GOLDEN, Colo. (June 17, 2021) – Happy June! We are so glad to be reopening our shuttle program and be able to see many more Continental Divide Trail users in person soon!
While it is no longer a CDC recommendation that vaccinated individuals need to wear masks outdoors, we encourage all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks in cars, closed spaces, and indoors, particularly in the Trail’s vulnerable remote communities. As Covid guidance continues to evolve, we remind all trail users to remain familiar with current local, regional, and national regulations and recommendations.
We also recommend that anyone looking to travel long-distance on the CDT receive a vaccination in advance of their trip, to best help protect themself and the Trail’s communities.
SHUTTLE
Our shuttle to the Southern Terminus has recommenced! We are delighted to be able to help CDT Travelers reach the Crazy Cook Monument once more. Folks interested in using the shuttle in the coming months should email [email protected] to schedule.
We ask that interested Southbound travelers please fill out our interest survey here as we assess a headcount for the fall and winter shuttle season. It is completely non-binding — travelers do not need to commit to a particular date, or even to using the shuttle at all — but this will help us ensure we’re allocating the right resources to our shuttle program this fall. Can’t wait to see you!
FIRE CLOSURES AND ALERTS
As fire season continues throughout the Divide, we ask that all trail users maintain vigilance about wildfire safety. Inciweb is a fire-tracking resource that CDT travelers will find helpful. As CDTC learns about trail closures and alerts, we will update our website.
Bookmarking our alerts-only Twitter, @CDTAlerts, may also be helpful, as the Twitter page can load relatively quickly in low service areas. As always, please make sure you’re paying attention to all marked signage around you and abiding by local fire regulations. Together, we can help mitigate human-caused wildfires.
OTHER NATURAL CONCERNS
We want to urge all CDT travelers to take care of their health and hydration, particularly at high elevations, where snowpack, lightning, and heat may all present dangers.
- Please make sure you have the skills, gear, and knowledge to safely traverse snowfields. Please also be aware that there are often lower elevation routes available if you do not feel safe in high snowfields. You can review other resources for snow travel in our May Guidance.
- High alpine weather can be volatile, particularly in summer months, and we urge all travelers to be aware of forming thunderstorms and lightning danger, especially above treeline. If you are above treeline and see a storm forming, seek lower ground.
- Much of the Continental Divide has been facing elevated temperatures lately. Make sure to be on the watch for heat exhaustion, dehydration, heatstroke and other health concerns. Be sure to hydrate well and consume electrolytes.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves on your travels! We’ll continue to keep you updated. Happy trails.
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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.
