AT A GLANCE

The Continental Divide Trail, designated in 1978:

• Extends for 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico along the backbone of America.
• Passes through 25 National Forests, 21 Wilderness areas, 3 National Parks, 1 National
• Monument and 8 BLM resource areas.
• Is called the "King of Trails" as it the wildest, most remote and highest of the national scenic trails.
• Links more than 1,500 natural, cultural and historical wonders.
• Passes through the states of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico.
• Is now 63% complete.

Challenges to completing the CDT include:

• Diminishing federal land management budgets.
• Increasing development.
• Increasing land use pressures.

Fun facts about the CDT:

• Only national scenic trail passing through significant grizzly bear habitat.
• Encompasses a wide range of ecosystems ranging from desert to tundra.
• The highest elevation on the CDT is 14,270 feet at Grays Peak in Colorado.
• The lowest elevation is 4,200 feet along Waterton Lake in Glacier National Park, Montana.
• Passes through approximately 800 miles of federally-designated Wilderness areas.
• The Continental Divide Trail Alliance has coordinated approximately 8,500 volunteers to help complete the CDT.
• Each summer CDTA Youth Corps Crews each spend six to eight weeks building and maintaining sections of the CDT.
• Across its 750 mile Colorado segment, the CDT averages over 11,000 feet in elevation.