If you're unsure, take the official route but these alternates are well worthwhile. Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. [19], Long-distance scenic trail in the western United States. But do you really want to skip that much mileage? Things to know before hiking the Continental Divide Trail Also know as the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, this thru-hike is the third one of the Triple Crown of long-distance hiking in the United States. It feels like every plant wants to stick to you or scratch you. 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. More information here. Northern terminus: Waterton Lake Highest Elevation:14,278 ft (Grays Peak CO) Lowest Elevation:4,200 ft The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a long-distance trail that runs from the Canadian border to the Mexican border. 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. 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. It left me with a profound feeling of awe … Lastly, you'll have to take normal precautions against rattlesnakes and other wildlife. Water containers: There are some long stretches where you need to carry a good amount of water with you. My Continental Divide Trail Hike I hope to hike the Continental Divide Trail in the near future. Farther north the CDT traverses the mountainous 'bench' of the Wind River Range and then through the Absaroka Range in the northwest portion of the state. It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1978. Many local people in towns haven't even heard of the CDT. There’s a lot of fear-mongering about the water situation on the Continental Divide Trail. This is an important factor to consider when planning a trip around work or other commitments. 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. Northbound hikers head off in April and southbounders start in June. But, we often waited a while and the car rides from the trailhead into the town were often 20+ minutes long. I believe the Guthook App and Yogi's guidebook get you 95% ready when planning your hike. [16] From Columbus, the route is a roadwalk to Lordsburg. Located 3 miles from the International Port of Entry at Palomas, Mexico, Columbus is a small border village with several amenities including two modest hotels, a gas station, a handful of small cafes, a US Post Office, a bank, auto mechanics, and grocery stores. Chief Mountain is a little bit more accessible. It is more rugged hiking and skips some of the boring sections of Idaho. Accurate, useful reports. With proper planning and paying attention to comments on Guthook and up to date water reports, you’ll be fine. Since 2019 it’s necessary to obtain a Recreational Access Permit to hike through New Mexico. To Print PDF: Step 1) Expand to full screen view (click box in top right hand corner of map). A Note on Water: Like a lot of things in the long-distance hiking world. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (in short Continental Divide Trail (CDT)) is a United States National Scenic Trail running 3,100 miles (5,000 km) between Chihuahua and Alberta. [13] Local volunteer groups place water caches (usually a pile of plastic gallon jugs) at strategic points along the trail. The Continental Divide Trail, which stretches 3,100 miles through five states from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada, is considered one of … 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. Each year, hundreds of individuals set out to hike from Mexico to Canada (or Canada to Mexico) along the Continental 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. States: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico: Distance: Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the entire trail, taking about six months to complete it. Anaconda Cut-off - This alternate skips about 90 miles and has you walking directly through the cool town of Anaconda. Dave Odell thru-hiked in 1977 and in the same year Dan Torpey hiked from the NM/CO border to Mt Robson, B.C. Due care should be taken when hitchhiking and whilst in town. Ghost Ranch - Used as a shooting location in several movies—it is evident why, almost immediately. Get ready for the hardest and least fun trail. The water sources are notorious in NM. The navigation itself is not the same as on the AT or PCT where you can always have your head down and follow a well-trodden and blazed trail. 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. 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. 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