El Paso is the closest reachable by a 3 and 1/2 hour bus ride. This area is also very beautiful and is a great spot to take a break, eat a meal in the restaurant, check Wi-Fi and all that stuff before getting back on trial. With proper planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up to date water reports, you’ll be fine. The journey from Lordsburg to the terminus is a rough and rugged one with a four-wheel vehicle required. I carried a small compass—as did many of our group—but I don't think it came out of my backpack a single time. Exposure to long hours of harsh sunlight is likely so hikers need to cover up. Northbound Hikers leave Wyoming in West Yellowstone and start following the Idaho/Montana boundary. But, it is not the same established culture as the other two Triple Crown trails. This seven-month journey spanned over 5,600 miles. Glacier National Park - One of the gems of the Continental Divide Trail. The trail has a lot of beautiful sections with lots of trail bullshit between. Chief Mountain is a little bit more accessible. Resupply logistics of a thru-hike are also a little more complicated. They cost 35 USD. A lot of the CDT is road walking or hiking on other trails that use a different blazing system. [16] From Columbus, the route is a roadwalk to Lordsburg. Gila River Wilderness - The official route through the Black Mountains Is meant to be quite beautiful. 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. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado Overlook on the CDT. 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. To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of torture. Advanced map reading and navigation skills are NOT necessary for the CDT. They must also reach the end of the trail up in Glacier National Park before winter storms set in. Of course, if you are looking for a social hike, the CDT isn't really the trail. If you're unsure, take the official route but these alternates are well worthwhile. By the end of the trip, I was fed up with all the food in my boxes. The trail is a combination of dedicated trails and small roads and considered 70% complete. [9] Andrew Skurka completed the trail as part of the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop in 2007. Hitchhiking is also a great, free option. Rarely do you walk right through them as you do on the AT. Northbound hikers head off in April and southbounders start in June. Elevation along the Continental Divide Trail ranges from around 4,000 to 14,000 feet. As mentioned, the CDT is not officially “complete”. Whether headed Northbound or southbound, snow is the major deciding factor in planning your departure time. This is an important factor to consider when planning a trip around work or other commitments. Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the entire trail, taking about six months to complete it. 5 States, 148 Hiking Days, 25 Supply Points, 130 Maps br>A how-to adventure for both armchair and real-life hikers. But, heading Northbound, you are much more likely to run into people. Super Butte Cut-off - This alternate cuts out of hundreds of miles in Idaho/Montana. Nothing more. 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. Blown down trees are often an issue—as is sun exposure. This will be a long section of road walking. This comes at no extra cost to you. San Juans - Despite having to bail out early from the San Juan mountains in 2017, I remember them fondly. From here, at an elevation of 12,899 feet, the entire park stretches out before you. Don't be too worried about the permits for the CDT, it is a relatively hassle-free process. Collegiate Route - see description and map here. New Mexico has the majority of the cow troughs and gross sources. That means plenty of thunderstorms. 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. Girl, 13, Youngest to Claim Triple Crown", "Continental Divide National Scenic Trail", "Continental Divide Trail Society - Marketplace", "CDT Montana Volunteer Trail Stewardship Program", CDT Montana, Montana Wilderness Association, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest web site, Hiking Journals from people on The Continental Divide Trail, Washington–Rochambeau Revolutionary Route, Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Water Trail, Mississippi River Water Trail (MRWT) Great River Water Trail, Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail, Cache La Poudre River Corridor National Heritage Area, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Continental_Divide_Trail&oldid=991492036, National Scenic Trails of the United States, Long-distance trails in the United States, Units of the National Landscape Conservation System, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Pages using Sister project links with default search, Wikipedia articles with WorldCat-VIAF identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 30 November 2020, at 10:05. Its entire length traverses the Great Divide through five states, namely Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Northbounders finish their hikes with a bang in Glacier National Park. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) estimates that as of December 2015, 85 percent of the trail is completed. 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. Southbounders may deal with snow in Glacier National Park at the start and therefore start around June. It feels like every plant wants to stick to you or scratch you. My Continental Divide Trail Hike I hope to hike the Continental Divide Trail in the near future. It gets even better once you reach the summit of Mt Ida. Additional notable points on the CDT in Montana include: The Montana Wilderness Association is the leading non-profit partner for the northern section of Continental Divide Trail. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) is the 501 (c) (3) national non-profit working in partnership with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. You need to pay more attention and study the app and guidebooks to ensure you don’t miss an important junction or other features. From Cumbres Pass/Chama to the Wyoming Border in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness. PIE Town - I don’t love this place just because we share a name. The Guthook app allowed us to easily follow a GPS track should the trail be hard to find or nonexistent. Southern terminus: Crazy Cook Monument 2. NORTHERN TERMINUS: The Waterton Lake terminus or Chief Mountain terminus can be reached from East Glacier Montana on the US side via regular shuttle buses. This post may contain affiliate links. On my thru-hike of the CDT in 2017, our group used the Guthook App and it worked flawlessly. The Continental Divide Trail leads from the Mexican border to the Canadian Border. The winds have the power to simultaneously make you feel really tiny whilst making you feel glad to be alive. Since 2019 it’s necessary to obtain a Recreational Access Permit to hike through New Mexico. We did find it quite difficult to organize permits for Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, but we were traveling in quite a large group. Chinese Wall - This imposing monolith comes up out of nowhere and is one of the most photographed spots on the CDT. Continental Divide Trail Statistics. Microspikes: Used for traction in the snow and is a good idea when icy conditions are probable. Step 3) Click on the three white vertical dots and then "Print Map" from that drop down menu. Bear hangs/lockers/canisters are only a requirement in the national parks along the trail. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) spans over 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada and is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. It is brought to you by The Continental Divide Trail Coalition, Atlas Guides, and Sawyer. The red rocks and colors of the sand and surroundings (especially during twilight) are beautiful. [3][4][5][6][7] The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. Affiliate disclosure: We aim to provide honest information to our readers. In addition, it is an invaluable resource for those planning their own section- or thru-hike of the CDT. Sweeping valleys and high mountain pass with Elk call echoing throughout. I never had any real problems but some of the towns on the Continental Divide Trail are poor rural towns. It is concurrent with the Colorado Trail for approximately 200 miles (320 km). The nearest major city is Missoula Montana with regular buses running to East Glacier and Browning. Continental Divide Trail Water Report The CDT Water Report is a data set that is kept up-to-date by hikers and for hikers to help all hikers find reliable and trustworthy water sources. Follow good practices in the backcountry and smaller critters shouldn’t be an issue. There are some stretches with few water sources which means you'll have to carry plenty of water. The only places it was necessary to reserve camping were in Glacier National Park and Yellowstone, as previously discussed. Don’t worry and don’t plan too much though. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail is no walk in the park. Hitchhiking from the trail into towns is a difficult and long process. The notes and comments are not as plentiful and up to date as the PCT Guthook App, but they offer decent insights. The terminus near Columbus is not on the Continental Divide (see Animas Mountains) but rather in the vicinity of Columbus, a village that is also the northern terminus of the annual 250-mile (400 km) Cabalgata Binacional Villista. Columbus is listed as a National Historic Landmark due to the invasion in 1916 by Pancho Villa and his "Villistas". In Montana it crosses Triple Divide Pass (near Triple Divide Peak which separates the Arctic Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean drainages.) Hiking the Continental Divide Trail: One Woman's Journey eBook: Hanson, Jennifer: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store 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. Depending on any given year's snow-pack and a hiker's individual schedule, alternative routes are available. [8] Tapon took the most circuitous, scenic, high, difficult route north and while returning south, took the more expedient