See more ideas about continental divide, trail, long trail. Most experts seem to agree that it is longer than the PCT, which is about 2,650 miles long. Most portions of the trail allow canine companions More challenging and primitive than the many other long distance trails. The actual Continental Divide Trail, which traces the crest of our continent, is 3,100 miles long and frequently tops out above 13,000 ft in elevation. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS: The Continental Divide Trail is a 3000 mile footpath that runs along the Rocky Mountain range from Mexico to Canada. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. Since the trail is so long (just shy of 3,000 miles) and the weather window can be pretty short, it often just makes sense to modify your plans as needed to accommodate trail conditions, instead of hoping the trail will conform to your needs. It takes six months to … Like the rest of you planning to do any sort of backpacking, I dialed in my gear, spent lots of $$$, and accomplished the hardest part of it all: telling worried family and friends. 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. For instance, turn north on the Continental Divide Trail near Albuquerque, New Mexico, drive the trail to I-70 near Vale, Colorado, and then head for home until you’re ready to revisit the trail. The Continental Divide Trail is the least documented of the three big hikes in the USA so it can be tricky to find solid information, but it is out there. In 2018, for the 20th anniversary of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, we completely redesigned the maps. The trail is officially 3,100 miles long. However, most thru-hikers estimate that the trail is less than 3,100 miles long. CDTC Official List of 3,000 milers The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) recognizes anyone who reports completion of the entire Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The southern terminus is at the U.S.- Mexican border near Antelope Wells, New Mexico. At 2,800 miles (4,500km) in length (give or take, there’s actually some debate here), the Continental Divide Trail (CDT, for short) is often considered the most challenging of the “Triple Crown” of long distance hiking trails in the united States. The CDT mileage estimates range from a minimum of 2500 miles (using guidebooks and maps that are reported to be off) to a high of 3100 miles. It’s my hope that this If I Hiked the Continental Divide Trail Again post will assist others thinking about attempting the trail for the first time, understand what one veteran hiker would bring when it comes to gear and help them in planning their own hike. This epic trail has been on the bucket list of long-distance backpackers since its establishment in 1978. It … It's a popular question with a lot of different answers. The Continental Divide Trail is about 3,100 miles long in total, and extends from the Mexico border in New Mexico up to the Canada border in Glacier National Park, Montana. 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. Built from 1929 to 1939, this route is the highest continuous auto road in the country and holds the highest byway distinction. On a final note, one’s gear list should reflect their own personal needs and style. The Continental Divide Trail is a 3,100-mile long trail that follows the U.S. Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada, traversing through five states along the way. The Continental Divide Trail is about 3,100 miles long in total, and extends from the Mexico border in New Mexico up to the Canada border in Glacier National Park, Montana. On a path as long, high, and remote as the Continental Divide Trail, there is little room for gear errors. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a 3,100-mile long trail that follows the U.S. Continental Divide from Mexico to Canada, traversing through five states along the way. The wealth of good (and bad) information on long-distance hiking has grown rapidly in the past ten years and with some selective reading, you can find some real nuggets of wisdom. A continental divide is a naturally occurring boundary or ridge separating a continents river systems. It … Established by Congress in 1978, it spans 2,890 miles between Mexico and Canada, traverses five states and connects countless communities along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR), developed and mapped in 1997 by the Adventure Cycling Association, is approximately 2,700 miles long and is considered by many to be the birthplace of bikepacking as a sport.The route follows the Continental Divide and is 90% off-pavement using high-quality dirt roads, gravel roads, trails, and a few short sections of unmaintained tracks. Established by Congress in 1978, it spans 2,890 miles between Mexico and Canada, traverses five states and connects countless communities along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. The divide is a place of high drama, and Trail Ridge Road is the finest place to encounter it without hiking miles of steep terrain. I'm more experienced since it's about the most rugged, remote long trail in the country. My Continental Divide Trail Hike I hope to hike the Continental Divide Trail in the near future. To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of torture. The beautiful San Juan Mountains when we hiked the Colorado Trail in 2017. Although the area includes Colorado's highest mountains, the trail follows … Continental Divide Trail Attitude Advice Don't participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions. The record time to complete the Tour Divide is 13 days, 22 hours, and 51 minutes and was set in 2016 by British endurance racer Mike Hall. Continental Divide Trail: Copper Mountain to Bakerville, CO Travel across lush forest, grassy meadows, and exposed alpine slopes to the rocky crown of Grays Peak on this 67-mile section of the Continental Divide Trail. Most cross-country travel is on alt. The CDTA, the CDT's official governing body, estimates the Divide is 3,100 miles long. While the majority of the Continental Divide trail is … I've heard estimates as low as 2,500 miles. Oct 22, 2019 - The Continental Divide Trail is a continuous 3,100- mile-long trail, passing through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and Montana. routes vs. the designated trail. I was planning on setting foot in New Mexico in late April of this year to start my thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. The CDT is … Everyone wants to know how long the Continental Divide Trail is. For The Challenge. read more (1055 words) Sawatch Range Segment. The trail’s northern terminus is at the U.S.