GOLDEN, Colo. (April. 24, 2021) – The peak trail use season is upon us, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition would like to give trail users and our supporters some guidance regarding Covid-19 and other updates. We eagerly await a return to normalcy and to offering support for those recreating along the Continental Divide. However, the pandemic is still on-going and we will continue to be unable to offer our usual systems of support.
Whether for a trip of an hour or a long-distance endeavor, we’d like to remind trail users that there is a wide and evolving range of safety regulations, from local to national, and that it is incumbent on individuals to make sure their plans are compliant with these directives.
SHUTTLES
While we continue to monitor local guidelines, we are not yet able to open the CDTC shuttle to the Crazy Cook monument. Because we use 6-pack trucks, we are unable to seat more than 2 or 3 passengers in our vehicle per New Mexico COVID guidelines. Our top concern will always be the health of recreationists and staff during the trip, which we are not currently able to guarantee. Additional reading on the subject is available at the end of this section. As soon as we can safely and legally operate the shuttle, we are looking forward to providing this support to everyone who wishes to experience the CDT.
We would like to remind trail users that the CDT at its core requires adaptability and flexibility in route decisions. Because of this, we encourage people to think of alternate start locations, including simply starting from Lordsburg, NM to simplify the need for a shuttle provider. Trail Visitors should be aware that CDTC and Crazy Cook Shuttle are the only official shuttle providers for the CDT Southern Terminus. Anyone else providing rides for a fee is operating outside of a BLM Recreational Permit for offering the service. Travelers are encouraged to consider starting point alternatives to the very remote Crazy Cook monument, to avoid putting undue pressure on local infrastructure.
Part of the unique nature of the Continental Divide Trail is its alternate routes, byways and chances for exploration. Particularly with the compounding strain of the ongoing pandemic, we encourage trail users to embrace a spirit of curiosity and consider alternatives to the “usual” methods of long-distance travel, including different terminuses and section hiking.
We are hopeful that we will be able to offer shuttle services soon, for section travelers and to retrieve Southbound travelers from the Crazy Cook terminus. However, we are not able to commit to a firm date at this time. We will alert the public when we are able to safely and legally operate.
Additional reading on reasons for our shuttle’s continued hiatus:
https://www.nmhealth.org/publication/view/guide/5937 (page 27)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/rideshare-drivers-for-hire.html
WATER CACHING
CDTC would also like to remind trail users in the New Mexico Bootheel that any self-cached water vessels MUST be packed out. We have received concerning reports of large amounts of trash left behind from travelers caching water for themselves. Any objects brought into the environment by trail users must be packed out again. Those unfamiliar with the Pack-It-In-Pack-It-Out guideline may be interested in resources from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for further reading.
GATES
For those recreating along the CDT, please be mindful to always close gates along the trail behind yourself, even if you find the gate open. The trail traverses many areas used for grazing and a gate left open can make for lost or injured livestock. Please show courtesy for the ranches and communities that share the lands of the Divide and shut every gate behind you!
VACCINES
CDTC is delighted that some trail users have been vaccinated. However, we ask that even vaccinated individuals make sure to still wear a mask, practice social distancing, and take other COVID-related precautions. We urge all travelers to be respectful and err on the side of caution, particularly in our small and remote communities along the CDT. Remember you represent the entire CDT Trail community — past, present AND future — and what you do may have an affect on every person that follows in your footsteps, please help us showcase our amazing community by being a great ambassador of the CDT!
Thank you again for your support and for your help in keeping trail users and communities safe. We will continue our monthly updates as the pandemic continues, and look forward to traveling the trail together again soon.
About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.
About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.
