inch pipeline between sheer rock walls to carry water three miles from a mining site to the mill and town of Graham. Those oldtimers walked along the pipe as nimble as cats. Picnic sites are available but not overnight camping. Take US 180 north from Deming to Silver City and continue about one hour, to Glenwood, NM. Turn right at NM 174 and drive five miles to the entrance. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

This unique park was formed over 34 million years ago during a volcanic eruption. Over the centuries giant rock formations have been sculptured by the wind and rain, forming a square-mile of streets, alleys and rooftops. The sculptures and pillars are wonderful to explore and climb. Located 30 miles NW of Deming on US 180 and NM 61. Overnight campsites; visitor center; botanical garden; wildlife; hiking; and more.
Call (575) 536-2800.

A few miles south of Elephant Butte Lake is its sister state park. Caballo Lake State Park is a less crowded and hectic site, but still offers fishing, watersports, camping, RVing and birdwatching along this 18-mile stretch. Call (575) 743-3942.

Northeast of Deming, about 90 miles, is Elephant Butte, the largest man-made lake in New Mexico, a 40-mile-long reservoir. Great for fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, water-skiing, power-boating and other watercraft. Other amenities include marinas, camping, RV parks, picnicking and scuba diving. Take State Hwy. 26 exit, just north of Deming, drive northeast to Hatch and connect on to I-25 north to Truth or Consequences. Take last exit north into T or C and follow signs. A few miles south of this lake are Caballo Lake and Percha Dam State Parks. Call (575) 744-5923.

Faywood Hot Springs, a True High Desert Oasis, is a Rustic Hot Spring Resort, offering Natural Mineral Water Soaking Pools, Private Cabins, RV & Tent Camping, Massage Therapy, Conference/Retreat Facilities, and more in Southwestern New Mexico. Website: www.faywood.com

The Gila Cliff Dwellings, a national monument since 1907, are located in the Gila National Wilderness. Earliest inhabitants, referred to as the Mogollon, date back to A.D. 100-400, as evidenced by the earliest ruin founda pithouse-type structure within the monument. Cliff dwellers are Pueblo people who built their homes in natural caves. The cliff dwellings date back to the late 1200s and include seven natural caves of which five contain ruins of dwellings with 42 rooms built of stone and mud. Those most recent Indian dwellers hunted and farmed along the river and mesa tops. Later bands of Apache Indians lived there. A visitor center contains displays and artifacts. The trail to the dwelling is short and well-maintained. Picnicking and camping facilities are available. Take US 180 north from Deming 24 miles to the City of Rocks turnoff and continue northeast on NM 61 another 72 miles. Call (575) 536-9344.

Lake Roberts, the Jewel of the Gila, is located at the 24-Mile Marker along NM Hwy. 35, about one and a half hours north of Deming. It is a 71-acre, man-made lake surrounded by the Gila National Forest. Primarily a fishing lake offering rainbow trout and catfish, Lake Roberts is stocked by New Mexico Game and Fish several times a year. Fishermen can try their luck from shore, or in canoes and other small boats, with only small electric trolling motors being allowed. Swimming is not allowed. Lake Roberts is a great bird-watching location too, with Bald Eagles and a variety of ducks in winter. Great Blue Heron, Hummingbirds and several dozen other bird species spend their summer in the area. Facilities at Lake Roberts include a picnic area, boat launch and two State-run campgrounds. There are also several lodges and restaurants nearby. NM fishing licenses required.

In Columbus, on the site where Camp Furlong once stood during the Pancho Villa Raid, is Pancho Villa State Park, named for the famous Mexican revolutionist. Visitors can see the Camps ruins of the judge advocates office and a jail. The historic U.S. Customs Service Building, constructed in 1902, still stands. The park, with many acres of beautiful native botanical gardens, now has a brand new Pancho Villa State Park Museum/Visitor Center. Campground and RV spaces. Call (575) 531-2711.

A birdwatchers paradise, Percha Dam is nestled in a serene riverside setting along the Rio Grande. Among the shady trees, the site offers camping, RVing, fishing and picnicking. Call (575) 743-3942.

Starting on the corner of Pine and Country Club Road, on the east end of Deming, the 18-hole, public golf course sprawls east and south. Wonderful views of mountainsCookes Peak to the north, and the Floridas, southeastcan be enjoyed as one hikes or plays the course with its pleasant lakes and paths. Rio Mimbres Country Club is on the grounds, as well as custom-built homes.

Rockhound State Park lies along the south slope of the Little Florida Mountains, 14 miles SE of Deming. Take Highway 11 five miles south from Deming then go east nine miles to park entrance. Visitors are encouraged to find and keep samples of the many varieties of beautiful rocks found there. The 250-acre park has picnic facilities; overnight camping; hiking trails; wildlife; and exhibits on local history of Buffalo Soldiers, Apache Indians and more. RVers discover that SWNM is a great place to spend the night and the winters. October through March is very comfortable. Summer has hot days, but cool nights. Call (575) 546-6182.

The aquatic center, on Buckeye Street, offers a general swimming pool for all ages with a fountain and water slide. A second pool is good for lap swimming, and the third option is a heated therapy pool.

Just before reaching Rockhound State Park, turn south at sign and continue into foothills. Leading into the park, motorists will encounter a steep incline and decline. Once in the canyon, visitors will encounter a serene beauty. Picnic facilities available. Overnight camping not allowed. Ibex, wild goats originally shipped from Iran, may be seen.

Pit Park, on North Country Club Road, and next to Interstate 10, is an old gravel pit with a remarkable makeover. Winding, paved, slightly inclined paths are enhanced with many trees, shrubs and other foliage. The trails are popular with local citizens, and visitors, for it offers, approximately, a mile-long exercise walk for all ages. A pavilion and amphitheater are also part of the park. .