We were camping near Creede on 5/19, and long story short, someone stole my daughter's Big Agnes tent as we were out fishing. The thief left the stuff sack, but took the orange and grey tent, ground cover, and rainfly. Reward if found!
Hey everyone,
Me and two friends are planning to hike the Continental Divide Trail next year, and we’re trying to prepare as well as possible before committing fully. We’d love to hear any advice from people who’ve done the CDT or other long thru-hikes.
We’re looking for tips on pretty much everything:
Gear essentials / gear mistakes
What kind of training helped you most beforehand
Physical prep and conditioning
Food planning and resupply strategy
Budgeting and costs
Logistics (permits, transport, mail drops, town stops, etc.)
Best apps/maps/navigation setup
Weather and safety considerations
What you wish you knew before starting
Biggest mental challenges
Anything that made life easier on trail
We’re especially interested in how people trained beforehand and how you handled the logistical side of such a huge trip.
Any advice, lessons learned, gear lists, or random tips would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!
I weep.
7 years ago I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and this had been one of the experiences I had enjoyed most in life. When I came back and returned to a "normal" life full of screens, I promised myself I would go back on a 5 month journey through the wild at one point. I am a nerd and I enjoy the "screen" but I also like wild spaces and simple pleasures. As everything in life, I believe there needs to be a balance.
7 years later, here I am, in the company of "Green pea" this time. We both quit our jobs in Nairobi, Kenya and packed a bag to a country where I had such fond memories of its nature and its people despite what can be seen in the news nowadays.
This is the story of our 150+ day journey through the most beautiful and brutal wilderness in the USA—from the desert of New Mexico, through the jagged peaks of Colorado, the wild nature of Wyoming and the grizzlies of Montana to finally reach Canada.
I am not sponsored and I don't monetize this video but if you like it, I'd be happy to get a thumbs up or a share 😄
Happy trails !
Hi y'all!
After the PCT and half the TA I'm starting to feel the itch again. This time I want to go for the CDT NoBo.
However, I'm considering swapping the New Mexico section of the CDT out for the AZT. I've heard people saying the AZT is awesome and the NM part of the CDT not very exciting.
Any people here who've done both and can offer some opinions on this plan?
Thinking of hiking the San Juan’s section of the CDT starting May 25, either from Saguache heading south (to allow a couple more days of melt) or from Chama. Think I’ll need an axe? Spikes? Everything says massively low snow year. Thanks!
My flight (at the end of June) gets in well after the AMTRAK leaves toward Glacier that day. I am looking to start the trail that day instead of having to wait overnight, get a train to Brownie's, etc and wondering if there are any shuttle drivers that will pick up 2 hikers and bring them to the Northern Terminus. Thanks!
I’ll be doing some Section hiking in the Basin in late May. I’m anticipating an extra day in my schedule.
If I have a spare day I’d like to get some more miles in. Is there a short stretch (~10-15) miles that is easily hitched from beginning to end? I’m thinking a segment that i could park at one end, hike, and easily get a hitch back to my car.
Segments that I’m thinking about are Redline Mile 1459.4 to mile 1470.5 (11 mile road walk just south of Rabbit Ears Pass)
Can you think of any other segments in southern Wyoming/northern Colorado?
Is there any reason I can't bring pack llamas on the CDT?
Found this gem while taking a snack break atop Mt. Taylor. How is everyone else's hike going? It's been a pretty fantastic 26 days for me.
Mexico to Grants maybe. I’d like to be lighter. No stove but cook pot for cup. Want to be safe and comfortable. :/ Do I have extra? Not enough?
Base Weight: 15 pounds
With 4 days food, 3 liters 25 lbs
Down bag 15 degrees
Nemo switchback pad
Small Down pillow
Durston X mid 2 (in black bag)
Extra Underwear (1) and socks (1)
Swim shorts
Fleece with Hood
Baseball cap
Sandals
Compass
Umbrella
Trekking poles (for tent)
Trowel and TP
Bottle caps
O rings
Lighter
Sew kit
Duct tape
Antihistamine
Anti diarrhea
Pain relief
Lueokotape
Electrolytes
Swedish hand towels (2)
Swiss Army knife small
Bear rock bag and cord
Sawyer filter
2 liter bladder
2 1.5liter bottles
Titanium cup (cold soak or build fire with found fuel only)
Fire screen
Spoon
Hot pad
Head lamp
Charge cords
Maps
Phone
Power bank
Poncho
Wear:
Sunglasses
Pants
Sun shirt
Socks
Altas shoes
Thanks for looking.
⚠️TRAIL ALERT: A portion of the Continental Divide Trail in Yellowstone National Park (CDT miles 2033-2039) is closed until further notice following a bear encounter on May 4 in which two hikers were injured.
The Summit Lake Trail, which carries the CDT through this section, is closed within the affected area.
No reroute is available at this time; hikers in the area should plan to avoid the closure entirely until the National Park Service lifts it.
A few reminders for traveling through bear country:
For full alert details and a link to the closure area on the CDT Interactive Map: https://cdtcoalition.org/closures-and-alerts/
Full NPS Press Release: https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/news/26008.htm
This is not from me: I am quoting that which another person reported.
>Folks, at mile 9.7 of the Gila Alternate I was approached by an older man(70-75) who was manic and complained about CDT hikers defecating on his property. He had posted 2 signs talking about great camping and plentiful water ahead. After a few minutes I moved on and quickly came to signage saying the CDT split to the left. I took that trail and 20 minutes later Farout informed me I was way off trail. I backtracked to the sign, corrected it and took a right. Later another hiker told me the man complained about his sign being altered and was also led astray. Not sure if he's malicious but he is willing to lead you off the trail. Be cautious!
I know it's been a pretty typical year for Glacier snowpack, any predictions whether a Waterton start will be feasible in July? Is it a ymmv situation based on what the ranger decides?
Edit: I have no experience with crampons or ice axes seeing as Ahern is the big obstacle, I guess I'm moreso wondering if it'll be feasible with microspikes by then.
If you could hike Cuba to either Cumbres Pass or Pagosa Springs area, which months would you pick?