Day/Section Hiking
The CDT abounds with great opportunities for day and section treks and activities!! Whether you have a few days to spend or just an afternoon, here’s what you need to know to enjoy your adventure along the Divide.
Hiking Suggestions
Yellowstone National Park
Entering Yellowstone from the south, there are two trailheads that offer access to the CDT. From the Dogshead/Channel Trailhead, follow the CDT to Shoshone Lake and enjoy your lunch at […] LEARN MORE
Union Pass to Shoshone
Heading north from Union Pass, you’ll leave a landscape of wet meadows and marshy ponds. After around 1.8 miles, walk along the shore of Lake of the Woods, a beautiful […] LEARN MORE
Elkhart Park Loop: Island and Seneca Lakes
The CDT stretches for nearly 70 miles through this spectacular area teeming with wildlife, glacial lakes, and towering spires. The trail network is extensive, creating many loops for hiking. A […] LEARN MORE
Sweetwater Bridge
Heading north from Sweetwater River, you will wind through the Wyoming grasslands and sagebrush as the trail follows the river north for 3 miles. The trail is gentle and stays […] LEARN MORE
Crooks Gap Road to Bison Basin Road
Experience the only place where the Continental Divide splits, creating a large circular basin where the water does not flow into the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, but into a succession […] LEARN MORE
Buffalo Pass to Round Mountain Lake, Medicine Bow Routt National Forest
Explore the North Lake to Buffalo Pass section in the spectacular Mount Zirkel Wilderness, which stretches along the Continental Divide for 36 miles in northern Colorado. The Mount Zirkel Wilderness […] LEARN MORE
Parkview Mountain, Medicine Bow Routt National Forest
Parkview Mountain’s peak rises 2,656 feet above the trail and hikers can view North Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Never Summer Range, and the Indian Peaks. At 12,396 feet, […] LEARN MORE
Shadow Mountain Lake to Monarch Lake, Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest
This hike can be a point to point or an out-and-back depending on what distance you would like to hike. The trail has a gradual incline as it winds along […] LEARN MORE
Rollins Pass and Rogers Pass to James Peak, Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest
Despite its location just 50 miles west of Denver, many long-distance hikers call James Peak and its surrounding area the “most magical part of the entire CDT.” The alpine traverse […] LEARN MOREMinimize Your Impact
Want to learn how best to minimize your impact outdoors? When you follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, you’ll help make sure the trail stays healthy for years to come.
Join Us At An Event
CDT communities host community events and hikes throughout the year.
CDT Map Set
The Continental Divide Trail Coalition CDT Map Set represents the entirety of the official Continental Divide National Scenic Trail route at a scale of 1 inch = 1/2 mile. Each page displays topographic information, an elevation chart, water sources, and waypoint data. The maps are available for download as state or section bundles in three distinct file types to serve travelers with a variety of navigation technology and planning trips of any distance on the CDT.
While we’ve worked hard to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date information in these maps, the user issolely responsible for their own safety and planning while on the CDT. CDTC, the U.S. Forest Service, Atlas Guides, Hiiker, and any other parties are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies with the maps or data. All information is subject to change. Please read all product information included with map downloads and refer to multiple sources, including local land managers, when preparing to travel on the CDT.
The CDT Map Set is a free resource for the public thanks to generous donations and support from the CDT community. If you find this resource useful, consider donating at checkout to support the continued maintenance and production of these maps.
Geospatial PDFs
For high-quality prints and interactive digital use. Vector-based PDFs with georeferencing information included.
Reduced Size PDFs
For variable internet connections and easy desktop printing. Image-based PDFs without georeferencing.
Avenza Map Download
For offline smartphone or tablet use with the Avenza Maps app. Links to download via the Avenza Map store.
Safety
The CDT is a world-class destination for year-round recreation, enjoying it comes with the inherent risks of the backcountry. We want to remind all trail users that you are responsible for your own safety, and your knowledge and equipment are your own first line of defense in an emergency situation. 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.
Being prepared with knowledge, equipment, and planning can help mitigate many of the risks associated with hiking and camping along the CDT.
Always CALL 911 if possible during an emergency situation. If you do not have cell phone service, attempt to call 911 anyway; carriers outside of your phone plan are required to place emergency calls if they are available. A Spot device or another type of satellite messenger may also provide another communication option, although it does not guarantee your safety.
If you see something, say something. We’ve developed an incident report form that can be used to alert us of emergency situations after you’ve reported them to police, report all trail emergencies, incidents, suspicious activities, resource damage, or information on missing or suspicious persons on the Continental Divide Trail to local rangers or law enforcement officers as soon as possible, then use this form to report to and document with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC). This form can be completed electronically and e-mailed as an attachment to [email protected], or printed, completed, and then mailed to: Incidents, CDTC, 710 10th St., Ste. 200, Golden, CO 80401.
We suggest the following general safety rules:
1. Leave an itinerary with a trusted person at home. For thruhikers, having a plan in place for your support person when you miss a check-in is important. However, please note that some areas along the CDT are very remote and may not have cellphone service, including common alternates to the official trail. Using satellite beacons or similar will have greater reliability of messaging, if you intend to check-in directly from trail.
2. Trust your intuition. If a particular place or a person gives you an off feeling, trust your gut and get out of the situation as soon as possible. It’s better to trust your judgment and stay safe.
3. Camp away from roads, and be aware that anywhere people congregate, like campgrounds, may have greater risk of human-based incidents.
Always CALL 911 if possible during an emergency situation. If you do not have cell phone service, attempt to call 911 anyway; carriers outside of your phone plan are required to place emergency calls if they are available.