The Continental Divide Trail spans from Mexico to Canada and is 70% complete, making it the second largest contiguous hiking trail in the US. It is purposefully primitive and passes through five states, including Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Fewer hikers complete the trail each year compared to the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, and it remains somewhat unfinished. Hikers should prepare carefully and consider bringing a buddy.
The Continental Divide Trail, or CDT, will be the second largest contiguous hiking trail in the United States when completed. Spanning the length of the country from the Mexico-New Mexico border to the Montana-Canada border, the route is just over 70 percent complete according to recent estimates. Together with the Appalachian Trail to the east and the Pacific Crest Trail to the west, the CDT forms what hikers call the “triple crown” of American hiking.
Appalachian Trail visionary Benton MacKaye and members of the Rocky Mountain Trail Association began plans for the CDT in the late 1960s. The group hiked what would become part of the trail, marking it by nailing blue-painted cans to trees for later approval by the US Forest Service as trails. In 1966, lobbyists for the track managed to bring the plans before the US Congress.
Plans for the Continental Divide Trail incorporated over 1,900 miles (3,057 km) of existing rural trails and roads in an effort to reduce costs. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, which is meant to provide a more comfortable hike whenever possible, the Continental Divide Trail is purposefully primitive. The total length of the trail is estimated at 3,100 miles (4,988 km) in five US states. In 1978, Congress designated the Continental Divide Trail as one of the U.S. National Scenic Trails and created a 31-mile-wide protected corridor on either side of the trail.
In New Mexico, the route covers 775 miles (1,247 km) and passes through mountains, canyons and desert. Highlights include El Mapais Volcanic National Monument and the Big Hatchet Mountains Wilderness, believed to be the home of Native American chief Geronimo. This part of the trail is notoriously dangerous due to the high temperatures, and volunteers have set up water supplies at frequent intervals. Common wildlife in the area includes roadrunners and antelope antelope.
The Colorado section of the Continental Divide Trail winds through the massive Rocky Mountains and stretches 800 miles (1,287 km) across the state. The Colorado Trail boasts the highest point on the CDT at 14,270-foot (4.34 km) Gray’s Peak. Other highlights include the Golden Village of Beartown and the eight 14,000+ foot (4.26 km) mountains in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
The CDT crosses Wyoming in 550 miles (885 km) passing through Routt National Forest and Bridger-Teton National Forest. One of the biggest highlights of the entire route is Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Yellowstone is the oldest park in the United States and is full of fantastic natural features, such as Old Faithful Geyser and the beautiful Mammoth Hot Springs.
After passing through Wyoming, the Continental Divide Trail follows the Idaho-Montana border for a few hundred miles, before crossing into Montana for the final stretch of the hike. Montana’s 800 miles (1,287 km) of hiking passes through forests, mountains, and wide plains. Glacier National Park, the end point of the trail, is considered spectacular for its craggy, ice-carved peaks. The fishing throughout the park is thought to be magnificent and the majestic vistas are a fitting grand finale to the CDT.
Unlike the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, which are completed entirely by 200-300 hikers a year, only a few dozen attempts through the CDT. The trail remains somewhat unfinished, with each state containing a significant amount of unfinished trail areas. However, an increasing number of hardy hikers try the trail every year.
If you are interested in hiking the Continental Divide Trail or any other trail, be sure to see a doctor for a clean bill of health. These trails, while relatively safe, are wilderness and can be dangerous. Because the CDT remains fairly unused, you may rarely see other hikers. Consider bringing a hiking buddy and be sure to plan your reserves carefully, to ensure you have an emergency store of food, water and essential supplies.
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