CO - Rocky Mountain NP CDT Section – Continental Divide Trail

Distance: 20.0 miles Elevation Gain: 4000 ft Difficulty: Strenuous Type: Point-to-Point Surface: Dirt Activity: Hiking Best Season: July-September Typical Time: 8-12 hours Fee: $35 vehicle Dogs: False Permit: True

The Rocky Mountain National Park CDT Section traverses the Never Summer Mountains and the high tundra spine of the park along one of the most accessible yet dramatic segments of the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado. This point-to-point route crosses above treeline for much of its length, offering a sustained alpine experience with sweeping views of the park interior, the Kawuneeche Valley, and the jagged peaks of the Never Summer Range.

Hikers travel through vast expanses of alpine tundra where tiny cushion plants bloom in vivid summer colors and elk graze in distant meadows. The route crosses several passes above 12,000 feet and skirts the headwaters of the Colorado River, which begins its 1,450-mile journey to the Gulf of California within the park boundaries. Bighorn sheep and moose are frequently spotted. Summer thunderstorms build rapidly and hikers should be above exposed terrain well before early afternoon. A park entry fee and advance timed entry permit are required during peak season, making early planning essential.