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The Continental Divide Trail

The US Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is the route that closely follows this imaginary line. It is more than just a path through the wilderness; it’s a pilgrimage, a test of endurance, and a celebration of the rugged beauty of the American West. Stretching over 3,100 miles from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana, the CDT traces the spine of the continent, weaving through jagged peaks, sprawling deserts, alpine meadows, and remote forests. It’s a journey where every step carries you closer to understanding the raw power and delicate balance of nature.

The US Continental Divide Trail is a dream and a daunting challenge. Unlike the well-traveled Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trails, the CDT is known for its remoteness and unpredictability. Here, navigation is an art form, as the trail often fades into the landscape, demanding that you trust your compass and intuition. The trail is a mosaic of extremes—scorching sun and chilling winds, dry arid basins and lush mountain streams. It’s a place where isolation becomes a companion and the stars feel closer than ever before.

Every morning on the CDT begins with a sense of adventure. You rise with the sun, your breath visible in the crisp mountain air or swallowed by the heat of the desert. Your days are measured not by time, but by miles and terrain. The pack on your back becomes your lifeline, carrying everything you need to survive and thrive. Towns become oases, offering the simple joys of a hot meal, a soft bed, and the camaraderie of other humans.

The CDT isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s about transformation. Out here, you learn to embrace uncertainty, adapt to challenges, and appreciate the profound beauty of solitude. The trail tests you, strips you down to your essence, and rebuilds you stronger. It’s a journey that changes you, leaving its mark long after the final step.

History 

The story of the US Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of vision, perseverance, and a deep connection to the wild heart of the American West. The idea for the trail was born in the 1960s during a time when the country was awakening to the value of preserving its wilderness. Inspired by the success of the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, the dream was to create a route that would follow the US Continental Divide, spanning five states and some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the United States.

In 1978, the CDT was officially designated as a National Scenic Trail, part of the National Trails System Act. This designation laid the foundation for a monumental task: carving out a trail through diverse and often unforgiving landscapes. Unlike its counterparts, the CDT wasn’t a well-defined path from the start. Instead, it was conceived as a “corridor,” allowing hikers to choose their own route in many sections, embodying the spirit of exploration and adventure.

The decades that followed saw the trail come to life, piece by piece. Volunteers, trail organizations, and government agencies worked tirelessly to map, mark, and maintain the route. Even today, the CDT remains a work in progress, with sections still being improved or rerouted. This unfinished nature is part of its charm, offering hikers a unique blend of challenge and discovery.

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First, a little geography lesson. The main mountain range running north and south in Colorado is known as the Rocky Mountains. The Front Range in Colorado consists of large metropolitan cities like Denver and Boulder along with the first line of mountains including 14,000ft peaks like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak. The Western Rockies is the lesser known wonderland of the state which encompasses charming mountain towns, towering mountain tops and a surprising wine country.

Exploring the Western Rockies takes you off the beaten path and into the thin air.

The Tallest Mountain on the West Side

If peak bagging is on your to-do list, trekking up the 14,308ft Uncompahgre Peak presents a worthy challenge. Uncompahgre Peak is located in the western slope in the San Juan Mountains and is a Ute word loosely meaning “dirty water.” The hike to the top includes 3,000ft of elevation gain and 7.5 miles roundtrip with considerable rockfall and route finding. A more mellow option is to choose a hike in Uncompahgre Wilderness area that leads to a waterfall or follows a gulch.

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The best time to visit Colorado depends on two things: what you would like to do there, and
when the seasons are the most conducive for that activity. In this article we will explore the
highlights of each season and provide you with information on the activities that pull folks from
far and wide to the Centennial State each year.

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It’s a bitter cold morning in the depths of the Colorado winter. The sun is just starting to rise behind Hallet Peak as we enter Rocky Mountain National park. The pristine snow reflects light as the breeze lifts snowflakes up to dance in the golden glow. It’s a sight to behold.

As we drive toward our trailhead we see the mountains come to life as the sun comes up. We stop the vehicle for our first animal sighting of the morning, a couple of deer prancing through the trees. We wind up the road and get nearer to the trailhead. This is the point where we all begin to mentally prepare. Snowshoeing is fun, and yet I will admit the first fifteen minutes are often cold (and often a time you often question the life choices that lead you there). 

The car is parked and we all squeal as we get out. We know it will be worth it in the end but no one is going to pretend that it isn’t cold and early out here. We gather the rest of our things strap on the snowshoes. The magical journey begins.

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No matter your interest or ability level, there is a wide range of Rocky Mountain National Park hikes to choose from.

Getting There

Approximately 2 hours West of Denver, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is the perfect escape from the bustling Front Range. You can take Highway 36 from Denver all the way up North through Estes Park. An alternative but longer route is to take the Peak-to-Peak Scenic By-way though Nederland. 

A third option, to access the quieter Western side of the park, is to take the I-70 West from Denver up to Highway 40 and then Highway 34 to Grand Lake. The two gateway towns are Estes Park to the East and the less visited but equally stunning Grand Lake to the South-West. 

During the summer there is also a hiker shuttle from Estes Park to RMNP; reservations are required.

Pro tip: The western side of the park around Grand Lake is much less frequently visited and a great way to avoid crowds while still having prime access to many of our most highly recommended Rocky Mountain National Park hikes.

Accommodations

There are a variety of ways to spend the night in or around the National Park. There is lodging varying from simple, rustic cabins to luxury hotels in the gateway towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake. 

There are also five campgrounds within the boundaries of the park. Visit Recreation.gov to book a campsite; most campgrounds open up reservations 6 months ahead of time while others are a short-term release system. You must have a permit to camp in the backcountry and reservations for those open March 1st. 

To avoid the hassle of permits and planning altogether, book a llama, backpacking, or lodge-based trip with Wildland Trekking!

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Whether you’re looking to go for a refreshing swim on a hot summer day, a hike through breathtaking scenery, or a backpacking trip in the wilderness, there are plenty of trails and lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park that offer all of these experiences and more. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most beautiful and worthwhile lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Whether you’re visiting the area on a road trip or are a Denver area local looking for a summer getaway, there’s something for everyone in the Rocky Mountain backcountry.

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