Continental Divide Trail: Wyoming Section 1

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans nearly 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada, traversing a vast array of different environments and landscapes along the way. The CDT can be completed as a single thru-hike that will take 4 to 6 months, or by section-hiking smaller segments. The Wyoming portion of the CDT features nearly 550 miles of incredibly diverse terrain. You’ll pass through the open desert plains of the Great Basin, the craggy ice carved peaks of the Wind River Range, and the steaming geysers and volcanic activity of Yellowstone National Park. In this guide we’ll take a closer look at Wyoming Section 1.

Wyoming Section 1 begins at the Colorado/Wyoming state line. Here you’ll find some signs and license plates hanging on a tree to signify the border crossing. There is also a water source near here - a small pool of cold water. Camping is possible here as well.

The trail then meanders along for a while, offering easy hiking. There is a tiny trickle of a steam in 2.5 miles, then a small meadow. The trail can get a bit boggy through this meadow area.

You’ll then come to a gravel forest road. Many hikers choose to turn right here and take the nice road as an alternate that saves both milage and elevation gain. If doing so, the gravel road will meet back up with the trail in a bit.

The CDT then makes several steep up and downs. You’ll have a bit of a view toward Hog Park Reservoir to the east. As the trail climbs you’ll get into some rockier terrain that is a bit exposed on the ridge. The trail is difficult to follow in places. Be sure to watch for wooden posts and cairns.

You’ll continue along through the Huston Park Wilderness. The trail eventually leaves the rocky ridge and travels into more meadow and wetland areas. Some of these areas are very wet and boggy, be sure to watch for areas of deep mud. There is no shortage of water on this stretch.

The trail descends, then has one last small climb before reaching the highway. Just before Highway 70 is a hiker box that may be stocked with water and snacks. You’ll then reach the road where you can hitch into the tiny town of Encampment for resupply. This makes the end of Wyoming Section 1.