Where's the Trail in Wyoming?
The Continental Divide Trail is approximately 600 miles in length in Wyoming. The location is generally well defined, but a few sections are currently under review and may be relocated.
The segments, as described in Guide to the Continental Divide Trail, are:
Deep Lake, with East Temple Peak
- Old Faithful Segment. The Trail passes by Old Faithful Geyser and Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park. To get there on the CDTS route, however, requires a long climb, on road, from Macks Inn, Idaho to the Park boundary. Camping permits are required in the Park.
- Teton Wilderness Segment. This includes the southern portion of Yellowstone National Park, along the Snake River. The terrain is heavily forested, with much of it recovering from fires. Stream crossings can be hazardous until the snow has melted. A highlight is the Parting of the Waters, where a single creek divides into branches running into both the Atlantic and the Pacific.
- Gros Ventre Segment. This is the location of historic Union Pass and the nearby Triple Divide, where waters of the Mississippi, Columbia, and Colorado basins meet. Much of the route has been relocated and improved, as described in the Supplement for the Wyoming guidebook.
- Bridger Wilderness Segment.The popular Wind River Mountains, with rugged alpine scenery and excellent trails. Crowded in midsummer, but worth it for the above-timberline experience of mountains and lakes. Alternate routes provide access to Titcomb Basin and Cirque of the Towers.
- Sweetwater River Segment. Sagebrush country. Look for antelope. Features include the Oregon Trail and ghost mining towns. The route is mostly on jeep roads. CDTS has recommended that the Bureau of Land Management should relocate the route to include a section of the scenic Sweetwater Canyon.
- Great Divide Basin Segment. The Continental Divide splits in central Wyoming, so as to encircle the Great Divide Basin. The CDT generally follows the eastern rim of the Basin. Wild horses are commonly seen. Water sources are infrequent, but have been improved by BLM and are generally of good quality.
- Ferris Mountains Segment. This is a largely cross-country alternative route that CDTS advocated because of its scenic qualities. These days, however, it is rarely (if ever) followed because of relocations that have improved the designated route.
- Sierra Madre Segment. This portion of the Trail, from Rawlins south to Colorado, is described in the Northern Colorado guidebook. Much of it is on secondary road. The northern portion should be relocated to minimize views of a 1000-turbine wind energy farm being constructed south of Rawlins. The southern half of the segment, in national forest, includes the tranquil Huston Park Wilderness.
Enjoy the CDT by backpacking or hiking in Wyoming.
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