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
Rising Wolf Mountain Loop, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is not only a breathtaking glaciated landscape but also is a hiker’s paradise containing 700 miles of maintained trails and the CDT. This 19-mile up and down […] LEARN MORETriple Divide Pass, Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is not only a breathtaking glaciated landscape but also is a hiker’s paradise containing 700 miles of maintained trails and the CDT. Do not be intimidated by […] LEARN MORE
Northern Terminus of the Continental Divide Trail, Glacier National Park
There are two routes you can take in Glacier National Park for the northern CDT terminus and this section highlights the main path to the Canadian border ending at International […] LEARN MORE
Brooks Lakes, Shoshone National Forest
The Shoshone National Forest was set aside in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve, making the Shoshone the first national forest in the United States. It consists of […] LEARN MORE
South Pass City to Pine Creek Pass, Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forest
Rugged and unspoiled terrain awaits you as you step back in time along this historically rich section of Trail. South Pass City, is a historical site that offers one of […] LEARN MORE
Green River Lakes, Bridger-Teton National Forest
Journey to 52 miles outside of Pinedale to Green River Lakes, lakes carved out by glaciers and replenished each year from the snowmelt of the Wind River Mountains. The lakes […] LEARN MORE
Island Lake Loop, Bridger Wilderness
“The Winds,” about a 2-hour drive south of Jackson, teem with wildlife, glacial lakes, and towering spires. The CDT stretches for nearly 70 miles through this spectacular environment. The trail […] LEARN MORE
Great Divide Basin, Crooks Gap Road to Bison Basin Road, Rawlins BLM
Discover the only place where the Continental Divide splits, creating a large impressive circular basin where the water does not flow into the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans, but into a […] LEARN MORE
Huston Park Wilderness, Medicine Bow/Routt National Forest
Explore the vastly unknown Sierra Madre Mountains of Wyoming amongst spruce forest and grassy meadows. Enjoy old west history and enchanting views of the Platte Valley and the Snowy Range […] 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.