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The Continental Divider Trail travels through some of the wildest, most beautiful, remote areas that America has to offer, but few have time to hike the entire 3,100 miles of wild beasts. Fortunately, a week-long or even weekend hike was done on the continental divide, which was enough to make this national scenic trail a wonderful tasting from Mexico to Canada to New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana.
As a former person Reorganize their lives to CDTI understand the appeal of using only PTO days to explore some of the best parts. I also understand the overwhelming feeling of trying to decide where to start. These five continental mountain trail hikes stand out in my memory as hikers can do some of the most enjoyable trails on long weekends or less. Note: Official CDT miles will vary slightly depending on the mapping service you are using.
Gilla Cliff House and Jordan Springs, New Mexico
mile: 13.8 miles (rewind, add a 1 mile loop to view the Gila Cliffs Residential National Monument)
Elevation changes: 2,393′ rise, 2,378′ fall
sky: 1-2
CDT Mile Marker: Gillar River High Route Replacement Miles 0.7-3.0> Bear Canyon Replacement (1.9 miles)> Gillar River Replacement Miles 48.9-51.6. Reward: Gilla Cliff Residential National Monument 1 Mile Ring.
In a true CDT way, the first part is actually a combination of official alternatives. Most CDT hikers choose the Gila River to alternate on the official trails (for good reason). Gila River Canyon is a beautiful setting, unlike CDT’s route. The point you can get in the river, but this particular route maximizes beauty and culture while trying to minimize wet feet on your feet.
For additional history, start your trip at the 1 mile ring around the National Monument of Gila Cliff Residence. Although not an official part of the CDT, or even a formal alternative, if you are in the area, it is worth a trip nearby. Afterwards, start a longer hike from TJ Corral Trailhead, which replaces the Gilagao route CDT. Follow this trail 2.3 miles until you reach the junction with the Bear Trail, which will take you through nearly 2 miles of winding Bear Canyon. At the end of the canyon, you will join the alternation of the Gila River. Turn left at the intersection, less than 3 miles to reach Jordan Hot Springs. Relax tired legs in the oasis of Eden and recharge your hike or nearby camp.
If you have extra time, continue past Jordan Springs to enjoy more of the towering walls of the Gila River Canyon and turn around as you fill yourself up.
Grey and Tory Peak, Colorado
mile: 17.7 miles (point point, reduce mileage with 4WD vehicle)
Elevation changes: 5,109′ rise, 5,794′ fall
sky: 1-2
CDT Mile Marker: 1258.9-1276.6
This breathtaking part of the Continental Mountain Trail takes you to the high point of the trail, with a grey peak (14,254 feet). Although not on the official continental subdivision trail, Torris (14,275 feet) shares a saddle with the grey, just 0.7 miles from the Grays Summit (worth a treat). On the way to the grey, you also summit Edwards Hill (13,839 feet). The 1.3-mile section between Edwards Mountain and Grays is a Level 2 ridge, and I don’t recommend anyone to avoid exposure.
Starting this day, keep an eye on the weather as most hikes are on the tree line and are much slower than typical hiking. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Colorado Highlands country with a hard and exposed terrain. Don’t forget to turn your descent into Grays Peak Trailhead as you succeed in bringing your peaks to full extent. If you’re lucky, you might even see a goat or two.
Space shuttle between the parking car between the Chihuahua Lake Path and the I-70 (or Herman Gulch Trailhead). If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can access the 4WD trail and cut some miles from one or both hikes.
Tower circular loop, Wyoming
mile: 23.8 miles (cycle)
Elevation changes: 4,465′ rise, 4,449′ fall
sky: 2-3
CDT Mile Marker: Round alternative mile of tower 11.4 – 21.5> CDT mile 1773.7-1781.9 (plus 5.5 miles of Fremont and the big sandy beach)
Although technically, this is Tatta’s Sun probably just one of the most iconic places on the CDT, not the main road. This loop will take you along the best parts of the alternative as well as some official CDT miles. This is the best place to park your car in a convenient place.
As we all know, the Fenghe Mountains are difficult to enter. Since the Big Sandy Trailhead is one of the most introverted trails in the series, long drives on dirt and padded roads are expected (although 2WD vehicles should be able to handle them well). From the trail, follow the Fremont Trail to the large sandy trail, which will eventually become the official bondage of the tower. Big Sandy Lake is a great campground for the night and it will bring you a gorgeous second day in Cirque. Starting from Big Sandy Lake, continue on the Big Sandy trails around Jackass Pass and Lonesome Lake, this is the highlight of the loop and a great place to stop for a long lunch. (If you choose to camp in the area, be aware of the restrictions, as there is no camping within a quarter of a mile of the lake.)
