Continental Divide Trail 2021

The CDT

🥾 General Info

• Length: ~3,100 miles (4,989 km)
• Route: From the U.S.–Mexico border (New Mexico) to the U.S.–Canada border (Montana)
• States Traversed: 5
• New Mexico
• Colorado
• Wyoming
• Idaho
• Montana
• Trail Type: Point-to-point (northbound and southbound thru-hikes common)
• Established: Designated a National Scenic Trail in 1978 (still partially incomplete)

⛰️ Terrain & Highlights

• Elevation Range: ~4,000 ft to over 14,000 ft
• Highest Point: Grays Peak, CO – 14,278 ft (4,352 m)
• Lowest Point: Waterton Lake, MT – ~4,200 ft
• Notable Features:
• San Juan Mountains
• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Wind River Range
• Yellowstone National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Continental Divide itself (crossed dozens of times)

🧍‍♂️ Hiking Stats & Experience

• Thru-Hike Completion Time: 4.5–6 months
• Completion Rate: ~20–30%
• Thru-Hikers per Year: ~300–500 completions (more start but don’t finish)
• Direction: Mostly northbound (April–May start) or southbound (June–July start)
• Difficulty: Very strenuous – remote, wild, and often unmarked sections
• Route Variability: Choose-your-own-adventure style; multiple alternate routes (official CDT is not always the most traveled)

🏕️ Camping & Logistics

• Camping: Dispersed camping common; minimal designated sites
• Water Sources: Reliable in many mountain regions but can be scarce in New Mexico & Wyoming basin – water carries required
• Resupply: 20–30 towns or road crossings for mail drops or resupply
• Navigation: GPS or maps essential – trail is not fully marked
• Permits Needed (varies by section):
• Glacier NP
• Yellowstone NP
• Rocky Mountain NP
• Some wilderness areas

🌲 Other Facts

• Managed By: Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC)
• Part of the Triple Crown of Hiking (alongside the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail)
• Wildlife: Bears (black & grizzly), elk, moose, wolves, mountain lions, and more
• Best Time to Hike: April–October depending on direction and snowpack