Plan Your Visit
The Continental Divide Trail blazes a path through some of the nation’s most treasured scenic terrain. Some people attempt to travel the entire 3,100 miles in a single season, while others enjoy the trail a few miles at a time. Some experience the trail from afar through books, pictures, and film.
From day trips to multi-day excursions, on foot, wheels, or hoof, there are many ways to experience the Continental Divide Trail. Hundreds of thousands of people have had adventures on the trail, perhaps without even knowing it exists: visitors to Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, hikers in Glacier National Park, and even downhill skiers at many ski resorts on Colorado’s Continental Divide.
How can I travel the trail?
The Continental Divide Trail’s primary purpose is for hiking and horseback riding, but some sections of the trail are also open to mountain biking and motorized use. Because the Continental Divide Trail was created as a patchwork of shorter existing trails, motorized uses are still permitted on segments that had allowed them before becoming part of a National Scenic Trail.
Some activities may be restricted to certain areas, seasons, or require permits or licenses; be sure to check with the local land manager for rules and regulations while planning your trip.