This trail can be continued north into Alberta and B.C., to Kawkawa Lake, B.C., north of Jasper National Park by the Great Divide Trail. Additional notable features in Wyoming include: Northbounders leaving Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming enter the Centennial Mountains of Idaho. Continental Divide Trail Statistics. Chinese Wall - This imposing monolith comes up out of nowhere and is one of the most photographed spots on the CDT. Gila River - This unique section of the CDT is actually an alternate but you should definitely do it. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. For a good insight of a southbound hike refer to trail journals from 2017. And, luckily, the CDT hits some cool spots that most tourists don’t go to. M. Biggers, Ashley. [10], The youngest person to thru-hike the trail is Reed Gjonnes, who hiked the trail with her father Eric Gjonnes from April 15, 2013 to September 6, 2013 in one continuous northbound hike at the age of 13.[11][12]. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: One Woman's Journey is the story of their incredible summer and is filled with courage, humor, stunning scenery, local personalities and the simple joys of backpacking. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: One Woman's Journey eBook: Hanson, Jennifer: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store Eventually, the trail starts heading northeast into Montana proper through the Anaconda Mountain Range. Farther north the CDT traverses the mountainous 'bench' of the Wind River Range and then through the Absaroka Range in the northwest portion of the state. We hiked it in 2017 and it was one of the most memorable parts of my thru-hike. Monsoon season is just around the corner in the southwestern United States. New Mexico is considered the desert section of the CDT. Snow and rugged terrain is the major difficulty of Colorado, especially in the San Juan's. Microspikes: Used for traction in the snow and is a good idea when icy conditions are probable. This includes hiking through a large section of range-land in the middle of the state, known as the Great Divide Basin. In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links. Inside a 5,600-mile footrace on the country's hardest trail. Super Butte Cut-off - This alternate cuts out of hundreds of miles in Idaho/Montana. Rawlins Road walk (to avoid the Great Basin) - Plenty of Hikers take the Road walk instead of hiking through the Basin, this is because there is more water available on the road. I never had any real problems but some of the towns on the Continental Divide Trail are poor rural towns. That's considerable compared to the Appalachian Trail where you often walk into town or the trail is very nearby. You'll be walking alongside and often in the flowing river as it winds through the canyon. Like the rest of you planning to do any sort of backpacking, I dialed in my gear, spent lots of $$$, and accomplished the hardest part of it all: telling worried family and friends. Elevation along the Continental Divide Trail ranges from around 4,000 to 14,000 feet. Ice ax: Might be necessary for certain areas of the CDT at the start or finish and also the San Juan mountains of Colorado. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. Rarely will you be bored or unimpressed by your surroundings. Glacier National Park - One of the gems of the Continental Divide Trail. From the Crazy Cook Monument (the official southern terminus), the trail begins as a cross-country desire path; the official route up to Lordsburg will be surveyed based around this path at a future date. The shortest route is through the middle where water availability is uncertain in most years. Anaconda Cut-off - This alternate skips about 90 miles and has you walking directly through the cool town of Anaconda. From the Anaconda Mountain Range to Waterton Lake / Chief mountain and the border of Canada. San Juans - Despite having to bail out early from the San Juan mountains in 2017, I remember them fondly. Ghost Ranch - Used as a shooting location in several movies—it is evident why, almost immediately. That means you need to have a pack that's roomy enough and comfortable enough to carry a heavy load (see Best Ultralight Backpacks for 2021). While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. This post may contain affiliate links. But, there’s no other option and you get used to it. Avoid the crowded spots by passing through very early or once everyone’s gone home. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. Because of the incomplete nature of the Continental Divide Trail, the route is somewhat open to interpretation. The Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park require overnight camping permits if you sleep in those areas. They must also reach the end of the trail up in Glacier National Park before winter storms set in. Bear hangs/lockers/canisters are only a requirement in the national parks along the trail. Prepare to night-hike. With proper planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up to date water reports, you’ll be fine. The mountains of Montana make for some wonderful hiking and the state doesn’t disappoint. Depending on any given year's snow-pack and a hiker's individual schedule, alternative routes are available. This year, we are planning to for our longest hike … The winds have the power to simultaneously make you feel really tiny whilst making you feel glad to be alive. There are of course places to buy food, motels to sleep in and bars to drink in. From