Thru-hiking trails

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The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of the three main thru-hikes in the United States that make up the famous “triple crown.” The trail stretches 4990 kilometers between the Mexican and Canadian borders across the central spine of the US. You trek for roughly 5-6 months through deserts, the northern rocky mountains, and forested hills. This is the most rugged of its sister trails in the east [link] and west [link], and passes through five states. Only around 200 people complete the full thru each year, and the majority of them hike northbound from the Mexican border. 

New Mexico

The first segment of this trek is the longest, 1320 kilometers, and starts at the Crazy Creek Monument near the border with Mexico. This section crosses the Chihuahuan desert and is considered to be the “desert segment” of the trail. It should be attempted earlier in the year to avoid heat exhaustion and give the snow of the northern sections enough time to melt. Water sources exist in this section but are infamous for how rough they are. 

The desert is teeming with life. If you’re lucky, you’ll see reptiles and diverse bird life in the Chihuahuan desert and black bears and elk in the northern El Malpais National Monument region. 

Colorado

This is where you climb some serious altimeters. This section of the trail is 1290 kilometers, and the majority of those kilometers are spent hiking at over 3,000 altimeters. This section coincides with much of the Colorado Trail, so you can complete two massive thru-hikes in one go!

During this section, you spend most of your time in impressive mountain ranges. You pass through Weminuche Wilderness, the San Juan National Forest, the Collegiate Peaks, Indian Peaks, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Talk about bagging peaks! 

Take note that in the San Juans, you may need to take the Creede Cutoff to skip snow depending on the season before. You also need overnight camping permits in the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. Luckily, these can be obtained via walk-up. 

Wyoming

This segment begins in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness and ends in West Yellowstone. The two are a perfect mix of the national parks in the United States. This section of the trail is only 820 kilometers but is the most diverse of the segments.

Traverse through the Great Divide Basin, where the trail splits in two, forming a circle around the great plains. These plains don’t have much water and can be brutally hot. Because of this, many hikers choose to hike at night to avoid the scorching heat. You climb out of the basin and into the Wind River Range, known for its jagged peaks and wildflower meadows. This park contains the majority of the largest remaining glaciers in the lower states, too! Finally, you end the segment in Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States.

Idaho

The shortest segment on the trail, the Idaho section is only 290 kilometers long. The trail turns into rolling hills, open prairies and sprawling meadows. The CDT boasts much American history, and the highest point that the Lewis and Clark expedition crossed over is in the Idaho section, Lemhi Pass. 

Montana

End the trail in the majestic Montana. It stretches out for 1290 kilometers before reaching the northern terminus at Waterton Lake. You push yourself up into the mountains one more time to experience the rugged terrain in Bob Marshall Wilderness, Flathead National Forest, and much-loved Glacier National Park. 

When you descend from Glacier, you will reach the lowest point on the trail, Waterton Lake, which is at 1280 altimeters. This trail is some serious lung training!

When to hike:

For northbound hikers, the season for this trail is April to October. And for southbounders, the season is from June to November. Snow is a major indicator of when you will hike, so exact start times are in flux until closer to the date. 

Do not forget:

We have created a complete gear list for thru-hikers, and have some specific items for the CT listed here:

  • Warm gear: This includes an extra warm sleeping bag and extra layers.
  • Ice ax: You don’t need to carry this the whole time, but may find it helpful for certain sections can have it shipped to you.
  • Microspikes: These are helpful for snow and ice.
  • Water containers: Helpful for long stretches without water resupplies.
  • Bear spray: Essential for at least the Montana section.

Good to know:

There are resupply towns in every state, although they can be fairly far apart. Make sure to send ahead boxes with your favorite treats if the towns don’t have what you need. Some of the towns are rural and folks may not know about the CDT, so be prepared to be a representative of the thru-hiking community!

 

Helpful links: The Continental Divide Trail US Forest Service

Photos courtesy of the Continental Divide Trail

 

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