How Long is the Continental Divide Trail?

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of the most challenging long-distance trails in the United States, stretching across five states and covering some of the most remote and rugged terrains in the country. The trail's length, however, isn't as straightforward as one might think. Different sources report varying numbers, leading many hikers to wonder: How long is the Continental Divide Trail?

Varying Reports on the Trail’s Length

There are different length estimates for the Continental Divide Trail, ranging from 3,028 miles (4,873 km) This discrepancy arises from factors like alternate routes, trail reroutes, and ongoing trail maintenance. The trail is constantly evolving, with new sections added or rerouted to improve the hiker's experience or preserve the environment.

Official Measurement

According to the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC), the official length of the CDT is 3,028 miles. This measurement is based on the most up-to-date route, but keep in mind that your actual mileage may vary depending on the specific route choices you make.

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The Path of the Continental Divide Trail

Start and End Points

The CDT begins at the Mexican border in New Mexico and ends at the Canadian border in Montana. These two points mark the start and finish of one of the longest and most remote hiking trails in the world.

States the CDT Passes Through

The trail winds through five states: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Each state offers its own unique challenges and breathtaking scenery, from the deserts of New Mexico to the towering peaks of Montana.

 

Notable Highlights Along the Trail

Throughout its length, the CDT offers some incredible highlights, including Glacier National Park, the Wind River Range, and the San Juan Mountains. These locations are known for their stunning beauty and are often considered the crown jewels of the trail.

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How Long Does It Take to Hike the Continental Divide Trail?

Average Duration for Thru-Hiking

The typical time frame for completing a thru-hike of the CDT is 5-6 months. This duration can vary widely depending on a hiker's pace, the conditions they encounter, and the amount of time they take for rest days or side trips.

Factors Influencing Duration

Several factors can influence how long it takes to hike the CDT:

• Weather conditions can significantly impact your progress.
• Your pace and fitness level will determine how many miles you can cover each day.
• Trail conditions and resupply logistics can also play a role in your overall time on the trail.

Seasonality Considerations

The best time of year to start the CDT depends on the weather. Most northbound hikers begin in late April to early May, while southbound hikers start in late June to early July. Starting too early or late can result in dangerous snow conditions or extreme heat.

 

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Physical and Mental Challenges on the CDT

Solitude

One of the most significant challenges of the CDT is the solitude. Unlike the Appalachian Trail (AT) or Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the CDT is much less crowded. While this offers a unique opportunity for solitude and reflection, it can also be mentally taxing.

Big Water Carries & Dry Camping

In certain sections of the CDT, particularly in New Mexico, water sources can be scarce. Hikers must be prepared for big water carries and dry camping, which requires careful planning and strategy.

Snow Travel & Storms

Hiking the CDT often involves snow travel, especially in the high-altitude regions of Colorado and Montana. Storms and big temperature swings can also pose significant challenges, requiring hikers to be well-prepared and adaptable.

High Altitude

The CDT takes hikers to some of the highest points in the continental United States, including Grays Peak in Colorado. High altitude can cause altitude sickness, and acclimatization is essential.

Navigation Challenges

The CDT is notoriously known for its navigation challenges. Unlike the well-marked AT or PCT, the CDT often has poor markings, and hikers must rely on navigation tools like GPS and maps.

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Planning Your CDT Hike

Choosing a Direction

When planning your CDT hike, you'll need to decide whether to hike northbound (NOBO) or southbound (SOBO). Each direction has its advantages and challenges, which are worth considering based on your preferences and the time of year you plan to start.

Picking a Start Date

Choosing the right start date is crucial. As mentioned earlier, starting too early or too late can expose you to severe weather conditions. Most hikers choose their start date based on snow conditions in Colorado and Montana.

Permits & Regulations

Hiking the CDT requires several permits depending on the sections you plan to hike. These can include wilderness permits, national park permits, and camping permits. It's essential to research and obtain the necessary permits well in advance.

Continental Divide Trail Permits Checklist

State/Section	Permit Required	Description	How to Obtain
Montana (Glacier National Park)	Glacier National Park Backcountry Permit	Required for backcountry camping in Glacier National Park.	Reserve through the Glacier National Park website or call the park's backcountry office.
Montana (Bob Marshall Wilderness)	Bob Marshall Wilderness Permit	Required for backcountry camping in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.	Obtain at the Forest Service office or online through the Flathead National Forest website.
Idaho (Salmon-Challis National Forest)	No permit required for general hiking	Permits are not required for general hiking, but a permit is needed for camping in certain areas.	Check with the local ranger district for specific requirements.
Idaho (Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness)	Wilderness Permit	Required for backcountry camping in the Frank Church Wilderness.	Obtain at the ranger district office or online through the Salmon-Challis National Forest website.
Wyoming (Bridger-Teton National Forest)	No permit required for general hiking	Permits are not required for general hiking; a permit may be needed for specific areas.	Check with the local ranger district office for specifics.
Wyoming (Wind River Range)	Wilderness Permit	Required for backcountry camping in the Wind River Range.	Obtain from the Bridger-Teton National Forest or the Shoshone National Forest office.
Colorado (San Juan National Forest)	No permit required for general hiking	Permits are not required for general hiking, but some areas may require permits for camping.	Check with the local ranger district office for specifics.
Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park)	Rocky Mountain National Park Permit	Required for backcountry camping in the park.	Reserve through the Rocky Mountain National Park website.
New Mexico (Gila National Forest)	Wilderness Permit	Required for backcountry camping in the Gila Wilderness.	Obtain at the ranger district office or online through the Gila National Forest website.
New Mexico (Santa Fe National Forest)	No permit required for general hiking	Permits are not required for general hiking; specific areas may require permits.	Check with the local ranger district office for specifics.

