Like any tool, a map is only as good as the person using it, so you should make sure you know how to properly read both a trail map and a topographic map before heading out on the trail. Continental divide national scenic trail difficulty. A notice for anyone planning to hike or ride on the cdt updated may 8, 2020. Continental divide trail pre hike infothoughts by kyle rohrig aka mayor. Please turn the subtitles on if you would like the english translation of the first song, echoes of mine. As i descended towards morrison lake, i was approached by a latino man on horseback. The ultimate continental divide trail packing list.
For four to six months of walking, cdt thruhikers have a laundry list of concerns that outpace those of many other long trails. The remainder of the videos will be released on a daily or every other day basis. The two needed for a complete thruhike are the two medicine and the many glacier sections. The cdt is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. This planning guide covers when to go, which direction, navigation, dangers, section highlights, elevation, wildlife, terrain difficulty, how long it takes and more.
Of course, after talking about the appalachian trail and the pacific coast trail, it is time for the third one of the crew. German longdistance rider gunter wamser on his way from tierra del fuego to alaska, and austrian sonja endlweber who joined him for the rest of the journey. Many gps units also have software that allows to you load in maps. Being prepared with knowledge, equipment, and planning can help mitigate many of the risks associated with hiking and camping along the cdt. As always, i welcome this transition, but each time i do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension. It contains detailed information for more than 200 of the worlds great hikes and was put together with the mission of inspiring and enabling folks to go backpacking. Meet the two guys that are on a winter thruhike of the pct. Amtrak 7 empire builder from chicago to shelby mt 27 hrs. Continental divide national scenic trail cdt hiking. In the case of an emergency on the continental divide trail, always call 911 or a local emergency number before reporting the incident to cdtc.
A masochists dream, complete with probable snow, few hikers, a lack of a trail, and grizzly bears. Designated into the national trails system in 1978. I dont fly so i had to spend about an hour figuring out how to get to the chief mountain border start point. As some of you may know and probably many of you dont know tomorrow april 28 i will begin my thruhike of the cdt. Continental divide national scenic trail rocky mountain. Appalachian long distance hikers association planning.
Learn how to prepare for the cdt with this indepth post. New in 2015 they are offering a shuttle service to the southern terminus along the mexican border. On a path as long, high, and remote as the continental divide trail, there is little room for gear errors. Established by congress in 1978, it spans 3,100 miles between. My first thru hike of the appalachian trail was years ago in 2002. The continental divide trail coalition cdtc is an excellent source for planning a thruhike or even a section hike along the divide. Many thru hikers attempt to hike the continental divide trail in a single season. The cdt encounters some of the most dramatic and wild.
The continental divide trail is the last of the big three trails that most thruhikers tackle as part of the triple crown of longdistance hiking. Hes involved with a wide variety of projects that help the trail, the trail s users and the community that surrounds the experience. Continental divide trail thru hike 2018 31 episode video. A number books, memoirs, web sites and fan organizations are dedicated to this pursuit. If your trip will span more than a day or two, theres a lot you need to think about when planning an adventure on the cdt. The biggest and baddest has truly been saved for last. The colorado trail guide interactive map and thruhike planning. Since its right down the middle of the country, maybe someone would like to join me.
Those who succeed find 3,100 miles of stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, welcoming communities, and selfdiscovery. In preparation for his hike, i had some long conversations with tom that ive edited a bit to form an informal interview. The gdt is a whole different animal, thats for sure. How to thruhike the colorado trail from end to end complete with a detailed and zoomable interactive map of the entire 486 mile long distance trail. The continental divide national scenic trail cdt is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. The continental divide trail cdt hike planner is designed to help you dynamically create a realistic hiking plan. The following meeting took place during my continental divide trail hike of 2012. From which direction to travel, navigation and safety resources, and a comprehensive resupply chart, this guide provides a solid foundation for planning a cdt trip.
Scarce or nonexistent trail markings much of the way. As the trail information manager, jack works to connect people to the pct. This is a guide to thruhiking the 3,000mile continental divide trail, complete with an interactive map and sectional breakdown. Feb, 2015 continental divide trail thru hiker and bearded warrior, the real hiking viking, shares his top three tips for succeeding on the united states most raw and demanding long trail. I hope you enjoy it, and even more, i hope you enjoy reading about the third and final hike of his triple crown appalachian trail, pacific. The continental divide trail, appalachian trail, and the pacific crest trail form the triple crown of long distance hiking in the united states. Books about the continental divide trail, which runs 3,100 miles through montana, idaho, wyoming, colorado, and new mexico. The continental divide national scenic trail in short continental divide trail cdt is a united states national scenic trail running 3,100 miles 5,000 km between chihuahua. The continental divide national scenic trail cdnst is a tremendous conservation effort.
