Whether you’re in it for a day to hike a segment of the Continental Divide Trail or are taking on the immense challenge of thru-hiking the entire 3,028-mile, five-state border-to-border trail, you’re in for an experience that you’ll never forget. 

The CDT goes through 25 national forests, 21 wilderness areas, and three national parks. It is the most challenging, highest, and most remote of the United State’s 11 National Scenic Trails.

When you’re exploring the Four Corners Region, think about including Mancos, Colorado, in your travel plans. Planning your visit to coincide with some of the town’s annual festivities can really enrich your experience. The Mesa Verde Motel offers a great central location for all your activities in southern Colorado.

What is the Continental Divide?

The Continental Divide extends from the Bering Strait in Alaska through the Rocky Mountains and down to the Andes in South America. Basically, it divides the continent into two watersheds.

Rain that falls on the western slope of the Rockies flows toward the Pacific Ocean while rain that falls on the eastern slope runs toward the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The Continental Divide follows the Rocky Mountains in the United States and continues into South America. 

Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail runs from New Mexico’s border with Mexico to Montana’s border with Canada roughly along the Continental Divide.

This 3,100-mile trail is a challenging long-distance hiking and horseback riding trail that traverses five states — Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico — following the rugged terrain along the Rocky Mountains and offering spectacular views and diverse ecosystems.

Not too far from some sections of the CDT in Colorado is the small town of Mancos, Colorado. Mancos is a scenic area that’s a bit off the beaten path, but close to lots of activities.

The Mesa Verde Motel in Mancos can serve as your base camp for those activities, including your hike of the CDT, or as a great spot for a few days of R and R before you tackle the next section of the CDT.

The Triple Crown of Hiking

Serious hikers know that the ultimate achievement in thru-hiking — completing the entire trail either in one continuous journey or through multiple segments over time — consists of conquering the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the longest, the Continental Divide Trail.

The American Long Distance Hiking Association – West even offers an award for those who finish all three trails. By the close of 2023, the organization had acknowledged 693 hikers for achieving the triple crown.

Each trail presents its own set of challenges and benefits. One experienced hiker pointed out that, unlike the Appalachian Trail, the Continental Divide Trail lacks shelters and does not offer as many towns for resupplying provisions as the Pacific Crest Trail does.

Water is crucial for survival, so thru-hikers must be aware of water sources and be prepared to purify water from various locations.

At the starting point in the south, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition notes that thru-hikers often leave water supplies along their initial route towards the border for easy access as they commence their northbound journey.

Another hiker highlighted that the CDT does not have one set route but includes alternative paths and detours that can circumvent obstacles — bypassing a dense forest or temporary trail obstructions — or introduce more challenging segments that feature high mountains, unlike the primary route.

dThese variations can extend the journey by up to 1,000 miles! If you’re aiming for the Triple Crown, you should complete the entire 3,028-mile route without any detours or diversions.

Another honor available is for successfully hiking the entire CDT, whether by thru-hiking, section hiking, or even traversing the trail on horseback. Join the ranks of the hundreds who have conquered the CDT.

After tackling extensive sections of the CDT in Colorado, take some time to relax and rejuvenate in Mancos, Colorado. The Mesa Verde Motel offers a perfect spot to unwind. You can explore nearby attractions or simply enjoy the amenities, including the motel’s bar and lounge

Leave No Trace

When hiking or spending time outdoors, adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. Litter can adversely affect wildlife, and it’s disappointing for hikers to walk on trails littered with garbage from earlier visitors.

Always leave cultural artifacts where they are. Stick to established trails and camping spots, and keep an eye on your campfire, ensuring that you use fire pits when provided and always make sure to put your fire out.

Show consideration for wildlife and fellow travelers, and ensure you’re well-equipped for your journey. As the saying goes, “Leave only footprints. Take only memories.”

Dealing with Altitude

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the highest elevation among the nation’s National Scenic Trails. The National Forest Service states that the trail’s lowest point is 4,200 feet above sea level, located at Waterton Lake near the Canadian border. Conversely, the trail’s highest point reaches 14,270 feet at Gray’s Peak in Colorado’s Arapaho National Forest.

Hiking at such high elevations means staying hydrated and wearing sun protection. Using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, donning hats, and applying lip balm is essential. Allow yourself adequate time to get used to the altitude before exerting too much effort.

At higher altitudes, your body requires more water to fend off altitude sickness, which manifests as nausea, headaches, diminished appetite or thirst, uncoordinated movements, breathing difficulties, confusion, and vomiting. Should anyone in your party exhibit these symptoms, it is crucial to rest, hydrate, consume high-calorie snacks, and, if necessary, descend to a lower elevation for relief.

When to Hike the Continental Divide Trail

Timing is crucial when planning a thru-hike on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). You want to find the perfect window between the snowy seasons in the trail’s northern, higher-altitude sections. Typically, the CDT hiking season runs from April to October.

If you start from the southern end in April, you can avoid potential snow and escape the intense heat of Southern New Mexico. Alternatively, beginning from the northern end in June or July is optimal, depending on snow conditions. If you’re embarking on a thru-hike of the CDT, expect to spend five to six months on the trail, covering 20 or more miles daily.

While only 30 to 50 percent of those who start a thru-hike on the CDT manage to complete it, several hundred hikers have successfully done so.

Many opt to hike portions of the trail rather than the entire length. Choose a trail segment to explore when the local weather is most favorable for a delightful day trip.

The CDT in New Mexico and Colorado

The southern terminus of the CDT begins in New Mexico’s bootheel at the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts intersection near the Big Hatchet Mountains, right at the Mexico border.

As hikers embark on their journey from this point, they traverse a lengthy desert stretch leading to Lordsburg. They then navigate through a mix of national forests, wilderness areas, national parks, and national monuments as they weave across New Mexico and into Colorado.

Remarkably, 95 percent of the CDT is situated on public lands, with the U.S. Forest Service acting as the primary custodian of the trail.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition spotlights prime sections suitable for day hikes or overnight treks in each state along the trail. Pick a segment that appeals to you so that you can sample a fragment of the CDT. The trail is easy to follow, marked by distinct medallions that guide your route.

In New Mexico, popular stretches include areas around Silver City, the historical pathway of El Malpais National Monument alongside the ancient Zuni-Acoma trail, Mount Taylor, and Cumbres Pass. Colorado offers numerous day-hiking options, such as those in Gunnison National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.

 For those near southern Colorado or taking a respite from the CDT, a scenic drive on Highway 160 from Durango to Cortez offers stunning landscapes and a variety of activities.

The Mesa Verde Motel along this route makes a convenient stopover. Spend a few days enjoying the scenery and local attractions before resuming your hike.

The trail features a variety of hiking options, including out-and-back hikes, point-to-point treks, and loop trails. Some routes are perfect for families, and others are more demanding journeys that might require overnight camping.

There’s a lot to learn if you plan to thru-hike the CDT and there are numerous resources available, including the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. You can also learn more about the CDT on the U.S. Forest Service website, where there is information about each state’s section of the trail and much more.

For a day excursion, you can pick a section, grab your gear, lace up your boots, and go exploring!