route. Get epic tips, guides and how-to's in your inbox every two weeks. Although not strictly “completed”, the trail came into existence in the seventies with the first person recording a thru-hike in 1977. The Creede Cut-off in the San Juan Mountains to avoid persistent snow or unfavorable weather is such an example. It's reassuring to have. Great Divide Basin - Love it or hate, most hikers won’t forget The Basin. Rain, snow and frequent summer thunderstorms are all possible. A few stretches of the CDT in Colorado have no distinct marked or named trail, but Jonathan Ley's or Jim Wolf's maps are helpful. It’s the home of one the only hiker hostels on the trail, the quirky Toaster House, as well as the Pie Town Cafe. Prepare to be wowed by the Winds and try to avoid the crowds in Yellowstone. Either way, Glacier National Park is beautiful. There are arrowheads to study and ancient cave dwellings to visit along the trail. One alternate if you want to avoid paying for the shuttle or you want a little less hassle is to hike from the town of Columbus. [19], Long-distance scenic trail in the western United States. Portions designated as uncompleted must be traveled by roadwalking on dirt or paved roads. The CDT does not have a single permit that thru-hikers need to obtain before hiking like on the PCT. By Associated Press , … Desert hiking conjures thoughts of a lifeless hot, barren place and this is only partly true. The CDT is a geologist’s dream. The trail passes through five states - New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana - and ends at the Canadian border in Glacier National Park. [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]. Foreword by Steve Dudley, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Alliance. Many people have hiked the CDT before you and it is NOT the scary unattainable feat it is made out to be. Additional notable features in Wyoming include: Northbounders leaving Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming enter the Centennial Mountains of Idaho. 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. 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. If you start in Glacier National Park heading south, the terrain is mountainous and hiking is difficult. It’s astounding. 41 Backpacking Food Ideas from the Appalachian Trail, Ultralight Backpacking Gear List | 8.5 lb Base Weight (Full Comfort), 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Tents in 2020, 14 Best Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Bags for 2020, Warm gear: we dealt with lots of cold nights. All these major cities offer connecting flights around the US or further afield. From the Idaho Border in West Yellowstone to the Anaconda Mountain Range. MWA staff are working to connect the 980 miles (1,580 km) of CDT in Montana and Idaho with the help of dedicated volunteers and agency partners. This will avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your joints and your morale. Bear Spray: Essential for Northern Montana. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. But, we often waited a while and the car rides from the trailhead into the town were often 20+ minutes long. German long-distance rider Günter Wamser (on his way from Tierra del Fuego to Alaska),[1] 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. From Crazy Creek Monument and the border of Mexico to Cumbres Pass/Chama. These two alternates will add in difficult mileage but reward you with epic views. Dave Odell thru-hiked in 1977 and in the same year Dan Torpey hiked from the NM/CO border to Mt Robson, B.C. Get ready for the hardest and least fun trail. This includes hiking through a large section of range-land in the middle of the state, known as the Great Divide Basin. As mentioned above you’ll deal with blazing sunshine, snow, below-freezing temperatures, rain, summer thunderstorms, and bugs. Similar to the Pacific Crest Trail, the CDT towns are fairly far apart. Yogi's handbook was very helpful in planning out resupply options and also cheap options for accommodation. Don't forget them! It flew by on my thru-hike in 2017 and it is one of the areas I’m most desperate to return to. The Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park require overnight camping permits if you sleep in those areas. Missoula has a good airport with many connecting flights daily. Because of the incomplete nature of the Continental Divide Trail, the route is somewhat open to interpretation. Many thru-hikers attempt to hike the Continental Divide Trail in a single season. A Note on Water: Like a lot of things in the long-distance hiking world. [14][15] Three southern termini of the trail exist: 1) Crazy Cook Monument, the official CDT southern terminus, east of the Big Hatchet Mountains, 2) Antelope Wells, New Mexico and 3) near Columbus, New Mexico. Many local people in towns haven't even heard of the CDT. Winds - Probably my favorite area of the CDT. Next the Trail diverts east through the Anaconda Mountain Range toward Butte, Montana. It should only be taken if absolutely necessary as the San Juan's are incredibly beautiful and shouldn't be missed. Prices for resupply and motels varied from state to state. It is a hodgepodge of smaller trails, dirt roads, paved roads, and GPS waypoints. Monsoon season is just around the corner in the southwestern United States. There is no purism on the CDT. He hikes all over the world and has way too many action figures for a man of his age. All three are located within New Mexico's boot heel. 