The continental divide national scenic trail is a registered national scenic trail that runs from canada to mexico through the states of montana, idaho, wyoming, colorado, and new mexico. Aug 27, 2017 mexico to canada northbound continental divide trail thru hike. The two needed for a complete thru hike are the two medicine and the many glacier sections. Established by congress in 1978, it spans 3,100 miles between mexico and canada, traverses five states and connects countless communities along the spine of the rocky mountains. Mexico to canada northbound continental divide trail thru hike. Fiction, memoirs, and guides are all welcome, but the cdt should be the focus of the book. Thruhiking the cdt for underserved kids rei coop journal. Continental divide national scenic trail wilderness.
My continental divide trail hike i hope to hike the continental divide trail in the near future. Continental divide trail if this is your first visit, be sure to check out the faq by clicking the link above. Thru hiking is a term used in referring to hikers who complete long distance trails from endtoend in a single trip. A crowded green tunnel that doesnt even cross the entire us. Each year, hundreds of individuals set out to hike from mexico to canada or canada to mexico along the continental divide trail. This tool negates hours of effort in creating an accurate plan. The youngest person to thruhike the trail is reed gjonnes, who hiked the trail with her father eric gjonnes from. The continental divide national scenic trail cdnst is one of the most significant trail systems in the world. To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back. What follows are my thoughts on planning a thruhike on the continental divide trail. Continental divide trail journal 2006 part 1 montana. The continental divide trail thruhiker survey 2019 halfway.
Very high altitudes over much of the trail, the highest national scenic trail. To most regular folks, traveling that sort of distance on foot with your possessions on your back sounds like a form of torture. The pacific crest trail, appalachian trail, and continental divide trail were the first three longdistance trails in the u. The continental divide national scenic trail is a united states national scenic trail running. Continental divide trail backpacking trails and thru. Many thruhikers attempt to hike the continental divide trail in a single season. Earlier this year, he was a part of the first successful winter thruhike of the pct. The continental divide trail coalition cdtc is an excellent source for planning a thru hike or even a section hike along the divide. Guidebooks, maps, historical weather data, trip reports of other hikers. Planning a great divide trail thruhike has been a wild ride thus far. It is also a trail that is beautiful, stunning and perhaps the most rewarding. Glacier national park information backcountry camping in glacier the continental divide trail.
The colorado trail guide interactive map and thruhike. Only about two hundred people a year attempt to hike the entire trail, taking about six months to complete it. He is the author of the backpacking and hiking guide trail tested. Continental divide trail backpacking trails and thruhiking. Included is a quick glance at mileage between the most convenient and popular resupply options, and an easy way to print out package labels for mail drops of food, gear, maps and meds, etc. Please no books of maps or books of short hikes within the cdt. Continental divide trail travel guide at wikivoyage. Mileage varies on access point you enter the trail. For the cdt i purchased yogis guide to the continental divide trail.
The continental divide trail, commonly known by backpackers as the cdt, is a popular 3,100 mile thru hike along the continental divide. Should you decide to travel the continental divide national scenic trail through the park for a few hours or several days, here are a few considerations. The air is thin at these high altitudes between 10,500 feet 3,200 km and,000 feet 3,962 km. Planning a thruhike on the continental divide trail im. Three months out by mac 8 comments in three months give or take a few days i expect to be dropped off in the new mexico bootheel to begin what will in all likelihood be the most physically and mentally challenging months of my entire life and possibly the death of me. In addition, it is an invaluable resource for those planning their own section or thruhike of the cdt.
Dec 17, 20 the continental divide trail is the last of the big three trails that most thruhikers tackle as part of the triple crown of longdistance hiking. No hitraffic, groomed trail like the at on the cdt you have to find your own path much of the way. Use the hiking style slider to adjust your plan to your style. The mailing labels page has a wealth of information for planning a thruhike or sectionhike of the appalachian trail. Paul magnantis quick and dirty guide to the continental divide trail jim and ginny owens the continental divide trail, with their thoughts, experiences, and observations from thruhiking the trail, a lot of years of research, and talking and listening to a lot of cdt hikers. One womans journey is the story of their incredible summer and is filled with courage, humor, stunning scenery, local personalities and the. And whether youre planning a weekend hike or a sixmonth thru hike, its always a good idea to trace your route and plan your rest and resupply points in advance. The most popular plan for resupplying on the continental divide trail and most long trails is to do the bulk of resupplying along the trail, sending a few boxes to key areas with difficult or nonexistent on trail resupply.
