Where's the Trail in Montana and Idaho?
Warren Lake
The Continental Divide Trail is approximately 800 miles in length in Montana and Idaho. The Forest Service, in consultation with the Society and other interested parties, completed its initial route selection process and dedicated the first official segment of the CDT in 1989. Since that time, many new sections have been constructed.
The segments of the route, as described in Guide to the Continental Divide Trail, are:
Enjoy the CDT by backpacking or hiking in Montana and Idaho.
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The segments of the route, as described in Guide to the Continental Divide Trail, are:
- Glacier National Park. Spectacular mountain scenery. Excellent trail system in place. Camping permits required.
- Bob Marshall Wilderness. A fine wilderness experience, featuring the great limestone cliffs of the Chinese Wall. Excellent trail system in place. Some grizzlies.
- Scapegoat Wilderness. Includes both ridgetop and valley experiences. Lewis and Clark Pass was on return route of Captain Lewis in 1806. Route is in good condition.
- Helena Segment. Less rugged country, mostly forested. The route is generally quite good, though with roaded portions, from Lincoln south to the Butte area.
- Butte Segment. The current route, circling to the south of Butte, is occasionally on roads and ATV trails. However, several new nonmotorized sections have been completed, with others expected to be done in the next few years.
- Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The beginning of this Segment is roaded, but the midsection uses fine pack trails that criss-cross the Continental Divide, passing delightful mountain-rimmed lakes (such as Warren Lake) on the way.
- Big Hole Segment. An outstanding portion of the route, along the Montana-Idaho boundary, with mountains of grandeur as well as several lakes.
- Dillon Segment. The Trail here has a different character -- predominantly grassland instead of forest. The route is often on the crest of the Continental Divide, with fine vistas as well as plentiful wildlife.
- Centennial Mountains. Recent trail construction has improved this portion, though some stretches along road remain. The unfinished official route circles around the north end of Henrys Lake, but our current recommendation is to descend to Macks Inn, Idaho.
Enjoy the CDT by backpacking or hiking in Montana and Idaho.
[ Wyoming ] [ Colorado ] [ New Mexico ]
[ Home ] [ Up ]