Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Ranked #3,476 in Sports & Recreation, #91,878 overall

A Trail Along Our Nation's Backbone

With a dream begun in the early 1960s, forces were set in motion to create a trail along the Continental Divide. It would provide access to our country's grandest scenic beauty for those who desire challenging recreation. It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1978, with a 50-mile corridor on each side of the Continental Divide within which the final route would be located. The trail is not a continuously marked trail; rather, it is a worn footpath in some places and a cross-country trek in others, with many alternate routes available.

Photo by Navin75 via flickr.com

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Features

Where the Waters Divide



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The Continental Divide is a line along the Rocky Mountains which separates the waters of the continent. Water on the east side flows into the Atlantic Ocean, while water on the west side flows into the Pacific. The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail follows near to this divide, crossing five ecological zones on its 3,100-mile journey through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It is a remote trail, offering an experience increasingly difficult to find in our developed world.

Learn About the Continental Divide

Our grandest frontier must be protected

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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Route

A Multi-Use Trail


Continental Divide Near Butte, Montana, USA
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In addition to the hiking and horseback routes suggested by the Forest Service and the CDTA, a mountain biking route is published by Adventure Cycling Association.

Mountain Biking the Continental Divide

Read about folks who followed the Continental Divide by bicycle

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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Highlights

Don't miss the majestic scenery in these National Parks

Families Hike the Continental Divide Trail

Though you can enjoy the Continental Divide Trail in bits and pieces, some people -- and entire families -- hike the whole thing in one shot.

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Guestbook

  • SayGuddaycom Jan 25, 2012 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Good page
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 12, 2011 @ 12:06 pm | delete
    Since I live so close to this trail, I really must get out there and experience it. Thanks for the resources.
  • Hiking-Hong-Kong Jan 2, 2011 @ 10:01 am | delete
    The views on this trail look incredible!

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MysticTurtle

I had a normal childhood, but somewhere along the way I took off on my own path. I backpacked the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail in 2001 and the 700-mile... more »

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