Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:27 — 57.1MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Email | RSS | More
Experiences You Should Have Podcast Show Notes
Many people have heard of hiking the Appalachian Trail or hiking the PCT trail, but very few have heard of the CDT (Continental Divide Trail). If you want the prestigious bragging rights of being a triple crown thru-hiker, then you need to hike the AT, the PCT, and the CDT. Learn more about hiking the CDT in the podcast episode above with triple crown hiker, Rob Wisnouckas (trail name Sweet Fish), or keep reading below.
Where does the Continental Dive Trail (CDT) Start and End and How Long Does it Take?
The CDT starts on the Mexican border in Crazy Cook and ends in Waterton Lakes on the Canada border. The trail travels through New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It’s about 2,800 miles long (even though other sites boast 3,000 miles) and it takes 4 to 6 months to hike depending on your abilities and pace.
Why Hike the CDT?
Most people hike the CDT as part of the triple crown (hiking the AT, PCT, and CDT). Most people do not start with the CDT as their first long-distance hike. Rob (interviewed above), hiked the CDT as part of his triple crown, it was already in his blood as he had hiked the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. He loves to break away from “normal life” every few years and reset.
While there are fewer hikers on the CDT (averaging 150 hikers per year), you may form a tighter group on the CDT with the people you do meet.
What is the CDT Trail Like?
New Mexico was hot and dusty, and as Rob entered Colorado, he found high elevations and snow. Note that timing can make a huge difference in terms of weather. Wyoming was one of the highlights as the CDT goes through Yellowstone and that’s where you can see Elk and other amazing wildlife. Along Montona and the Idaho border, keep a lookout for chocolate huckleberry milkshakes! Montana is glorious as you get to trek through Glacier National Park, then end on the Canada side in Waterton Lakes.
Check out the 2nd half of Rob’s hike from Colorado to Wyoming. 58 seconds in you’ll see the frozen boots mentioned in the podcast.
When Should You Start the CDT?
If you’re hiking northbound (NOBO), then it’s advised to start in April or even May to avoid snow in Colorado, but note that each year is different based on weather patterns. If you hike the CDT going southbound (SOBO), then you’ll want to start in June.
Recommended Order to Hike the Triple Crown Thru Hikes
Rob has hiked the triple crown and he highly recommends hiking the Appalachian Trail first. The AT is very physically demanding, that is where you will trauma bond with hiking. If you do the PCT first, then you probably won’t like the AT, as the PCT is an easier trail than the AT and is more rewarding with its views. The CDT does have views (but not as many as the PCT), but the CDT is a very mental challenge, that many seasoned hikers don’t complete. On the CDT, you have to be prepared to get lost every day, while the PCT and AT are very well marked and more heavily traveled.
Essentially you should hike the Appalachian Trail first, Pacific Crest Trail second, then the Continental Divide Trail if you want to achieve triple crown status.
Top Tips for Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
- Know that you will get lost every day
- Embrace the brutality, it won’t be a perfect hike, go with it!
- Get a more sturdy tent for higher elevations (Colorado) and stronger gear. This trail will do a number on your gear, and may be worth adding some more ounces to your gear, so your tent stakes are longer and can handle higher winds on higher peaks.
- Use Guthook App for trail navigation
- Be aware of closures/fires on the trail by checking latest warnings on the CDT.
- Believe in trail magic and have trust in the journey
Ready to hike the CDT? Learn more about the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.