CDT Permit: Route
CDT permits are walk-up only in Continental Divide Trail. The route covers 3100 miles.
This guide covers the Continental Divide Trail permit.
Varies by unit. There is no single trail-wide fee; the Glacier National Park wilderness permit and the Blackfeet Nation permit each carry their own cost.
Permit Cost
5-7 months
Duration
3100 miles
Distance
expert
Difficulty
About CDT
3,100-mile national scenic trail along the Continental Divide from the New Mexico-Mexico border to the Montana-Canada border, crossing five states and dozens of separately permitted park and forest units.
The CDT route
- Distance
- 3100 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 5-7 months
- Difficulty
- expert
Rocky Mountains. Nearest town: Denver
Points along the route
- Crazy Cook Monument (Southern Terminus)Mile 0, 4,296 ft
- New Mexico National Defense AreaMile 1.1
- Saddle RockMile 147.9, 5,638 ft
- Diamond PeakMile 244.4, 9,850 ft
- Coyote PeakMile 330.1, 8,364 ft
- Cerro LoboMile 505.6, 8,306 ft
- Cerros ColoradosMile 648.7, 7,050 ft
- Vaquero TankMile 742.4, 8,158 ft
- Cumbres PassMile 827.5, 10,025 ft
- Spotted LakeMile 908, 11,657 ft
- Stony PassMile 984.8, 12,601 ft
- Lujan PassMile 1077.3, 10,346 ft
- Cottonwood PassMile 1165.7, 12,121 ft
- Tennessee PassMile 1242.2, 10,432 ft
- Grays Peak / Torreys Peak area (Colorado)Mile 1327.2, 14,271 ft
- Great Divide Basin (Wyoming)6,501 ft
And 24 more named points along the route.
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100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for CDT?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit CDT?
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Most northbound hikers start in New Mexico in April or May and finish in Montana by September; a typical trip runs 5-7 months.
How long is the CDT route?
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The route is 3100 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 5-7 months.
How difficult is the CDT route?
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This is a expert route, extremely challenging and requires advanced skills.
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