GOLDEN, CO (November 13, 2026)–The closure of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) to its southern terminus through the National Defense Area (NDA) has been lifted.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) received word from officials with the U.S. Army at Ft. Huachuca that the CDT is now officially open through the NDA to the southern terminus monument. A Department of Defense permit issued through Fort Huachuca is required for access and can be obtained via an application on the coalition’s website.
Construction continues in the region, and hikers may encounter traffic, delays, and temporary road closures. Visitors are encouraged to follow on-the-ground directions from personnel at the site and posted signs.
The double-wall barrier has also created the need for the monument to be moved to an area outside of the barrier walls. Access to the monument may be temporarily prohibited during construction and relocation. CDTC does not know the exact timing of the relocation but will provide updates as available.
This closure came at a critical time for southbound hikers. Completing the 3,100-mile trail is a monumental achievement, and the construction activities at the border created dynamic changes to the permitted NDA access in place during the past year.
These events are unprecedented in the history of our trail system: the transfer of a critically significant element of our national scenic trail into the Department of Defense control, the conversion of the CDT Southern Terminus into a military and construction zone of momentous scale, and trail management partnerships that include land management agencies and state governments, but also the U.S. military.
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition will continue to advocate for hikers and public lands access, carrying the voices of the trail community to decision-makers across the nation.
More information is available at cdtcoalition.org.