Hike from the lonely lake with a powerful Texas pass. Once you pass, you will hike a range of breathtaking alpine lakes. Eventually, you will join the Shadow Lake Trail and follow it until you reach the intersection of 7096 Trail or the official Continental Divide National Sivic Trail. Bring it back to the large sandy trail and eventually bring it back to your car.
Shoshone Geyser Basin & Old Faithful Village in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
mile: 26.5 miles (point to point)
Elevation changes: 2,492′ rise, 2,995′ fall
sky: 2-3
CDT Mile Marker: 1975.8-2002.3
In this yellow yellowstone section, geothermal activity is fascinating and sometimes disturbing. Start the hike in a parking lot north of the Heart Lake Off-Road Mountains on South Entrance Road. (If you have extra time, I recommend you go back 15 miles on the Heart Lake Trail until its eponymous crosses Heart Lake Geyser Basin.) From the parking lot, take a CDT along the coast of Lewis Lake, eventually parallel and then cross the Lewis River in Shoshone Lake Outlet. After hiking at Shoshone Lake, you will arrive at Shoshone Geyser Basin. Here you will be attracted by signs of warning you to stay on the track, as hovering on the path can lead to the potentially fatality of many geothermal springs in the area. (Unlike the former pie of the park, these geysers will have no other visitors or park infrastructure to fully reveal. Next to the trail, every 2 or 3 minutes every 2 or 3 minutes.) Consider resting in the area for a long time and soaking in these incredible geological features of sulfuric acid steam.
After crossing the basin, walk through some relatively boring forests before reaching the infamous old faithful village. End your hike here or continue along the boardwalk, home to many beautiful geysers and springs, with plenty of information patches to read carefully in your leisure time. (Please note that the parking lot and boardwalk in the Biscuit Basin north of the Old Believer is currently closed after a hydrothermal explosion in July 2024; Find the latest information on the park website. . If opened, I recommend following CDT until the parking area on the Fire Hole River on the Grand Loop for maximum geothermal sightseeing.
Remember, you need Obtain a license Spend the night in the park.
Two medicines from Pitamakan and Triple Divide Pass to Lake St. Mary’s in Montana Glacier National Park
mile: 39.3 (point to point)
Elevation changes: 9,468′ rise, 9,347′ fall
sky: 3-4 days
CDT Mile Marker: 2,906.0-2945.3
It’s nearly impossible to choose a “must-hike” section in CDT’s Glacier National Park, as most of it’s amazing. The nearly 40-mile section between the two drugs and St. Mary will take you to reveal some incredible highlights, including two passes and some gorgeous waterfalls.
Start two drugs on the Pitamakan Pass trail and gradually rise into the mountains, enjoying the scenery of Pitamakan and Oldman Lakes from the pass of the same name. Drive north on the Continental Dividing Trail and eventually board the triple Dividing Pass. To the left of the hiker is the hydrological peak of the North American continent. Depending on which side of its mountain, rainwater from the triple divergence can flow into the Pacific, Atlantic, or Arctic oceans. During my visit, I saw the Bighorn Sheep on this pass and used the elk horn as a soundtrack for the drop. As you progress, you will hike along the park’s famous suspension bridge and the coast of Red Eagle Lake, where I wake up and find moose playing in the water.
Finally, you will reach the shores of the vast Lake St. Mary. After passing Virginia Falls, you will come to a bridge over St. Mary’s Falls. If you feel adventurous, consider using a cliff to hop into the St. Mary River on the other side of the bridge to wash away the dirt from travel. When you see it, you will know the right place.
Remember, you will License required Camping in the park. Conveniently, the remote campground of the Glacier has pit toilets and poles to hang your food. Consider checking out the park’s transit options to avoid shuttle cars.
Tips for new mainland partition hikers
The Wyoming and Montana sections on this list are located on the Grizzly Territory, so Please bring bear spray If you choose to access these areas, store your food appropriately. It is also worth noting that due to the nature of CDT, many of these trails are quite far away. However, 2WD vehicles can access them. I promise that any logistical obstacles involved in arriving at these places are worth the hassle.