Cdt planning guide continental divide trail coalition. Today we will get to know better this third stunning us thru hike, which is not only one of the best thru hikes in the us, but also one of the most beautiful thru hikes in the world. Two detailed websites that answer a broad range of questions about the continental divide trail. Dave odell thruhiked in 1977 and in the same year dan torpey hiked from the nmco border to mt robson, b. For a map of the continental divide national scenic trail, click here. Oboz everything you need to know to plan a thruhike. As of july, he was done marching through the last of the 14ers in colorado and well into wyoming. I originally was planning on hiking southbound leaving sometime late june, early july but due to montana having a crazy snow year a.
Continental divide trail thruhiker and bearded warrior, the real hiking viking, shares his top three tips for succeeding on the united states most raw and demanding longtrail. I personally spent over 15 months planning for my 2017 pct thru hike. These three trails take thru hikers and backpackers to some of the most scenic, remote. Owen eigenbrot is preparing to thruhike from canada to mexico across the us on the yettobefinished continental divide trail.
Planning a thruhike of the continental divide trail. The continental divide trail, appalachian trail, and the pacific crest trail form the triple. This is the story of the couples 3,000 mile walk on the continental divide trail, through new mexico, colorado, wyoming, idaho, and montana. Trip planning research, conditioning, diet, weather the. Theres a lot i think you should know, so for this first part, ill talk about timeline, navigation, alternates, information sources, and water. A guide to hiking the continental divide howstuffworks.
The hiking life is a compilation of tips and advice on trip planning, lightweight backpacking techniques, and improving your wilderness skill set. Existing customers may transfer their purchases to the. Most aspiring thruhikers of the cdt have a few key concerns. A masochists dream, complete with probable snow, few. A quick overview of the continental divide trail for planning purposes. It stretches 3,100 miles along the spine of the great continental divide from canada to mexico and provides access to some of the most wild and scenic places left in the world while promoting conservation of the environment and physical health and well being. Your guide to resupplying on the continental divide trail. Planning to thru hike the cdt in 2018 going southbound. Jun 12, 2017 with the completions of the appalachian trail and pacific crest trail behind me, i am left with the final piece of the trifecta puzzle to capture my triple crown the continental divide trail cdt.
Permits, train tickets, kilometers, and the list goes on. The mailing labels page has a wealth of information for planning a thru hike or section hike of the appalachian trail. She provides incredibly detailed information about where one can resupply, what maps and. The continental divide national scenic trail is a 3,100mile 4,989kilometer hiking trail that passes from the border of mexico to canada through the rocky mountains. Meet the two guys that are on a winter thruhike of the. Its not impossible to complete the cdt without sending a single box. Welcome to the results of the 2019 continental divide trail thruhiker survey. One womans journey is a fastpaced story of her six month adventure. The cdt planning guide is a onestop resource for starting to plan a longdistance trip along the cdt. For cdt thruhikers in glacier park, there are two maps that will come in handy.
Hiking the pct hiking the jmt best appalachian trail books. Mar 30, 2019 planning a thruhike of the continental divide trail. Three months out by mac 8 comments in three months give or take a few days i expect to be dropped off in the new mexico bootheel to begin what will in all likelihood be the most physically and mentally challenging months of my. There are several access points to the continental divide national scenic trail in grand county. Once finished, it will stretch north along the united states for 3,100 miles, from mexico to canada. Hiking the trail also meant a dramatic shift in perspective, a strengthening of love and friendship, and a redefining of the journey. Getting to northern cdt terminus in glacier np to start a. Adjusting your plan, lengthing or shorting, is absolutely painless. Welcome back on apache pine of course, after talking about the appalachian trail and the pacific coast trail, it is time for the third one of the crew. Cdt map i have been planning to hike this trail for years, literally.
National geographic has published three trail illustrated sectional maps. One of the keys to a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience is pre hike research. One of the keys to a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience is prehike research. How to thru hike the colorado trail from end to end complete with a detailed and zoomable interactive map of the entire 486 mile long distance trail. One womans journey is the story of their incredible summer and is filled with courage, humor, stunning scenery, local personalities and the simple joys of backpacking. Continental divide trail in 2010 and is an obsessed weekend warrior. Trip planning research, conditioning, diet, weather.
For cdt thru hikers in glacier park, there are two maps that will come in handy. My first thruhike of the appalachian trail was years ago in 2002. Amtrak 449 lakeshore limited from boston to chicago 8 12 hrs. It was written in response to questions that i have deleted from this text. Justin trauma lichter has logged more than 35,000 trail miles since 2002, including the triple crown pct, at, and cdt. Hes involved with a wide variety of projects that help the trail, the trails users and the community that surrounds the experience. It should come as no surprise, then, that navigation is one of the most important skills required. A thruhike of the continental divide trail cdt involves a bit more planning than a hike of the pacific crest pct or appalachian trails at. Hitched with a big rig truck driver, and learned way more about the drugs that. This planning guide covers when to go, which direction, navigation, dangers, section highlights, elevation. There have been days when it has made my head spin, but it will all be well worth it in the end.