FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The Continental Divide Trail passes through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, weaves along the border between Idaho and Montana, then crosses fully into Montana to reach the Canadian border. 95 percent of the trail is on public land, managed by the USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, or Bureau of Land Management. Learn more about the geographic areas the trail passes through.
The trail has two official northern endpoints on the border between Montana and Canada. The main northern terminus is in Glacier National Park at Waterton Lake. The other is at the Chief Mountain border crossing, and is a good option for those who do not have a passport or are concerned about snow levels in the early or late season.
The southern terminus is at the Crazy Cook Monument in the "bootheel" region of New Mexico, on the Mexican border. The closest town to the southern endpoint is Hachita, New Mexico.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition's trip planning guide gives detailed information on how to access the endpoints of the trail.
The Continental Divide Trail is for everyone! Whether you enjoy the trail for just a few hours, days, or weeks at a time, you can have an incredible experience on the trail. Most people hike on the trail, but it is also open to horseback riding. Some sections are open to mountain biking and motorized use.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition has excellent resources available for planning a thru-hike or thru-ride, including maps, a water report, permitting information, and a free planning guide.
The trail's path along the Continental Divide, a unique geographic feature, defines many of the special qualities of the trail. The trail is remote and stays at high elevation for most of its length - the highest point on any National Scenic Trail, Gray's Peak, is 14,270 feet above sea level and the trail climbs all the way to its peak. The Continental Divide Trail also provides a window into the rich history of the West, from the history of indigenous peoples to westward expansion to sheepherding and mining in the Rocky Mountains. Crossing through diverse ecosystems and open to many uses, the trail provides a unique experience to all who seek to enjoy it.