 

 

Budgeting

A thru-hike of the CDT can be expensive. You'll need to budget for gear, food, permits, travel costs, and resupply. Many hikers find that it costs between $4,000 to $10,000 to complete the trail, depending on their spending habits.

Physical Preparation

Proper physical preparation is key to a successful thru-hike. Training should focus on building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Consider incorporating long hikes, strength training, and possibly altitude training into your routine.

Putting Your Regular Life on Hold

A CDT thru-hike is a significant commitment, and you’ll likely need to put your regular life on hold for several months. This includes planning for time away from work, family, and other responsibilities.

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Wildlife Encounters on the CDT

Rattlesnakes & Rodents

In the drier regions of the CDT, you may encounter rattlesnakes and rodents. While rattlesnakes are generally not aggressive, it’s important to know how to handle an encounter safely.

Bears & Moose

The northern sections of the CDT, particularly in Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado, are home to bears and moose. Proper bear safety measures, including carrying bear spray and storing food securely, are essential.

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Gear Essentials for the Continental Divide Trail

Backpack & Shelter

Choosing the right backpack and shelter is crucial for a successful CDT hike. Your gear needs to be lightweight yet durable enough to withstand the trail's demanding conditions.

Sleeping Gear

A good sleeping bag or quilt and sleeping pad are essential for staying warm and comfortable during the cold nights on the CDT. Choose gear that is appropriate for the temperatures you’ll encounter.

Camp Kitchen & Water Filtration

Your camp kitchen setup should be efficient and lightweight. You'll also need a reliable water filtration system to ensure you have safe drinking water throughout the hike.

Clothing & Footwear

Layering is key when it comes to clothing for the CDT. Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking layers that can be easily added or removed as temperatures change. Footwear should be sturdy and comfortable, as you'll be covering long distances on rugged terrain.

Navigation Tools

Given the CDT's navigation challenges, you'll need reliable navigation tools such as a GPS device, maps, and possibly a compass. Familiarize yourself with these tools before hitting the trail.

Food & Nutrition

Meal planning is critical on the CDT. You'll need to ensure you have enough calories to sustain your energy levels while keeping your pack weight manageable. Many hikers prefer to resupply along the trail rather than carry all their food from the start.

First-Aid & Miscellaneous Items

Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit to handle common injuries and ailments on the trail. Other miscellaneous items might include a multi-tool, headlamp, and extra batteries.

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Resupplying on the CDT

Mail Drops

One way to resupply on the CDT is through mail drops. You can send packages of food and supplies to post offices or other resupply points along the trail.

Grocery Stores

In addition to mail drops, there are several grocery stores along the CDT where you can purchase supplies. Planning your resupply points in advance is crucial for a smooth hike.

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Day and Section Hikes on the CDT

If a full thru-hike isn't in your plans, there are plenty of options for day hikes or section hikes along the CDT. Some of the most popular sections include:

Glacier National Park

This section offers some of the most stunning scenery on the CDT, with rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.

Wind River Range

The Wind River Range in Wyoming is another popular section, known for its dramatic landscapes and challenging terrain.

San Juan Mountains

The San Juan Mountains in Colorado provide a mix of high-altitude hiking and beautiful alpine scenery.

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How Dangerous is the Continental Divide Trail?

Weather-Related Dangers

The CDT is known for its extreme weather conditions, including snowstorms, lightning, and temperature swings. Hikers must be prepared for sudden changes in weather and know how to handle these situations.

Wildlife Hazards

Encounters with wildlife, particularly bears, can pose a significant risk on the CDT. Proper food storage and carrying bear spray are essential for safety.

Navigational Risks

Given the poor trail markings in some sections, there's a real risk of getting lost. Always carry a reliable navigation tool and be aware of your surroundings.

Physical Strain

The sheer physical demands of the CDT can also be dangerous. It's crucial to listen to your body and take rest days as needed to avoid overexertion.

Risk	Description	Likelihood	Severity
Solitude	Hiking long stretches alone with limited human contact.	High	Medium
Big Water Carries	Carrying large amounts of water due to long distances between sources.	High	High
Questionable Water Sources	Potentially unsafe or scarce water sources.	Medium	High
Storms & Temperature Swings	Sudden weather changes, including snow and thunderstorms.	High	High
Snow Travel	Navigating through snow-covered areas, increasing difficulty.	Medium	High
Navigation Challenges	Poorly marked trails and reliance on GPS/maps.	High	Medium
High Altitude	Risk of altitude sickness due to high elevations.	Medium	High
Wildlife Encounters	Potential encounters with bears, rattlesnakes, and moose.	Medium	High
Hitchhiking	Relying on rides for resupply or escape from remote areas.	Low	Medium

 

 

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Conclusion

The Continental Divide Trail is a true test of a hiker's abilities, offering unparalleled solitude, beauty, and challenges. Whether you're planning a thru-hike or just dreaming of hitting the trail one day, the CDT provides an adventure like no other.