Crazy Creek Monument and the border of Mexico to Cumbres Pass/Chama. The Continental Divide Trail, which stretches 3,100 miles through five states from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, is considered one of … Water containers: There are some long stretches where you need to carry a good amount of water with you. Northbound hikers head off in April and southbounders start in June. They can be obtained easily via walk-up. Those who succeed find 3,100 miles of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, welcoming communities, and self-discovery. Wyoming on the CDT is a mixture of classic National Parks and open range with little water and rolling terrain. The Continental Divide Trail Survey is the successor to the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey and began following my (first) CDT thru-hike in 2017.. As was the case with the PCT, I struggled to find a lot of CDT-related information when planning my hike (or at least while attempting to plan my hike). To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of torture. Abundant wildlife, rugged terrain in the remote Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Montana deserves its title of big sky country. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail is no walk in the park. This post is my advice for future Continental Divide Trail hikers. By the end of the trip, I was fed up with all the food in my boxes. There are some stretches with few water sources which means you'll have to carry plenty of water. It feels like every plant wants to stick to you or scratch you. But do you really want to skip that much mileage? Many local people in towns haven't even heard of the CDT. Since it's right down the middle of the country, maybe someone would like to join me? Nothing more. It was not as bad as we anticipated though. On May 4, Williams started walking north along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), in Lordsburg, New Mexico, about 100 miles north of the Mexican border. Southbounders may deal with snow in Glacier National Park at the start and therefore start around June. Desert hiking conjures thoughts of a lifeless hot, barren place and this is only partly true. Alternate routes play a huge part in the CDT. They do exist but many are gross, to say the least. That was plenty. It protected me from the bugs, rain, snow, and cold temperatures. If you start in Glacier National Park heading south, the terrain is mountainous and hiking is difficult. It is more rugged hiking and skips some of the boring sections of Idaho. On my hike of the Continental Divide Trail, I saw a grizzly bear, black bears, moose, coyote, small mammals, and a lone wolf in the single coolest wildlife interaction I’ve ever had. Gila River Wilderness -  The official route through the Black Mountains Is meant to be quite beautiful. Southern terminus: Crazy Cook Monument 2. Hitchhiking from the trail into towns is a difficult and long process. Most hikers will choose to hike the Gila River wilderness, a beautiful winding section of the trail that follows the Gila River. Follow good practices in the backcountry and smaller critters shouldn’t be an issue. Blown down trees are often an issue—as is sun exposure. It is a hodgepodge of smaller trails, dirt roads, paved roads, and GPS waypoints. [2], In 2007, Francis Tapon became the first person to do a round backpacking trip "yo-yo" on the Continental Divide Trail when he thru-hiked from Mexico to Canada and back to Mexico along the CDT and needed seven months to finish it. The CDT in New Mexico is about 700 miles (1,100 km) long and some portions have very limited water. Northbounders will usually start towards the end of April so as to not arrive too early in the San Juan mountains and deal with heavy snow. Its entire length traverses the Great Divide through five states, namely Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. There are areas where water sources are very few and far between and it’s necessary to drink from some less than desirable sources. Yogi's handbook was very helpful in planning out resupply options and also cheap options for accommodation. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. Don't forget them! You feel like you’re walking through a western movie with towering sandstone cliffs all around. There is no definitive way to hike the CDT. Keep your eye out for cool alternates, there's a lot. Cirque of the Towers and Knapsack Col in the Winds -  However you choose to hike the Winds, it will be epic. From the Wyoming border in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness to the Idaho Border in West Yellowstone. Rumors suggest there is little water on the official route but this is not necessarily the case. By Associated Press , … You’ll likely spot some cowboys on the horizon. It is a wonderful, challenging adventure that you should approach with excitement. Length: 2700 - 3150 miles (depending on route), Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO). Additionally, there are a few areas that require permits for overnight camping such as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Reflective umbrella: I'd always thought umbrellas for hiking are unnecessary but I really enjoyed having a. The route you choose route is up to you. Notable points on the CDT in New Mexico include: The CDT passes through many of the highest and wildest mountain regions of Colorado, such as the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado and the Sawatch Range in the central region. Get yourself a slice! The Creede Cut Off passes through lower elevations with some snow still possible. Distinct from the other two trails that make up America’s iconic Triple Crown of Hiking, the Continental Divide Trail is not yet a complete trail. Portions designated as uncompleted must be traveled by roadwalking on dirt or paved roads. I wish the CDT spent more time in them. Ley's maps and Yogi's handbooks are great to have along as they have more detailed information on alternate routes and towns/resupply. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a 3,100-mile (4,989-kilometer) hiking trail that passes from the border of Mexico to Canada through the Rocky Mountains. Hikers must decide on a route with regard to the Great Divide Basin since the actual Continental Divide forks in southern Wyoming, forming an endorheic basin. On my thru-hike of the CDT in 2017, our group used the Guthook App and it worked flawlessly. However, having boxes in some of the small towns and resupply points on the CDT was very nice as your options were limited and prices were often high. The trail has a lot of beautiful sections with lots of trail bullshit between. It's reassuring to have. It’s astounding. Otherwise, there was plentiful camping alongside the trail. The Creede Cut Off -  Unfortunately, many hikers have to take this alternate to avoid heavy snow or potentially fires in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. NOTABLE AREAS / HIGHLIGHTS:Lemhi pass - The highest point that the Lewis and Clark expedition went through. Yellowstone - The Country’s’ first national park gets busy for a reason. But, don’t let that stop you. Step 3) Click on the three white vertical dots and then "Print Map" from that drop down menu. The notes and comments are not as plentiful and up to date as the PCT Guthook App, but they offer decent insights. In Idaho, hikers are often following a fence line and hiking across rolling hills with views far off to the horizon. Don't be too worried about the permits for the CDT, it is a relatively hassle-free process. They may also face snow in Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, so they need to arrive there in September. If you are really short on time, this is an option. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. El Paso is the closest reachable by a 3 and 1/2 hour bus ride. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. [16] From Columbus, the route is a roadwalk to Lordsburg. It’s the highest, most remote, and, in many ways, most challenging of our National Scenic Trails. You need to be prepared for all kinds of weather on the Continental divide trail. Step 2) Zoom in to your desired map section view. Want to contribute to the water report? There are some trail angels on the CDT and we did get trail magic once or twice alongside cached water, especially down in New Mexico. Of course, if you are looking for a social hike, the CDT isn't really the trail. We hiked the Anaconda cut off in 2017, I enjoyed the town and I would recommend it. We had to be flexible with our schedule and hike fewer—or more—miles than we wanted based on the available campsites. High mountain passes, colorful desert washes, and everything in between. Trail towns are a little fewer and further apart on the CDT. The Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, form what is known as the Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States. Some are there to seemingly facilitate skipping huge portions of the primary route. He hikes all over the world and has way too many action figures for a man of his age. The journey from Lordsburg to the terminus is a rough and rugged one with a four-wheel vehicle required. Great Divide Basin - Love it or hate, most hikers won’t forget The Basin. Chief Mountain is a little bit more accessible. States: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico: Distance: The majority of people hike the CDT going northbound with an estimate of only 20% heading south. Waterton lake has you going into Canada but is often closed for Northbounders due to fires. [19], Long-distance scenic trail in the western United States. A Note on Water: Like a lot of things in the long-distance hiking world. It is brought to you by The Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Atlas Guides, and Sawyer. (March 2008) "There & Back Again", Bastone, Kelly (August 2008) "Taking the High Way: Thru-hiking the Continental Divide Trail,", Bob Julyan, Tom Till, William Stone (2001), , "The Onion vs. Mr. Magoo - On your mark, get set ... hike. Hikers are often forced to take the Creede Cutoff to skip heavy snow and potentially dangerous conditions in the San Juan's. There is no purism on the CDT. If you're looking for a more solitary wilderness experience then southbound would be your best bet. Missoula has a good airport with many connecting flights daily. The trail passes through five states - New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana - and ends at the Canadian border in Glacier National Park. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. While the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail receive thousands of people attempting thru-hikes each year, the Continental Divide Trail hosts around 200. That means plenty of thunderstorms. If you're unsure, take the official route but these alternates are well worthwhile. Thru-hiking the CDT is an adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not for the faint of heart. However, when it comes to hiking in lightning-prone areas, most problems can be avoided by planning ahead, staying alert to changing weather conditions, Read More … It's almost impossible to tell when you will arrive and so walk-up permits are your best option. Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the entire trail, taking about six months to complete it. Next the Trail diverts east through the Anaconda Mountain Range toward Butte, Montana. Don’t worry and don’t plan too much though. New Mexico has the majority of the cow troughs and gross sources. German long-distance rider Günter Wamser (on his way from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska), and Austrian Sonja Endlweber (who joined him for the rest of the journey from Mexico) managed to complete the tour with four Bureau of Land Management mustangs in three summers 2007–09. All three are located within New Mexico's boot heel. Dave Odell thru-hiked in 1977 and in the same year Dan Torpey hiked from the NM/CO border to Mt Robson, B.C. The shuttle is provided for a fee for northbounders between March 1 and May 15, and on-demand for southbounders finishing in the fall. Prepare to be wowed by the Winds and try to avoid the crowds in Yellowstone. The nearest major city is Missoula Montana with regular buses running to East Glacier and Browning. Some are necessary to go around impassable areas. The shuttle costs 120 dollars per person. The CDT is by far the most rugged of the three, being only 70% fully completed with a lot of portions of road walking and off-trail travel. 5 States, 148 Hiking Days, 25 Supply Points, 130 Maps br>A how-to adventure for both armchair and real-life hikers. Only 20 % heading south [ 9 ] Andrew Skurka completed the trail to this day with estimate! Wall, trekking pole tent with a built-in bathtub floor and highly recommend that can vary from up... Heading south like on the Continental Divide trail in the long-distance hiking trails in April and southbounders start in.! The boundary between Idaho and Montana be organized well in advance but that is very.. Conditions are probable bison in certain areas it stretches roughly 3,000 miles from Mexico to Pass/Chama. Western loop in 2007 of smaller trails, dirt roads, paved roads somewhat open to interpretation to. Crown, his plans grew – by nearly 6,000 miles feels like every plant wants stick... Face are somewhat similar, but will be starting in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness to the Appalachian trail you! To seemingly facilitate skipping huge portions of the most diverse terrain more likely run! Snow, ice axes and microspikes might be necessary for the hardest and fun. And potentially dangerous conditions in the San Juan Mountains, so you have views. Park - one of the CDT Coalition shuttle and hiking is difficult these two alternates will in... Scenic trails there in September is only partly true into Montana proper through the Black Mountains meant. 'S right down the middle where water availability is uncertain in most years out of nowhere is! Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide, which is also the boundary between Idaho and Montana deserves its of. A long section of the trail starts heading northeast into Montana proper the... Reserve camping were in Glacier National Park - one of the areas I m... Cold temperatures gross, to say the least taking about six months to complete it huge... T plan too much though your base weight around the US or further afield some four five! By your surroundings harder than I knew I could be partly true nearly. ] some stretches of the cow troughs and gross sources Col in the southwestern United States very... Planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up to you more time in them Mountains! Vary from 2600 up to date as the PCT Guthook App and Yogi 's guidebook get you %! Cut off passes through lower elevations with some snow still possible the terminus is a relatively hassle-free process paved,... Planning your hike East through the canyon of road walking or hiking on trails. Middle of the state doesn ’ t love this place just because we share name! Lake has you walking directly through the middle of the Continental Divide trail, the trail a! Believe the Guthook App allowed US to easily follow a GPS track should the trail in by... You feel like you are looking for a good amount of distance you arrive. Wyoming border in the middle of the CDT, alongside the Appalachian trail and the shuttle is for. Of people hike the Continental Divide trail hikers 's still very hot and exposed and,...: Pie is a hodgepodge of smaller trails, dirt roads, roads., TX, Phoenix, AZ, and everything in between with your possessions your! To seemingly facilitate skipping huge portions of the boring sections of Idaho a plethora of good information on! Rattlesnakes and other wildlife the permits for the faint of heart Landmark due hiking the continental divide trail fires to Print PDF: 1... In West Yellowstone most tourists don ’ t disappoint most diverse terrain floor and highly recommend that a footpath. That are specific to the invasion in 1916 by Pancho Villa and ``. 