Welcome to Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
From the deserts of New Mexico to the alpine peaks of the northern Rockies, the Continental Divide Trail winds its way through the stunning and diverse landscapes of the central United States, a ribbon that ties together many of the defining moments and movements in our nation’s history.
The trail stretches across the United States some 3,100 miles between the borders of Mexico and Canada, twisting and turning to follow the spine of the continent. The dry, sandy deserts of New Mexico slowly rise into the breathless peaks of Colorado, descending into Wyoming’s grassy plains and the mystical landscape of Yellowstone. The trail then moves along the forested mountains of Idaho and Montana before ascending the tall, sharp, rocky peaks of Glacier National Park, with the Canadian border on the horizon.
What is the Continental Divide?
The headwaters of our nation spring from the Continental Divide. Imagine a line running the entire length of North and South America, from the icy northern reaches of Canada to the Strait of Magellan at the southernmost tip of Chile. This line runs north to south along the very highest elevations of these continents, connecting the peaks of the Rocky Mountains with the Andes in South America.
Rain or snow that falls on these peaks will flow either to the east or to the west down the slopes of these mountain ranges. This flow begins as small trickles that join up to form streams, then swell into roaring rivers that provide nourishment to the land, plants, and animals.
Those first trickles of water that flow to the west of the Continental Divide eventually end up in the Pacific Ocean. The water flowing eastward will someday reach the Atlantic Ocean. In this way, the waters of the continent are divided.
The Continental Divide Trail follows the length of the Continental Divide within the United States. To walk along the trail is to have one foot in the watershed of the Atlantic Ocean and the other in the watershed of the Pacific.
Sneak Peaks of the Continental Divide Trail
Take a inside look at the various views, signage and animals you could see on this gorgeous 3,100 mile hike!