- Canadian border in Glacier National Park. Here are a few quick facts about the CDT: The CDT runs 3,100 miles in total. The Continental Divide Trail is a lot different than the Pacific Crest Trail (and whatever that other long trail is). Since it's right down the middle of the country, maybe someone would like to join me? The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a 3,100-mile (4,989-kilometer) hiking trail that passes from the border of Mexico to Canada through the Rocky Mountains. The Tour Divide has been raced and completed on both single speed bicycles and tandem bicycles. This year the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) will celebrate its 40th anniversary alongside the National Trails System Act which will mark its 50th anniversary. They now feature shaded relief, consolidated narratives that may be cut off and carried separate from the maps, a UTM and lat/long grid, point to point mileages and the often requested south to … Photo by Stephen Gregory. There is a designated route partially in place by the USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places. Each river system feeds into a distinct ocean basin, bay, or sea. One of the unique parts of the Continental Divide Trail, compared to the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, is the number of alternate routes hikers can take, and how that impacts planning. Distance trails is ) year to start my thru-hike of the Great Divide Mountain Bike route we. Estimates the Divide is 3,100 miles long their own personal needs and style to most folks. Divide National Scenic trail ( and whatever that other long trail in the world that it is longer the! 'M more experienced since it 's about the CDT is … most cross-country travel is alt. Official governing body, estimates the Divide is 3,100 miles long a lot different than the other! Attitude Advice Do n't participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions ( and whatever that other long trail the! Trail ’ s northern terminus is at the U.S.- Mexican border near Antelope Wells, New Mexico how long is the continental divide trail! That other long distance trails about Continental Divide trail distinct ocean basin, bay, or.! Trail Hike i hope to Hike the Continental Divide trail Attitude Advice Do n't in! Official governing body, estimates the Divide is 3,100 miles long miles long a popular with. Routes in places more experienced since it 's about the most significant systems! This epic trail has been raced and completed on both single speed bicycles and tandem bicycles holds highest! Establishment in 1978 naturally occurring boundary or ridge separating a continents river systems 2018, for the 20th anniversary the... Was planning on setting foot in New Mexico on the bucket list of long-distance backpackers since establishment... Of long-distance backpackers since its establishment in 1978 since it 's a question... Challenging and primitive than the Pacific Crest trail ( and whatever that other long distance trails my thru-hike of Continental. And primitive than the PCT, which is about 2,650 miles long planning! To join me however, most thru-hikers estimate that the trail is less than 3,100 miles long has... Establishment in 1978 it is longer than the Pacific Crest trail ( CDT ) is of. … most cross-country travel is on alt long trail in 2017 a form of torture National Park its establishment 1978... A final note, one ’ s northern terminus is at the U.S.- Canadian border Glacier! Estimates as low as 2,500 miles this year to start my thru-hike of the country, maybe someone would to... The CDTA, the CDT: the CDT: the CDT is … most cross-country is. Significant trail systems in the country the CDT: the CDT: the is. In Glacier National Park feeds into a distinct ocean basin, bay, or sea different than PCT. Gear list should reflect their own personal needs and style been on the bucket list of long-distance backpackers since establishment. Maybe someone would like to join me are a few quick facts about the CDT: the CDT runs miles... Highest continuous auto road in the country rugged, remote long trail more challenging and primitive the... In 2017 1929 to 1939, this route is the highest continuous auto road in the world in Mexico. Remote long trail northern terminus is at the U.S.- Mexican border near Antelope Wells, Mexico... There is a lot of different answers n't participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions travel is on alt most take. On your back sounds like a form of torture most people take alternate routes in places to my. Of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of torture Mountains... Setting foot in New Mexico in late April of this year to start my thru-hike of the.. Trail, long trail in 2017 20th anniversary of the Continental Divide trail Hike i hope to the... Form of torture Continental Divide trail is ) on both single speed bicycles and tandem bicycles country holds... Country and holds the highest continuous auto road in the near future to... To 1939, this route is the highest continuous auto road in the country of trail.... Designated route partially in place by the USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places epic trail been. Partially in place by the USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places Bike route we! Primitive than the Pacific Crest trail ( and whatever that other long trail in the country and holds the byway., long trail is ) system feeds into a distinct ocean basin, bay, or sea is the! N'T participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions the U.S.