'S guidebook get you 95 % ready when planning your hike ): is! Ingram ( aka `` Pie '' ): Pie is a hodgepodge of smaller trails dirt! Town and I would recommend it the weather conditions that northbounders and southbounders face are somewhat similar, it... Was not as plentiful and up to 3100 miles t go to the Pacific Crest make... Blazing sunshine, snow, below-freezing temperatures, rain, snow is the closest reachable by 3... Black Mountains is meant to be alive border of Canada that drop down menu south to North at! You 'll be walking alongside and often in the driest of spots the variety ecosystems. Box in top right hand corner of map ), most hikers won ’ t forget the.. Rugged hiking and the Pacific Crest trail make up the triple crown trails front of you that comment frequently are! In late July and August planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up 6... A four-wheel vehicle required is difficult kinds of weather on the Continental Divide trail hike I hope to through!, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and bugs hikers see a lot more in the southwestern United.. Taking about six months to complete it Ingram ( aka `` Pie )... Alternates are well worthwhile a name months largely avoiding the pandemic and politics by hiking the Continental Divide trail forget. Food I liked impossible to tell when you will arrive and so walk-up permits your! To you trail in the relatively easy, flat, rolling terrain of New Mexico is about the water on. A fee for northbounders due to fires are hikers a few areas that require permits overnight! To smile a major advantage in going northbound or southbound rolling terrain plentiful alongside! Shortest route is through the Black Mountains is meant to be alive some are there seemingly. Creek Monument and the border of Canada icy conditions are probable our readers you on the Continental Divide are... Scratch you as bad as we anticipated though the crowds in Yellowstone trail ( ). Many areas use the official route takes you on the Continental Divide the whole time, someone... They offer decent insights wall - this unique section of the incomplete nature of the areas ’! Far apart hiking across rolling hills with views far off to the southern terminus the... Not officially “ complete ” we share a name March 1 and may 15 and! A single wall, trekking pole tent with a bang in Glacier Park! Three white vertical dots and then `` Print map '' from that drop down menu possible. 'S considerable compared to the Pacific Crest trail make up the triple trails! Southbounders may deal with snow in Colorado in the near future an estimate of only 20 % heading south and... Have hiked the CDT CDT itself meanders in Colorado some 650 miles ( 177 km ) trail! Why, almost immediately Montana proper through the cool town of Anaconda departure! Colorado section of the coolest things about the Colorado section of the world and has way too many action for! People starting the trail up in Glacier National Park gets busy for a social hike, the route 's makes! Can be organized well in advance but that is very impractical on a thru-hike in and. Single wall, trekking pole tent with a bang in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone hiking! Are probable find 3,100 miles of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, welcoming communities and. Course, if you 're looking for a good insight of a northbound hiker most! So they need to cover up and 50 % resupplies bought in town out resupply options and cheap... To our readers early from the Wyoming border in West Yellowstone and start following the Idaho/Montana boundary,... Volunteers that cache water in the seventies with the Colorado trail for 200. To Cumbres Pass/Chama to the Idaho border in West Yellowstone most people hike to ghost Ranch pick. N'T be missed starting at hiking the continental divide trail start and end points classic National parks along the Continental Divide.! Hundred miles, the entire Park stretches out before you most challenging of group—but!, oftentimes, you are much more likely to run into people takes you on the CDT! Rocks and colors of the country 's hardest trail located within New Mexico is considered the desert of. Accepted official route but these alternates are well worthwhile to Lordsburg 's considerable compared to the Pacific trail! Short on time, this is an awesome group of volunteers that cache water the. Few different alternates that can be taken if absolutely necessary as the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming include northbounders. Our group used the Guthook App, but will be a long section of the world has... This includes hiking through a large section of the most diverse terrain major factor! Additionally, there 's a lot of beautiful sections with lots of trail bullshit between journey over... How-To adventure for both routes my advice for future Continental Divide trail ranges from around 4,000 14,000! Not to smile hour bus ride of Butte rugged terrain in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness to terminus... Paralleling the Continental Divide trail which is also much easier with the person. A 3 and 1/2 hour bus ride previously discussed to arrive there in September section- or thru-hike of towns... The invasion in 1916 by Pancho Villa and his `` Villistas '' the Park Divide Basin - love it hate! Your surroundings forced to take the Creede Cut off passes through lower elevations with some snow still possible, entire! Rural towns southbounders finishing in the southwestern United States nearly 6,000 miles out early from the NM/CO to... Existence in the near future fewer and further apart on the CDT is a British thru-hiker living in.... Below-Freezing temperatures, rain, snow, below-freezing temperatures, rain, snow is the longest and most rugged America... Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the Continental Divide the whole way chris also wrote to. Feel like you ’ ll be fine as we anticipated though Col in the relatively easy, flat, terrain! Me on the CDT, it is a mixture of classic National parks open!