Officially Welcoming Winter Park-Fraser to the CDT Gateway Community Program!
By: Jordan Williams, CDTC’s Colorado Regional Representative
On September 16, 2025, the Town of Winter Park and Fraser signed a resolution making Winter Park-Fraser the next Gateway Community of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). The decision marks a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to promoting stewardship of local resources and engaging with other CDT communities throughout Colorado.
A group photo by the Rendezvous Event Center.
A CDT Gateway Community designation officially recognizes Winter Park-Fraser as a vital community within the 3,100-mile-long CDT corridor that is welcoming to trail enthusiasts, outdoor recreationists, and travelers worldwide. Alongside National Public Lands Day on September 27, 2025, the new Gateway Designation was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and new signage.
As part of the festivities, hundreds of people gathered at the Rendezvous Event Center in Winter Park to enjoy live music and engage with community organizers at partner booths such as the Headwaters Trails Alliance (HTA), Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the US Forest Service, and the Winter Park – Fraser Chamber of Commerce. After a long day of volunteer activities that included everything from bridge repairs to river cleanups, participants were treated to a lasagna dinner, complimentary beverages, and door prizes from local businesses during the evening celebration.
People walking around the National Public Lands Day festival in Grand County, CO.
“The CDT is a treasured asset to Grand County, Colorado, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe to experience its breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities,” said Erica Bean, the Stewardship Coordinator for HTA. “This new designation helps fill a critical gap between Leadville and Grand Lake. It also strengthens our partnership with Grand Lake, the next Gateway Community to the north, also located within Grand County, which is home to around 100 miles of the CDT.”
The CDT Gateway Community program was launched in 2013 by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) and is designed to work in collaboration with communities that can benefit from their proximity to the iconic trail. Gateway Communities are recognized for their role in promoting awareness and stewardship of the CDT and creating a welcoming environment for travelers.
“We are thrilled that Winter Park and Fraser together have been recognized as the newest Gateway Community in Colorado. The ongoing support of organizations like Headwaters Trails Alliance and businesses like the Viking Lodge make these kinds of efforts possible. While the community has already been doing great work in terms of promoting stewardship and responsible recreation, we hope the official designation will only increase support for local businesses, enhance community engagement, and deepen collaboration with regional partners,” said Jordan Williams, CDTC’s Colorado Regional Representative.
Photo of CDTC’s Colorado Regional Rep. Jordan Williams (left), Erica Bean from HTA (center) and Lexie Sutcliffe (right) from the Viking Lodge.
As a designated CDT Gateway Community, Winter Park-Fraser will join a network of 23 communities in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana dedicated to supporting and enhancing the Continental Divide Trail experience.
“Seventy-eight percent of Grand County’s economy is dependent on outdoor recreation, making the CDT one of many important assets to Winter Park-Fraser and the surrounding communities,” said Bean. “The CDT plays a vital role in the ecosystem, attracting hikers, trail runners, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers of all kinds. Whether someone is embarking on a thru-hike or enjoying a short day hike, the trail offers something for everyone.”
As Winter Park-Fraser embarks on this new chapter as a CDT Gateway Community, residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate actively, contribute ideas, and engage in collaborative efforts to maximize the benefits and opportunities associated with this designation. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to CDTC for more information.