Day/Section Hiking

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.