National Scenic & Historic Trail Feature: Continental Divide Trail
|
|
Stretching for 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada is the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, named for its unique placement along the Great Continental Divide. Also referred to as the “spine of the continent,” the Divide is a defining geological feature that splits the waterways for the entire United States into east and west watersheds, where small trickles of water eventually grow into the larger streams and rushing rivers that support wildlife across the country. Walking along the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) links hikers to the incomprehensible power, influence, and historical significance that the Continental Divide has for all who call the North American continent home.
Designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1978, the CDT has legacy for being one of the most diverse, highest, and most remote National Scenic Trails. The trail starts at Crazy Cook Monument at the Mexico border and begins the northward trek through the Chihuahuan Desert and into New Mexico’s high desert. The trail climbs to a challenging average elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level as it moves through Colorado’s largest designated wilderness, the Weminuche. It continues through Rocky Mountain National Park and the Collegiate Peaks, passing glacial lakes, valleys, and breathtaking summits along the way. The CDT also notably summits Gray’s Peak (14,275 ft.), the highest peak on any National Scenic Trail. When the CDT reaches the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming, the waters of the Divide collect and soak into the earth instead of filtering into streams and rivers. Through Wyoming, the trail passes the famed jagged glacial peaks and meadows of the Wind River Range, and the unique geysers of Yellowstone National Park. The last 1,020 miles weave along the border of Idaho and Montana through Bob Marshall Wilderness, and rests at the northern terminus, Waterton Lake, in Glacier National Park. Wildlife throughout this incredibly diverse journey ranges from the smaller warm-weather life of the desert such as Gila monster and javelina; to higher elevation mountain goat, pika, elk and black bear; to the larger wildlife of northern wilderness such as grizzly bear, moose, and gray wolf, bald eagle and osprey.
The trail itself is also one of the three “triple crown,” long distance thru-hikes, along with the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. The trail has increased in popularity over the last few years: about 500-600 people attempted to thru-hike the trail in 2022, and it takes hikers 3-6 months to complete. The full length of the trail is accessible to hikers and equestrians; but it also welcomes visitors for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing and hunting.
The CDT passes through lands that are central to the histories of many native nations, including the Chiricahua Apache, Western Apache, Zuni, Pueblos, Ute, Cheyenne, Eastern Shoshone, Shoshone-Bannock, Apsaalooké, Lemhi Shoshone, Salish Kootenai, Niisítapi, Ktunaxa, Tsuu T’ina, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and Michif Piyii (Métis) peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations.
As of 2023, the history of the Continental Divide Trail is still being written as portions of the trail are still routed along highways and roads. Current next steps of protecting the breathtaking journey of the CDT include acquiring key plots of land, generating easements, and building sections of trail. Similar to the Arizona Trail and the Arizona Trail Association, the CDT is protected and maintained by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. The AZT and CDT are among the 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails that make America’s National Trails System one of our nation’s greatest natural, cultural and recreational resources.
|
|
AZT Word Magnets for Members
|
|
We encourage you to tell your Arizona Trail story with the help of this new membership perk – an Arizona Trail word magnet. Put it on your refrigerator or other metallic surface at home and let the creativity flow! Haiku, limericks, prose, inspirations and memories are all encouraged. Mix it up daily or weekly, and get stoked to get back out there on the trail.
Anyone joining the Arizona Trail Association or renewing their membership at $35+/year will receive this little goodie in the mail. Photograph your best word combinations and post to social media (tag the Arizona Trail Association) and we’ll reward the most creative writers with AZT merch and other rewards from our business partners and supporters.
|
|
|
KGB Communications is a proud supporter of the Arizona Trail Association.
KGB Communications is a Telecommunications and IT Support Company serving businesses in Southern Arizona. KGB is a locally owned company with a combined 50 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Their staff of trained and certified technicians offers valuable skills to handle the most challenging technical issues. KGB is available 24/7 with on-site emergency service.
KGB Communications is a Juniper level Business Partner of the Arizona Trail Association.
Please support the businesses that support the ATA & the AZT!
|
|
|
|
