The Continental Divide Trail and the 12 Mile Gap of North Park

When was the last time you had an adventure? Not a zipline park or a rollercoaster where you are strapped in for a 15 second ride, but a true adventure? What if there was a place you could test your limits, physically as well as mentally? A place you might not even realize is right there in your own backyard. Colorado is one of the Rocky Mountain states that have the place you have been looking for. It’s called the Continental Divide Trail. And if you are visiting North Park, you’ll find yourself at the gateway of one of its last completed sections.

What is the CDT

As one of the Triple Crown hikes of long distance thru-hiking in the United States, the Continental Divide Trail runs along the entirety of the Continental Divide, covering a distance of over 3100 miles. The trail follows the crest of the Rocky Mountains from the Canadian border to Mexico. Over 3/4 of the CDT is on non-motorized trails.

It passes through 4 States, 20 National Forests, and  4 National Parks. Hikers will encounter everything from desert to tundra, and prairie to alpine forests. The trail’s elevation ranges between 4,000 to 14,000 ft. Above sea level with Gray’s Peak being the tallest point at 14,270. It crosses innumerable rivers and creeks, Indian Reservations, and even private land throughout its course.

A Diverse and Challenging Path

Temp extremes whether you start the trail at the Canadian border or the Mexican border trail heads, you will have to plan your trek to work with the weather. Many thru-hikers begin their adventure in early spring in southern New Mexico due to milder weather conditions. Colorado is one of the greatest obstacles due to its temperamental climate. 

Hiking northward hopefully limits exposure to winter weather conditions and allows for water collection along the trail. Some hikers do travel from north to south, relying on their equipment to withstand the harsh conditions of the trail, before making a strong finish in the New Mexican desert in the Fall. Due to weather and changing seasons, the North-South method is far more challenging.

All along the Continental Divide Trail hikers will encounter rugged terrain, temperature extremes, and often days upon days of solitude. What hikers will see, many of us only read about. Wild animals, mountaintop views, and one of the biggest challenges to body and spirit you can find today.

How Long Does it Take to Hike the CDT?

Hiking the entirety of the CDT can take around six months, at a rate of 17 miles per day. That’s half a year of living out of your backpack, walking nearly 20 miles every day. The experience can be grueling, yet the few who complete the hike are among a select few in the community of thru-hikers. Only around 15% of those who attempt the entire 3100 miles in one shot complete the trail.

Where Is the CDT in North Park

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition has a wide range of resources to help you plan your expedition along the CDT. The North Park section of the CDT runs along the southern edge of Jackson County, from just outside the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National, across the Neversummer Mountains between Grand County and Jackson County, and through Routt National Forest and Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. It continues west towards Rabbit Ears Peak where it meets with a section called the Wyoming Trail, which leads north through Mount Zirkel Wilderness along the Park Range up into Wyoming and beyond. 

A trailhead at Dumont Lake, in the shadow of Rabbit Ears Peak, marks a trailhead entrance which many day hikers and thru-hikers alike use to camp, resupply, and meet with other hikers. The trail passes many landmarks familiar to locals throughout North Park, such as Chimney Peak, Diamond Mt., Rabbit Ears, Lost Ranger Peak, and Red Canyon. 

The 12 Mile Gap

Out of 3100 miles of Continental Divide Trail, around 150 miles are still unfinished. North Park has the last remaining section of trail yet to be completed and dedicated to a non-motorized section of trail. A 12 mile long gap of trail begins at county road 53 where the trail leaves Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. After leaving CR 53, the trail has no other choice than to follow along a narrow and remote section of CO Hwy 14 until it meets US 40 at Muddy Pass. 

This 12 mile section of road seems like nothing when you are driving in a motor vehicle, but for a thru-hiker, it can be an entire day of hiking, with a 50lb pack on your back, sharing the road with trucks and cars and very little shoulder to walk on.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is working with local, State, and Federal entities, as well as private landholders to explore a variety of options to fill in this gap. The CDTC has also been involved with Colorado Parks and Wildlife because of concerns that the foot traffic of 800+ thru-hikers who attempt to complete the CDT every year could have on elk herd migrations and breeding lands in the area.

The biggest obstacle to connecting this section of trail rests mostly on the cooperation of private landholders. Different route options could involve one or two private landowners or several, depending on the route. There is also the possibility of working with CDOT, Jackson County, and BLM Trust agencies to extend the trail through lease or land swap.

The entire process is nuanced yet important to have buy-in from the local community as well as people who want to see the CDT completed within their lifetimes. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is hard at work building these networks and making sure the community, as well as other entities are involved and their voices are heard.

How Would I Get Started on the CDT?

As one of the Triple Crown thru-hikes in the United States, the CDT would be a major undertaking. North Park is no stranger to incredible feats of human endurance, with ultramarathon runners and bicyclists taking on our terrain. But this is something else entirely. Not only should you be prepared physically, but also equip yourself with the right gear that could make the difference between completing the hike or being part of the 85% who never finish.

In spite of all this, anyone who hikes the CDT has one thing in common: the curiosity to get started. A dream to do something so great. The first step in hiking the CDT isn’t loading up at a gear store or hitting the gym. First you should start with learning everything you can about the trail. A variety of guidebooks to thru-hiking the CDT are a good place to start. 

The CDTC website has plenty of information to get you started. The site provides information on how to plan your trip, resources on what to expect, logistics, and ways to stay in touch with the outside world during your expedition.

Dive into the CDT or Just Get Your Feet Wet

Hiking the CDT is an ambitious undertaking, and completing it is a distinguished honor that belongs to a select few. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy hiking sections of the CDT. The Muddy Pass trailhead as well as the CR 53 section are beautiful sections to hike, either for just a day hike or a few days on the trail. 

The altitude is high, but it will give you an idea of many of the challenges you will face if you decide to take on more of the CDT. The scenery throughout the North Park section of the CDT is inspiring, to say the least. It takes you into places few see with a fraction of the foot traffic you will experience at busier places such as Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the trail you are sure to find beautiful mountain views, wildlife, and a somewhat challenging trail of breathtaking countryside.

Hiking the CDT can start off small and it can take you to the adventure of a lifetime if you let it. It has been the kind of adventure that has inspired people such as writers Cheryl Strayed and Bill Bryson (who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail, respectively). 

The next time you are driving through North Park, CO, be sure to stop and check out one of these little-known wonders that are truly off-the-beaten-path.

Head to the CDTC Site to Learn More

To find out more about the Continental Divide Trail, please visit the Continental Divide Trail Coalition website. There you will find information, maps, donation info, and links to other resources to help you begin your trek.