Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Hiker on the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado. Photo: BLM

The Continental Divide is the spine of the Western Hemisphere, from Alaska’s Brooks Range to the Andes in South America. It creates a natural division for rivers. The national trail runs approx. 3,100 miles from the Canadian border south to the Mexican border.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail might well be considered as the most challenging and rigorous of the continent’s triple crown of long trails – the other two being the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Designated in 1978, it’s known to have the longest trail distance.

Hiking the Continental Divide Trail

Its entire length traverses five states, namely Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. It will require some four to five months of trekking to finish the entire trail. Trekkers can expect a variety of ecosystems, an abundance of wildlife and thousands of natural, historical and cultural treasures.

Its total extent passes through 25 National Forests, 21 Wilderness Areas, 3 National Parks, 1 National Monument, 8 Bureau of Land Management Resource Areas. The Colorado section of the trail holds the highest peak, which is the Grays Peak, having an elevation of over 14000 feet. Glacier National Park, with an elevation of 4,200 feet, is its lowest and is situated in Montana.

About 800 miles of its length is situated in Colorado. It interestingly coincides with the Colorado Trail for about 200 miles, and passes through many of the highest mountains in Colorado, such as the Sawatch Mountain Range, Mount Elbert, Mount Massive and the San Juan Mountain.

Other interesting places along the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado include Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, Wolf Creek Pass, and the North, Middle and South Parks. Grand Lake is a great spot for getting replenishments for the Continental Divide Trail hikers.

Day hikes on Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail in Colorado also has plenty of options for doing day or just short hikes:

Berthoud Pass to Stanley Mountain (1,594 feet vertical) – 6.9 miles round trip, with trailhead access from I-70 to US 40

Herman Gulch (1,919 feet vertical) – 7.5 miles round trip, with trailhead access from I-70

Parkview Mountain (2,913 feet vertical) – 10 miles round trip, with trailhead access from Willow Creek Pass on CO-125

Mount Edwards (2,950 feet vertical) – 7 miles round trip, with trailhead access from Argentine Pass

Camping on Continental Divide Trail

Whether trekking the trail for a few hours or a few days, some considerations must always be kept in mind. Arctic weather conditions typically lasts for nine months (September to May), which may make the adventure on the Continental Divide dangerous.

Wilderness permits are required for doing an overnight camping in the Glacier National Park (Montana), the Yellowstone National Park (parts of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana), the Blackfeet Reservation (Montana), the Indian Peaks Wilderness (Colorado) and the Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado). Self-contained stoves (for cooking) and metal grates (for camp fires) are also required. Pets, especially dogs, are not allowed in most wilderness areas.

Fishing on Continental Divide Trail

Aside from camping, fishing (license required) is another popular activity, especially in the Rocky Mountain National Park. To protect wildlife, hunting is strictly prohibited in these wilderness areas.