The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) estimates that as of December 2015, 85 percent of the trail is completed. Yogi's handbook was very helpful in planning out resupply options and also cheap options for accommodation. Of all the five states traversed by the CDT, Wyoming has the most diverse terrain. While the Appalachian Trail (AT) and Pacific Crest Trail receive thousands of people attempting thru-hikes each year, the Continental Divide Trail hosts around 200. Very few people still hike the trail to this day with an estimated 200 people starting the trail per year. Additionally, there are a few areas that require permits for overnight camping such as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. For the next couple of hundred miles, the CDT follows the Continental Divide, which is also the boundary between Idaho and Montana. Ley's maps and Yogi's handbooks are great to have along as they have more detailed information on alternate routes and towns/resupply. [13] Local volunteer groups place water caches (usually a pile of plastic gallon jugs) at strategic points along the trail. It’s the highest, most remote, and, in many ways, most challenging of our National Scenic Trails. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado Overlook on the CDT. Ice ax: Might be necessary for certain areas of the CDT at the start or finish and also the San Juan mountains of Colorado. The winds have the power to simultaneously make you feel really tiny whilst making you feel glad to be alive. The village has two museums and a state park commemorating Pancho Villa's raid and the so-called Punitive Mexican Expedition led by US Army General "Blackjack" Pershing, who attempted, but failed to capture him. In exchange for referring sales, we may receive a small commission through affiliate links. There are of course places to buy food, motels to sleep in and bars to drink in. The three nearest major cities are El Paso, TX, Phoenix, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM. Blown down trees are often an issue—as is sun exposure. You’ll likely spot some cowboys on the horizon. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a long-distance trail that runs from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. Either way, Glacier National Park is beautiful. Approximately 110 miles (177 km) of the CDT traverses Glacier National Park. Thru-hiking the CDT is an adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not for the faint of heart. There is no purism on the CDT. The gear used on most long-distance hikes is about the same but here are a few things that are specific to the CDT. The CDT itself meanders in Colorado some 650 miles (1,050 km) at higher altitudes. The trail passes through five states - New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana - and ends at the Canadian border in Glacier National Park. 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. States: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico: Distance: The Continental Divide Trail Survey is the successor to the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey and began following my (first) CDT thru-hike in 2017.. As was the case with the PCT, I struggled to find a lot of CDT-related information when planning my hike (or at least while attempting to plan my hike). Most hikers will choose to hike the Gila River wilderness, a beautiful winding section of the trail that follows the Gila River. Equal parts backpacking food and ultralight gear. More information here. 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. I never had any real problems but some of the towns on the Continental Divide Trail are poor rural towns. The CDT, alongside the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail make up the triple crown of hiking. We hiked the Anaconda cut off in 2017, I enjoyed the town and I would recommend it. Depending on any given year's snow-pack and a hiker's individual schedule, alternative routes are available. The CDT does not have a single permit that thru-hikers need to obtain before hiking like on the PCT. Advanced map reading and navigation skills are NOT necessary for the CDT. The following video shows you exactly what I carried on the CDT in 2017: On the CDT it's absolutely necessary to carry a tent or tarp system with you as there are no shelters on the route. The grand finale is Yellowstone National Park where the CDT is routed from Yellowstone's southern back country, to Old Faithful and then exits west to Idaho. Hikers are often forced to take the Creede Cutoff to skip heavy snow and potentially dangerous conditions in the San Juan's. This is an important factor to consider when planning a trip around work or other commitments. Desert hiking conjures thoughts of a lifeless hot, barren place and this is only partly true. [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. The CDT in New Mexico is about 700 miles (1,100 km) long and some portions have very limited water. 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). Monsoon season is just around the corner in the southwestern United States. With proper planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up to date water reports, you’ll be fine. This post is my advice for future Continental Divide Trail hikers. Founded in 2012 by a passionate group of volunteers and recreationists, CDTC is a membership organization working to building a strong community of supporters who want to see the CDT … Cirque of the Towers and Knapsack Col in the Winds -  However you choose to hike the Winds, it will be epic. The route's location makes short side trips to many of Colorado's 14,000-foot (4,300 m) peaks feasible. Each year, hundreds of individuals set out to hike from Mexico to Canada (or Canada to Mexico) along the Continental Divide Trail. Many local people in towns haven't even heard of the CDT. Many people have hiked the CDT before you and it is NOT the scary unattainable feat it is made out to be. The CDT pushed me harder than I knew I could be. We hiked it in 2017 and it was one of the most memorable parts of my thru-hike. Since 2019 it’s necessary to obtain a Recreational Access Permit to hike through New Mexico. 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