What the Continental Divide Trail is and where it runs
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a 3,100-mile hiking route that follows the spine of the Rocky Mountains from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. The trail traces the continental divide — the ridge of land where water flows either toward the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean — and passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.
Unlike some national historic trails that follow a single historical route, the CDT is a designated corridor rather than a fixed path. The actual hiking route changes year to year based on private land access, trail maintenance, and conditions. Most hikers use the Continental Divide Trail Coalition's official guidebook or digital maps, which show the current recommended route through each state.
The trail is maintained by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, a nonprofit organization, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Because the CDT crosses both public and private land, sections may be rerouted or temporarily closed depending on landowner permission and seasonal conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The Continental Divide Trail runs 3,100 miles from New Mexico to Montana along the Rocky Mountain ridge that divides water flow between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
- The route is not a single fixed path but a designated corridor that changes based on private land access, so current maps from the Continental Divide Trail Coalition are essential.
- Most of the trail crosses public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, though some sections require crossing private property.
- Elevation ranges from around 4,000 feet in New Mexico to over 13,000 feet in Colorado, and weather can change rapidly at high altitude.
- The trail is open year-round, but most hikers attempt it between May and October to avoid deep snow at high elevations.
Elevation, terrain, and seasonal conditions
The Continental Divide Trail is one of the most challenging long-distance hikes in North America. Elevation varies dramatically: the trail starts at approximately 4,665 feet at the Mexican border and climbs to over 13,000 feet multiple times in Colorado. Hikers gain and lose thousands of feet repeatedly, often in a single day.
Terrain changes by state and section. In New Mexico and southern Colorado, the trail crosses high desert and volcanic plateaus. Central Colorado features alpine tundra and exposed ridgelines above treeline. Northern Colorado and Wyoming include forested sections with river crossings. Idaho and Montana combine steep mountain passes, glacial valleys, and remote wilderness.
Weather is unpredictable, especially above treeline. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer months and can strike with little warning. Snow can fall at high elevations even in June or September. Most hikers attempt the trail between late May and early October, though the exact window depends on snowpack and weather that year. Winter hiking on the CDT is possible but requires specialized skills and equipment.
Water sources and resupply points
Water availability varies significantly along the trail. Some sections have reliable streams and springs; others have long dry stretches of 20 miles or more. Hikers must carry enough water capacity to reach the next source or resupply point, which typically means carrying 2 to 4 liters depending on the section.
Towns near the trail serve as resupply points where hikers can restock food, water, and supplies. Common resupply towns include Lordsburg and Silver City in New Mexico; Salida, Leadville, and Silverton in Colorado; Rawlins and Pinedale in Wyoming; and Missoula and Helena in Montana. The distance between towns varies from 50 to 150 miles, so planning resupply stops is a critical part of preparing for the hike.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition's guidebook and online maps show water sources, resupply options, and estimated distances between stops. Many hikers also use the CDT Planner app or read GPS files to track water locations and plan daily mileage.
Permits, regulations, and land access
No single permit is required to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail. However, regulations vary by state and by the type of land you are crossing. National Forests require no permit for day hiking or backpacking. Bureau of Land Management land is generally open to hiking without a permit. Some wilderness areas within National Forests have quotas and require a permit obtained in advance.
Private land sections require respect for landowner rights. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition works with landowners to maintain access, but conditions change. Hikers should check current maps and guidebooks before starting, as some private sections may be closed or rerouted. Trespassing on private land without permission is illegal and damages future access for all hikers.
State regulations also explore. Colorado and Wyoming require hikers to follow Leave No Trace principles on public land. Some states have restrictions on campfire use or camping location. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition publishes state-specific regulations on its website.
Comparing the CDT to other long-distance trails
The Continental Divide Trail is often grouped with two other major long-distance trails: the Appalachian Trail (AT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). All three are National Historic Trails, but they differ in length, terrain, and difficulty.
| Trail | Length | Terrain | Elevation Range | Typical Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Divide Trail | 3,100 miles | High mountains, exposed ridges, alpine tundra | 4,665 to 13,000+ feet | May to October |
| Pacific Crest Trail | 2,650 miles | Desert, mountains, forests | Sea level to 13,600 feet | April to October |
| Appalachian Trail | 2,190 miles | Forested mountains, ridgelines | Sea level to 6,643 feet | March to November |
The CDT is considered the most remote and least developed of the three. It has fewer established shelters, fewer maintained sections, and longer stretches between towns. The high elevation and exposure make it more technically challenging than the Appalachian Trail, though the Pacific Crest Trail has comparable difficulty in different terrain.
Planning and preparation for a CDT hike
Most hikers spend several months preparing for a Continental Divide Trail attempt. Physical training should include hiking with a loaded backpack over varied terrain and elevation gain. Many hikers complete shorter backpacking trips or day hikes in mountains to build endurance and test gear.
Essential resources include the Continental Divide Trail Coalition Guidebook, which covers the entire route in five volumes by state, and digital maps from the Coalition's website. Many hikers also read GPS files or use mapping apps like Guthook's CDT guide. Studying water sources, resupply towns, and weather patterns for your planned hiking season is critical.
Gear considerations differ from lower-elevation trails. Hikers need a three-season or four-season tent to handle sudden weather changes, a sleeping bag rated for temperatures below freezing, and layers for rapid temperature swings. Navigation skills are important because some sections have faint tread or multiple route options. A map, compass, and GPS device are standard equipment.
Common challenges and what to expect
Weather is the most common challenge on the CDT. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly, especially in Colorado. Hikers must be prepared to descend from exposed ridges or find shelter. Early season snow can block passes and make navigation difficult. Late-season snow can arrive unexpectedly in September or October.
Navigation can be tricky because the trail is less heavily traveled than the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. Some sections have faint tread, and the route may split into multiple options. Paying attention to maps and GPS is essential, especially in poor visibility or at night.
Resupply logistics require planning. The distance between towns is longer than on other long-distance trails, and some resupply stops are small towns with limited services. Hikers must plan food purchases in advance and sometimes mail resupply boxes to post offices along the route.
Solitude is both a feature and a challenge. The CDT sees far fewer hikers than the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, which means longer stretches without seeing other people. This appeals to some hikers but can feel isolating to others, especially if an injury or emergency occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the entire Continental Divide Trail?
Most hikers complete the CDT in four to six months. Speed depends on fitness level, terrain difficulty, weather delays, and how many rest days you take. A typical pace is 15 to 20 miles per day, though some sections are slower due to elevation gain or difficult terrain.
Can I hike the CDT in sections rather than all at once?
Yes. Many hikers complete the trail over multiple years by hiking different sections. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition recognizes section hikers, and you can plan trips around your schedule and fitness level. Some hikers start in New Mexico one year and continue from where they left off the next year.
What is the best time of year to start a CDT hike?
Most hikers start in late April or May to avoid deep snow in the high passes. Starting too early risks encountering impassable snow; starting too late means finishing in early winter when weather deteriorates. The exact timing depends on snowpack that year, which varies. Check current conditions with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition before committing to a start date.
Do I need special permits to camp on the CDT?
Most camping on public land requires no permit. Some wilderness areas have quotas and require a permit obtained in advance from the local ranger district. Private land sections may have camping restrictions. Check the Continental Divide Trail Coalition's guidebook and contact local ranger districts for specific regulations in the areas you plan to hike.
What is the most difficult section of the Continental Divide Trail?
Colorado is generally considered the most challenging state, with high elevation, exposed ridgelines, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. The San Juan Mountains and the section around Leadville are particularly difficult. However, difficulty varies by individual fitness, experience, and weather conditions during your hike.