r/CDT

I work a job where most of my work is in the months of May/June/July and then again in December/January.

I’m wondering if y’all think I could get away with hiking NM and the Great Basin by the second week of May and then come back and NOBO Colorado to Canada in those months.

It would leave quite a lot to do in August through October and days get shorter. But do yall think it would be doable? Recommended? I’m not opposed to quitting my job, but also think I might be able to swing it that I don’t lose my job and still cover most of the trail in a year. Not exactly a true thru which would be a bummer.

If the Roadless Rule is rescinded, we lose the last untouched places that still exist in this country. Educate yourself and contact your representatives, or every last corner of forest gets logged.

Where would you swap in/out gear?

So far I have:
- Drop ice axe and spikes in either East Glacier or after the Bob (snow dependent)
- Drop bear can and spray in Lander
- Add fleece, gloves, and warmer sleeping bag in Steamboat Springs; drop bug spray
- Add extra bladder for the Basin and New Mexico

Anything missing or off-base?

Starting my next section August 31 from Cuba up to Cumbres Pass. A few questions:

1. Is the Eureka Mesa Ranch still welcoming hikers? Last postings I can find are from 2024 and early 2025. Nothing since.

2. I am not anticipating ANY snow made it through the summer even at 11k. This seems accurate? I'll be checking weather for any new freak snow but generally assuming snow-free and not planning microspikes or anything..

3. I've seen some recs to avoid staying at Ghost Ranch as the rooms and food are "meh". Instead camp about a mile onto the alternate after where the trail crosses back over in Carson NF. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

If passed, a tiny bit of heaven along the CDT will be preserved from structures, and additional roads will not be created. The Forest Service tends to approve most such projects regardless of what everyone else wants, so a law was suggested that prevents mineral extraction in the area. The Canadian "start up" that has claimed any and all uranium there still get to keep the claim as long as the assessment fees are paid.