The NDA: What you need to know
In April of 2025, the US Department of the Interior transferred control of over 100,000 acres of land along the US-Mexico border in New Mexico to the US Army for three years for the purported purpose of establishing control of the border. This area is now referred to as the New Mexico National Defense Area (NDA) is comprised of federal land and includes the 1.1 southernmost miles of the CDT, including the trail’s Southern Terminus monument.
Hikers wishing to enter the NDA must apply for and receive permission from the US Army at Fort Huachuca.
These are the guidelines/direction given to us by the US Army at Fort Huachuca. For questions contact Ft. Huachuca Visitor Control Center 520.454.2323.
How will the NDA affect CDT hikers?
There is now a process in place for CDT hikers to access the southern terminus, and we have coordinated a shuttle in compliance with direction from the US Army at Fort Huachuca.
This clearance is available to US citizens and International hikers who secure a Government Sponsor (Section 7 of the NDA application), and applicants must provide a REAL ID (front and back if a driver’s license or ID card) and a passport-style photograph alongside their completed application. Applicants are subject to a background check. Successful applicants receive a digital access badge generally within 48 hours.
CDT Completion certificates will not be affected if hikers are not able to obtain clearance to reach the Southern Terminus Monument.
How is the CDTC shuttle affected, or how will people get to/from the Southern Terminus?
The shuttle drop-off and pick-up location has changed due to this development and is now outside the NDA, approximately 2 miles from the Southern Terminus monument.
CDTC is not discouraging people from entering the area; we are encouraging hikers to comply with the US Army requirement to obtain a permit to be on the newly established NDA.
Is the CDTC offering the only shuttle service?
The CDTC terminus shuttle is insured and permitted to provide safe, reliable, and consistent transportation to and from the Southern Terminus. While CDTC is currently the only permitted organization to provide this service, other options exist to access the area.
Can someone else pick me up from the Southern Terminus?
The road to the Southern Terminus (Commodore Road) is a public access road. We caution individuals from attempting this drive unless they have a reliable off-road vehicle with high clearance, off-road tires, and a backup plan in case something goes wrong. There is no cell reception, and towing would be difficult and expensive to coordinate. The road is rough, unmaintained, and commonly damaged from flash flooding.
Are international hikers no longer allowed to hike the CDT?
International visitors are not currently eligible for a permit to enter the NDA at the Southern Terminus, which is only the last 1.1 miles of the CDT.
CDTC is aware of possible exceptions to this, where an escort with DOD identification may be identified on an application to accompany a hiker through the NDA. The organization is not able to perform this function.
Can I access the border north of the Southern Terminus outside of the NDA?
The area that surrounds the southern terminus is a checkerboard of land ownership that includes New Mexico State Lands. The NDA only affects federal land and does not include state or private land. If hikers intend to access NM State Lands, a permit can be obtained from the NM Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Will the Army really know if I enter the NDA without a permit?
Entering a National Defense Area without permission is punishable by law. CDTC encourages compliance with federal guidelines.