Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 7

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans nearly 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada, exploring 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 Colorado portion of the CDT features 800 miles of stunning and challenging high altitude hiking. Highlights include the South San Juans, Collegiate Peaks, 14,270 foot Grays Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In this guide we’ll take a closer look at Colorado Section 7.

Section 7 is another short segment of the CDT. It begins from the edge of a very large, scenic meadow area at a trail junction. To access (unless thru-hiking) you’ll need to hike the Weminuche Trail in from Rio Grande Reservoir.

From the meadow you’ll begin a large climb. The trail follows near the Rincon La Vaca for a while, then climbs away from the stream.

The trail ultimately ascends to a pass. You’ll then descend to another pass, before climbing slightly and gaining a scenic ridge for a short but enjoyable ridge-walk with some solid views.

The CDT then descends, passing above large Ute Lake, to Twin Lakes where Section 7 comes to an end.