Whether you plan to hike a segment of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) or take on the immense challenge of thru-hiking its entire 3,028 miles, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The CDT passes through 25 national forests, 21 wilderness areas, and three national parks, making it the most remote, highest, and most challenging of the 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States.
The Continental Divide
The CDT runs from New Mexico’s border with Mexico to Montana’s border with Canada, following the Continental Divide, which stretches along the Rocky Mountains. The divide splits the continent into two watersheds: rain on the west side flows toward the Pacific Ocean, while rain on the east side heads toward the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
This article focuses on the CDT and locations in New Mexico and Colorado where you can enjoy sections of the trail.
If you need a break from days of hiking the CDT, we welcome you to the Mesa Verde Motel. It’s the perfect place to meet with other thru-hikers to share experiences, insider tips, and wind down for a few days. We’re somewhat off the beaten path in Mancos, Colorado, but our boutique motel and picturesque town make the perfect spot for R & R. Check us out and check in for a fun stay in a beautiful area.
Why hike the CDT?
Besides being a formidable challenge, for serious hikers, completing the CDT is part of the “Triple Crown,” which also includes the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. As of 2023, 665 hikers have earned the Triple Crown award from the American Long Distance Hiking Association – West.
The CDT offers fewer shelters and resupply towns than the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, meaning hikers must plan carefully for water sources and supplies. Thru-hikers often stash water in the remote Bootheel section of southern New Mexico to access as they begin hiking north.
One unique aspect of the CDT is its flexible routes. Alternate paths can help hikers avoid problem areas or add more challenges, with some variations adding up to 1,000 miles to the route. If you plan to conquer the Triple Crown, stick to the official 3,028-mile route and avoid diversions.
As you hike any portion of the trail, please follow the Leave No Trace principles. Keep the trail clean, leave artifacts where they are, and minimize campfire impacts. Respect wildlife and other visitors, and aim to leave the trail better than you found it.
Altitude Challenges
The CDT is the highest of the National Scenic Trails, with elevations ranging from 4,200 feet at Waterton Lake on the Canadian border to 14,270 feet at Gray’s Peak in Colorado. Hikers should prepare for high altitude conditions by staying hydrated and using sunscreen. Altitude sickness can occur, with symptoms such as nausea, headache, and confusion. Resting, staying hydrated, and consuming high-calorie foods are vital to dealing with altitude effects. Still, the best remedy is to descend to lower elevations.
It’s common for hikers to take a few days off to rest if they plan to cover the entire CDT. Our quaint motel in Mancos, Colorado, is a great place to take a few days off while you prepare for the rest of your hike. Relax at our on-site bar and lounge, or fuel up for your day at our coffee shop, where you can grab coffee and breakfast. We know you’ll enjoy your time at the Mesa Verde Motel.
Best Seasons to Hike the CDT
The prime season for thru-hiking the CDT is between April and October, depending on snow conditions. Many hikers start in the south in April to avoid the heat of southern New Mexico, while others begin in the north around June or July to dodge snow. Thru-hiking the CDT takes five to six months, with daily hikes averaging 20 miles.
Only 30 to 50 percent of those who attempt a thru-hike complete the trail, but many more enjoy hiking sections of the CDT. A day hike or weekend outing on a segment of the trail can offer a rewarding experience.
If you are thru-hiking, consider using Mancos, Colorado as a base while you plan your next sections. Meet up with other hikers and stay at the funky and fun Mesa Verde Motel for a few days.
The CDT in New Mexico and Colorado
The CDT begins in the bootheel of New Mexico, at the Mexico border near the Big Hatchet Mountains. The trail crosses desert areas before reaching Lordsburg, then weaves through national forests, wilderness areas, and national monuments as it heads through New Mexico and Colorado. The trail is marked with distinctive medallions to guide hikers.
In New Mexico, popular sections include routes near Silver City, El Malpais National Monument, Mount Taylor, and Cumbres Pass. Colorado has many day hikes in the Gunnison National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park.
For a scenic break from hiking, drive along Highway 160 between Durango and Cortez, Colorado. Mancos, a town along this road, offers an excellent base for exploring Mesa Verde National Park [Link to Mesa V NP or the other article on the motel’s site we provided.] and nearby attractions. Our motel, located in Mancos, is a great place to stay during your break from hiking.
Plan Your CDT Adventure
Whether you’re tackling a section or the whole trail, there’s a lot to learn about the CDT. Resources such as the Continental Divide Trail Coalition and the U.S. Forest Service provide valuable information about the trail’s sections, maps, and tips for hiking.