The Community Summit is an opportunity for the entire trail community to come together virtually and learn more about how they can connect to, leverage, and steward the Continental Divide Trail. Whether you’re a CDT thru-hiker, a member of a designated Gateway Community, a volunteer or a CDT enthusiast, this series of workshops and webinars will help you learn more about the CDT and how you can help to elevate the trail. This year’s Summit will take place virtually, and we welcome all communities along the Divide to attend.

CDT Gateway Community Resources

Start here

• CDT Gateway Communities: Meet the 23 towns and counties designated as CDT Gateway Communities, from Hidalgo County, New Mexico, to Lincoln, Montana.
• Gateway Community Newsletter: Get the Community Connector in your inbox each month, with news, events, and opportunities from along the Divide.
• 2025 CDT Community Survey Report: 648 community members, including nearly 100 local business owners, told us what the CDT means to the places they call home. Free to read and share.
• Become a Gateway Community: Does your town want to be recognized as a welcoming destination along the trail? Download the application and see what the partnership involves.

For Community Ambassadors

• Community Ambassador Program: Ambassadors are local leaders who introduce their neighbors to the CDT. Learn what the role involves and apply.
• Community Ambassador Handbook: The full guide to the program, from position description to event planning.
• Community Ambassador Toolkit: Visual assets Ambassadors can use to promote their events.
• Community Ambassador Training Resources: Free educational resources on outdoor recreation and environmental topics to help you prepare for your next event.

Get people out on the trail near you

• Day and Section Hiking: Resources to help your community explore the CDT close to home, no thru-hike required.
• Events Calendar: See what is happening this month in Gateway Communities across five states.
• Continental Divide Trail Days and Trail Fest: Our two signature community gatherings.
• Love the Trail, Leave No Trace: Responsible recreation resources you can share with visitors and locals alike.
• Dark Skies of the CDT: Protecting the night sky is one of the most approachable stewardship projects a community can take on.
• Share Your CDT Story: Tell us what the trail means to you, and we may feature it.

Steward and protect the trail

• Volunteer Opportunities: Find a trail project near you, or learn more about becoming a CDTC Adopter.
• Trail Needs Report Form: Does a section of the CDT near you need signage or other attention? Let us know.
• CDT Action Center: Take action for the trail and sign up for advocacy alerts.
• Trail Completion: The CDT is 95% complete. Learn what it takes to close the remaining gaps, and what the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Completion Act would do.
• Trail Closures and Alerts: Current conditions worth passing along to visitors.