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Getting There & Around

Getting to the CDT

Things to Do

Suggested Hike

Hiker Resources

Winter Park-Fraser

Just ten miles north of where the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) crosses Berthoud Pass and surrounded by 765,000 acres of public land, the neighboring towns of Winter Park and Fraser sit right along the Fraser River and offer a rustic, mountain-town atmosphere. CDT Gateway Communities support the Continental Divide Trail Coalition in completing, promoting and elevating the CDT. Located in Grand County, Colorado, the towns of Winter Park (9,000 feet) and Fraser (8,800 feet) are surrounded by lush, high alpine environments and endless opportunities for discovery. The Fraser Valley, while easy to access from I-70, is a gateway to 75,000 acres of National Forest and Wilderness and serves as a basecamp for outdoor explorers of every level.

Getting There

Winter Park and Fraser lie nestled in the upper Fraser River Valley of north-central Colorado, approximately 70 miles northwest of Denver via I-70 and US-40. The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN), from which scenic mountain highway drives deliver visitors through high alpine passes and forested corridors. From Winter Park, local transit and area roads provide access to trailheads, lodging, and local businesses.

Getting Around

Winter Park / Fraser are served year-round by a free local shuttle system called The Lift, which connects neighborhoods, lodging areas, downtown, and Winter Park Resort.

  • The Lift operates multiple fixed routes in both winter and summer.

  • It also offers Call-N-Ride / ADA / Paratransit pickup for areas off main routes.

  • Buses are free to ride — no fare required.

  • Real-time bus tracking, apps, and route maps are available to plan connections.

This system is especially useful for getting from lodging areas into town, to trailheads near town, and between Winter Park and Fraser.

Located Along the Continental Divide Trail

Winter Park and Fraser serve as a gateway for hikers tackling the northern Colorado segments of the CDT. The iconic Berthoud Pass access point lies just east of town, where the Divide and trail corridor rise above 11,000 feet and sweep across ridgelines toward Parry Peak and James Peak. The CDT is accessible from town via multiple “Drive To” access points including Berthoud Pass and Devil’s Thumb trailhead. In winter, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and routes parallel portions of the Divide, keeping the spirit of the trail alive year-round.

Basecamp for Divide Adventures

More than just a pass-through, Winter Park – Fraser make an inviting basecamp for CDT day hikers, section hikers, and scenic explorers. Whether your plan is to summit James Peak, traverse ridge sections between Rogers and Berthoud Pass, or simply soak in the alpine views from a gondola ride, the area offers a mix of trail access, amenities, and natural beauty. In winter, the community transforms into a gateway for snow-adventurers along the Divide corridor.

Community & Trail Spirit

The local communities of Winter Park and Fraser welcome CDT travelers with outdoor outfitters, knowledge of Divide routes, and lodging options tailored to trail users. Historic ranches, interpretive exhibits, and scenic byways help bridge the human story of this mountain region with the wild backbone of the Divide itself. As a Gateway Community, Winter Park- Fraser stands ready to support and celebrate those who walk, ride, or snowshoe the Continental Divide.

Getting To The Continental Divide Trail

  • Not all CDT or Divide-adjacent trailheads have direct transit service, so many thru-hikers or section hikers use a mix of shuttles, taxis, or rented vehicles for the “last mile” to trailheads.

  • The Lift can help you reach closer trailheads or staging areas in town and nearby road corridors.

  • For access to Berthoud Pass or high alpine sections, checking seasonal road closures and conditions is vital—CDOT may trigger avalanche mitigation or close the pass temporarily.

  • If driving, certain parking lots near the resort or in Old Town have designated shuttle stops for connection to The Lift.

Things to do:

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Continental Divide Trail Access at Berthoud Pass

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Rogers Pass and the CDT Ridge Section

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Visit the James Peak Wilderness

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Check out Winter Park Resort – Gateway to the Divide

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Snowshoeing or Nordic Skiing on the Divide Trail Corridor

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Scenic Drives Along the Divide on US HWY 40

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Fish the Fraser River

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Enjoy free live music throughout the summer and fall

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Rent a bike and explore 600+ miles of trails

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Visit Winter Park Resort for family-friendly activities

Suggested Hike

Berthoud Pass 2006 1080x810 1

Berthoud Pass to Herman Gulch Trailhead, Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forests

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Hiker Resources