A Divide That Connects: Two Ocean Pass
By Allie McCurry, CDTC Development Specialist
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is more than just a trail—it’s a community of people connected by adventure, stewardship, and a shared love for our public lands. This summer, the CDT community came through in a big way to steward trails that connect us, inspired by a singular individual’s love and passion for the Divide.
In 2024, Dr. Michael (Mike) Tracy of Powell, Wyoming became a volunteer trail adopter for a remote section of the CDT just south of Yellowstone National Park. While much of the CDT is remote, the section adopted by Mike is emblematic of the very essence of the CDT. Known locally as Two Ocean Pass—or “Parting of the Waters”—this spot marks the headwaters of Pacific Creek and Atlantic Creek, which flow to their respective oceans.
Getting to this unique section requires a strenuous, 20-mile hike. The ecologically rich subalpine environment provides habitat for grizzlies and Yellowstone cutthroat trout and offers an unparalleled wilderness experience for thru-hikers, section-hikers, and overnight backpackers alike.
Because of its extreme remoteness, this area usually receives less annual trail maintenance than other sections of the CDT.
Dr. Michael Tracy inspects a pair of elk antlers at Two Ocean Pass.
Two Ocean Pass is located in Wyoming, south of Yellowstone National Park, along the CDT.
As a full-time medical doctor, active member of his community, and avid supporter of public lands, Mike was inspired to go one step further to protect and maintain his adopted section of the trail. He took the initiative to plan a full trail maintenance project—well beyond the usual responsibilities of a trail adopter. Working closely with the Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and CDTC, Mike organized efforts to clear nearly 70 downed trees, perform routine tread maintenance, and scout this remote section, including several reroutes.
Planning the project was only the first step, and Mike was quick to roll up his sleeves and raise the funds needed to bring it to life.
He reached out to a wide network of people who shared his vision for improving the trail, spending months calling, emailing, and engaging interested members of his community—including one memorable donation from a seatmate on an airplane. If you’ve ever had a chance to talk with Mike, you know his passion and humility shine through.
That spirit clearly resonated: he successfully raised nearly $8,000 from 27 generous individuals and businesses to help make this project possible.
Michael McDaniel (left), Technical Field Specialist, and Dr. Michael Tracy (right), Trail Adopter
In August 2025, Mike, a volunteer crew, and CDTC staff hiked 20 miles into the wilderness, where they would spend the next six days clearing fallen trees with crosscut saws, maintaining tread, installing markers, and scouting multiple trail reroutes. In total, the crew contributed 220 volunteer hours to maintaining the CDT, clearing and improving a large section of trail that undoubtedly wouldn’t have been addressed without Mike’s vision and initiative.
There’s no doubt that the CDT and our public lands are national treasures, imbued with the ability to amaze and inspire those who experience them. Breathtaking as these landscapes may be, perhaps even more inspiring are the people who love and protect these places for the enjoyment of all. The CDT is truly the path that connects us all, and its magic is strengthened by the determination and passion of people like Mike.
On behalf of all of us at CDTC, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Mike Tracy, the supporters of the Two Oceans Pass Projects, and all CDT supporters, volunteers, and advocates who protect the trail.
The CDT Doesn’t Maintain Itself—It Takes You.
Dr. Mike Tracy showed that passion can clear 70 trees and protect 20 miles of wilderness. How will you leave your mark on the Divide?
