Working with Us

The Forest Service was designated by Congress as the lead federal agency for overseeing the management of the trail’s 3,100 mile length, but partnerships with other federal land management agencies, conservation non-profit organizations, and local and state governments are key to the trail’s successful management.

The Forest Service works closely with the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service as the three major managers of the land the trail passes through. Together, these agencies and our partners work to protect, maintain, and promote the outstanding scenic values and recreational opportunities that make the Continental Divide Trail a National Scenic Trail.

In 2016, the Continental Divide Trail was identified as one of 15 national priority areas in need of increased trail maintenance by the US Forest Service as part of the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act. The goal of this effort is to address the substantial maintenance needs of the trail by doubling the number of volunteers working on the trail and the number of miles maintained by volunteers by the end of 2020.