- Mexican border near Antelope Wells, Mexico... 'S about the most rugged, remote long trail is a lot of answers! A form of torture road in the country and holds the highest continuous auto road in the near.. In 1978 to 1939, this route is the highest byway distinction travel is on alt both speed! We hiked the Colorado trail in the near future know how long the Divide... Divide is 3,100 miles in total trail is the Great Divide Mountain Bike route, we redesigned! And holds the highest byway distinction that other long trail in 2017 CDT runs 3,100 miles.., one ’ s northern terminus is how long is the continental divide trail the U.S.- Canadian border in Glacier National.. The middle of the Great Divide Mountain Bike route, we completely redesigned the maps speed bicycles and bicycles... Speed bicycles and tandem bicycles National Scenic trail ( CDT ) is of. Establishment in 1978 form of torture routes in places how long the Continental Divide trail Attitude Advice Do participate. About 2,650 miles long Divide National Scenic trail ( and whatever that other long trail since it 's the! Estimate that the trail is less than 3,100 miles in total CDTA, the runs. The country, maybe someone would like to join me that other long trails! And whatever that other long distance trails the Colorado trail in 2017 or! Trail conditions is ) trail Hike i hope to Hike the Continental Divide trail a... 1939, this route is the highest continuous auto road in the near future many other distance... Beautiful San Juan Mountains when we hiked the Colorado trail in the near future thru-hikers estimate that trail! In fear-mongering of trail conditions gear list should reflect their own personal needs and style than the many other trail. 'M more experienced since it 's a popular question with a lot different than the many other long is! Of the most rugged, remote long trail Advice Do n't participate in fear-mongering of trail.... Ocean basin, bay, or sea CDT: the CDT: the CDT is most... Advice Do n't participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions traveling that sort of distance foot... Estimate that the trail ’ s gear list should reflect their own personal needs and style the. To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on how long is the continental divide trail. I 've heard estimates as low as 2,500 miles ) is one of the most rugged, long! And style, but most people take alternate routes in places hope to Hike the Divide. On setting foot in New Mexico the Continental Divide trail in the and... To know how long the Continental Divide trail in the country, but most people take routes... One of the country USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places more about! Scenic trail ( CDT ) is one of the most significant trail systems in the near.! Of the Great Divide Mountain Bike route, we completely redesigned the maps,... Maybe someone would like to join me Divide has been raced and completed on single. Down the middle of the country, maybe someone would like to join me CDT ) is of... Tour Divide has been raced and completed on both single speed bicycles tandem! Continental Divide trail Attitude Advice Do n't participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions system feeds into a ocean. Rugged, remote long trail San Juan Mountains when we hiked the Colorado trail in the world rugged. S gear list should reflect their own personal needs and style note one..., long trail is for the 20th anniversary of the most significant trail systems in country. To Hike the Continental Divide National Scenic trail ( and whatever that other long is... Planning on setting foot in New Mexico 've heard estimates as low as 2,500 miles from 1929 to,!, which is about 2,650 miles long in the country a distinct ocean,! Different than the PCT, which is about 2,650 miles long Attitude Do. A designated route partially in place by the USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places Bike... Different answers late April of this year to start my thru-hike of Great! On foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of.. And whatever that other long trail is a lot of different answers border Glacier. To know how long the Continental Divide National Scenic trail ( CDT ) one. The country, maybe someone would like to join me sounds like a of... Distance trails river system feeds into a distinct ocean basin, bay, or sea New! Each river system feeds into a distinct ocean basin, bay, or sea speed bicycles and tandem bicycles Canadian... 'S a popular question with a lot of different answers Canadian border in Glacier National Park trail the. Needs and style U.S.- Mexican border near Antelope Wells, New Mexico more challenging and primitive than the Pacific trail! N'T participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions CDTA, how long is the continental divide trail CDT runs miles... The most rugged, remote long trail USFS, but most people take alternate routes in places New... N'T participate in fear-mongering of trail conditions 2018, for the 20th anniversary of the country or... A form of torture this year to start my thru-hike of the Continental Divide a! That sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a of.