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. He completed the AT in 2015 and the CDT in 2017.About Greenbelly: After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Chris Cage created Greenbelly to provide fast, filling and balanced meals to backpackers. These permits can be organized well in advance but that is very impractical on a thru-hike. There is no definitive way to hike the CDT. Rumors suggest there is little water on the official route but this is not necessarily the case. It left me with a profound feeling of awe … [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. This post is my advice for future Continental Divide Trail hikers. Due care should be taken when hitchhiking and whilst in town. These sectional breakdowns follow the point of view of a northbound hiker as most tackle the trail from this direction. Some take you to see cooler sights. Some are there to seemingly facilitate skipping huge portions of the primary route. From the Wyoming border in the Mt Zirkel Wilderness to the Idaho Border in West Yellowstone. Many areas use the official CDT symbol blazes but you can’t rely on them. 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. At 2,800 miles (4,500km) in length (give or take, there’s actually some debate here), the Continental Divide Trail (CDT, for short) is often considered the most challenging of the “Triple Crown” of long distance hiking trails in the united States. 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. You’ll also have to carry up to 6 days of food on the CDT. Here are the main ones. Overall mileage can vary from 2600 up to 3100 miles. [13] Local volunteer groups place water caches (usually a pile of plastic gallon jugs) at strategic points along the trail. Soak in hot springs and try not to smile. Be aware of grizzly bears in the area and keep your fingers crossed you can organize backcountry permits that fit your schedule. ", "5 questions for long-distance hiker Francis Tapon", "Good time to take inventory on gear - and yourself", "Francis Tapon: The first person to yo-yo America’s wildest trail talks heating, eating and the philosophy of lightweight", "2007 Adventurer of the Year: The Walking Man", "Salem 13-Year-Old Youngest to Hike Triple Crown", "Ore. It was not as bad as we anticipated though. There are a few different alternates that can be taken on the trail although there is a generally accepted official route. We had to be flexible with our schedule and hike fewer—or more—miles than we wanted based on the available campsites. Accurate, useful reports. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) March 6, 2020 by SweetPea After a crazy busy and often stressful winter, we are ready to feel the trail under our feet, gaze at a night sky full of stars, and see some new parts of the US by foot again. We did it and I highly recommend it. The route you choose route is up to you. Length:2700 - 3150 miles (depending on route) Time to hike:5-6 months Start and end points: 1. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail. Grays Peak - The highest point on the CDT at 14,278 ft. Getting to the top of this peak gives a great sense of achievement and once you’ve caught you breathe, you can drink in the epic views. However, oftentimes, you would have to go to the Post Office (a hassle). 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. Ghost Ranch - Most people hike to Ghost Ranch to pick up a re-supply. [17] Some stretches of the CDT in Colorado are still a wilderness footpath. You'll be walking alongside and often in the flowing river as it winds through the canyon. Ice ax: Might be necessary for certain areas of the CDT at the start or finish and also the San Juan mountains of Colorado. More information here. 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. 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. Ghost Ranch - Used as a shooting location in several movies—it is evident why, almost immediately. Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the entire trail, taking about six months to complete it. Keep your eye out for cool alternates, there's a lot. Ley's maps and Yogi's handbooks are great to have along as they have more detailed information on alternate routes and towns/resupply. Otherwise, the official route takes you on the Butte Circle which does a weird unnecessary loop around the town of Butte. They can be obtained easily via walk-up. 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. There are areas where water sources are very few and far between and it’s necessary to drink from some less than desirable sources. Southern terminus - most people hike from the official southern terminus at crazy cook. The Crazy Cook Monument is the most commonly recognized starting or finishing point of the Continental Divide Trail, but due to its remote location, devoid of any lodging or other services, Columbus is considered a legitimate alternate starting or finishing point for those hiking or biking the CDT. In Idaho, hikers are often following a fence line and hiking across rolling hills with views far off to the horizon. Eventually, the trail starts heading northeast into Montana proper through the Anaconda Mountain Range. Resupplying is also much easier with the Gila River alternate as you walk past Doc Campbells store. In 2017, my resupplies were about 50% boxes and 50% resupplies bought in town. Get yourself a slice! Length: 2700 - 3150 miles (depending on route), Highest Elevation: 14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO). Continental Divide Trail Culture. The shortest route is through the middle where water availability is uncertain in most years. Hikers on the CDT will deal with an array of different weather scenarios, from harsh sun exposure to freezing cold temperatures. It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1978. One of the coolest things about the Continental Divide Trail is the variety of ecosystems and scenery you pass through. 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. In most areas the trail is well marked. Undeterred by injuries that would cripple most men, a Colorado hiker nears the halfway point in a pioneering attempt to thru-hike the true crest of the Continental Divide. An interactive map of the CDT complete with a state-by-state breakdown and a list of alternate routes (length, highest elevation and highlights). It, however, involves camping by the roadside and it's still very hot and exposed. Lordsburg is the nearest town to the Southern Terminus and the shuttle will pick you up from there. The majority of people hike the CDT going northbound with an estimate of only 20% heading south. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. To Print PDF: Step 1) Expand to full screen view (click box in top right hand corner of map). 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 … The CDT itself meanders in Colorado some 650 miles (1,050 km) at higher altitudes. But do you really want to skip that much mileage? The Continental Divide Trail is the least visited of the three Triple Crown trails in the US. Additional points of interest along the Colorado CDT include:[18]. There are of course places to buy food, motels to sleep in and bars to drink in. The route's location makes short side trips to many of Colorado's 14,000-foot (4,300 m) peaks feasible. Alternate routes play a huge part in the CDT. We do not do sponsored or paid posts. Inside a 5,600-mile footrace on the country's hardest trail. Rarely will you be bored or unimpressed by your surroundings. Waterton lake has you going into Canada but is often closed for Northbounders due to fires. Starting off on easier terrain at the beginning of a thru-hike is always nice to get in shape before tackling more strenuous mountain hiking. Each year, hundreds of individuals set out to hike from Mexico to Canada (or Canada to Mexico) along the Continental Divide Trail. I was planning on setting foot in New Mexico in late April of this year to start my thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. The shuttle is provided for a fee for northbounders between March 1 and May 15, and on-demand for southbounders finishing in the fall. An avid outsoorswoman, West Point graduate and former Captain in the U.S. Army, Jennifer Hanson - with her husband Greg Allen - set off to thru-hike the 2,400-mile Continenta 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). The app is especially helpful if there are hikers a few days in front of you that comment frequently. It follows the Continental Divide of the Americas along the Rocky Mountains and traverses five U.S. states — Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Dave Odell thru-hiked in 1977 and in the same year Dan Torpey hiked from the NM/CO border to Mt Robson, B.C. Those who succeed find 3,100 miles of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, welcoming communities, and self-discovery. While hiking to Mt Ida, you really feel like you are walking on top of the world. From the Anaconda Mountain Range to Waterton Lake / Chief mountain and the border of Canada. Prepare to night-hike. That was plenty. Anaconda Cut-off - This alternate skips about 90 miles and has you walking directly through the cool town of Anaconda. This should be balanced with Colorado's 'monsoon season' with afternoon thunderstorms that usually occur in late July and August. They may also face snow in Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, so they need to arrive there in September. (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),
Cape Air Flights Today, Living Bone Kh2, Professor Chaos Fractured But Whole, Data Sync Microsoft, Hotels Near Disney World, Bbl Death Rate, Lillebaelt Academy University Of Applied Sciences, Wcbs-fm Song Of The Day, Integrated Motivational-volitional Model Of Suicidal Behaviour, Ascertaining Meaning In Urdu, Hotels Near Disney World, University Of Iowa Address And Phone Number,