Most hikers access the trail through established trailheads, forest roads, or nearby mountain towns such as Chama, Pagosa Springs, Silverton, and Durango.

If your route takes you toward the trailheads near Durango or Molas Pass, starting your trek in nearby Mancos can simplify your logistics. The Mesa Verde Motel provides a quiet alternative to busier mountain hubs, positioned for those heading east toward the Continental Divide Trail.

What is the Continental Divide Trail?

The Continental Divide Trail follows the Rocky Mountains along the Continental Divide, where water flows either west toward the Pacific Ocean or east toward the Atlantic Ocean.

The full trail spans approximately 3,000 miles across New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

In the Four Corners region, the CDT includes sections through Carson National Forest in New Mexico and the San Juan Mountains in southern Colorado. These areas are known for elevation changes, variable weather, and limited services between access points.

Where can you hike the CDT in northern New Mexico?

Northern New Mexico CDT access is centered around the town of Chama and nearby Carson National Forest. This area is one of the most common entry points for hikers in the Four Corners region because it provides direct road access to the trail without requiring remote travel.

Carson National Forest access points

The U.S. Forest Service confirms several CDT access locations in this area, including:

• Martinez Canyon Trailhead (US 84 south of Chama)
• Upper Canjilon Lakes Campground (Forest Road 129 southeast of Chama)
• Hopewell Lake Campground (US 64 southeast of Chama)
• Upper and Lower Lagunitas Campgrounds (Forest Road 87 east of Chama)

Nearby resupply and services:

Chama, NM

• Primary CDT resupply stop in this region
• Offers groceries, lodging, fuel, and limited gear

What to expect:

• Forested terrain with intermittent open ridgelines
• Elevation typically between 8,000 and 10,000 feet
• Afternoon storms during summer months

These New Mexico sections are commonly used for section hikes due to easier road access compared to Colorado.

Where can you hike the CDT in southern Colorado?

Southern Colorado CDT segments, especially in the San Juan Mountains, are among the most scenic and demanding parts of the trail.

Key trail access points:

Cumbres Pass (Highway 17)

• The CDT crosses directly at the pass
• Elevation: about 10,000 feet
• Suitable for short out-and-back hikes or staging longer section hikes

Wolf Creek Pass (US 160)

• The CDT crosses directly at the pass
• Elevation over 10,800 feet
• One of the most accessible entry points for day hikes

Molas Pass (US 550, north of Durango)

• Direct CDT access with parking areas
• Known for alpine views and exposed terrain

Stony Pass (near Silverton)

• Access via mountain roads
• Used by experienced hikers for higher-elevation CDT segments

Nearby resupply and services:

Pagosa Springs, CO: Full resupply stop with groceries, lodging, and hot springs

Silverton, CO: Smaller stop with limited but essential services

Durango, CO: Major hub for gear shops, food, and lodging

After completing some long portions of the CDT in southern Colorado, enjoy some R&R in Mancos, Colorado. There you’ll find that the Mesa Verde Motel is a great place to relax and unwind. Visit nearby attractions or just hang out at the motel’s on-site bar and lounge.

What to expect:

• Elevations frequently above 10,000 feet
• Exposed alpine terrain and rapid weather changes
• Longer distances between services

How do you plan a CDT day hike or section hike in this region?

Most hikers in the Four Corners area are not thru-hiking the CDT. Instead, they access specific segments for day hikes or multi-day section hikes.

Planning considerations:

• Trailhead access: Many CDT access points are reached via highways such as US 160 or mountain passes like Wolf Creek Pass
• Transportation: Out-and-back hikes are the simplest unless a shuttle is arranged
• Water sources: Water availability varies by section and season and should be confirmed before heading out
• Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, especially in Colorado
• Permits: Most CDT sections in this region do not require permits for day hiking, but regulations vary by forest

Using official maps from the U.S. Forest Service or the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is recommended for route planning.

Where can you rest and resupply near the southern Colorado CDT sections?

After hiking in the San Juan Mountains, many hikers look for places to rest, clean up, and resupply before continuing.

• Pagosa Springs: Full-service town with lodging, food, and hot springs
• Silverton: Small mountain town with limited but essential services
• Durango: Larger hub with outdoor gear shops, groceries, and lodging

For hikers coming off the San Juan Mountains sections near Durango or Silverton, many head south along US 160 when leaving the area. Mancos sits along that route and offers a quieter place to rest compared to busier mountain towns. Lodging options like the Mesa Verde Motel provide a convenient overnight stop for hikers who want to clean up, reset, and continue traveling without staying in higher-traffic areas.

What are the best staging routes and access points for CDT hikers?

For Four Corners-based hikers, most CDT trips involve driving to a trailhead early in the morning and returning the same day or after a short trip. Planning where to stay the night before can make a significant difference, especially for high-elevation trailheads.

Common routes include:

US 160 corridor (Durango to Pagosa Springs)

• Provides direct access to Wolf Creek Pass and other CDT entry points in southern Colorado
• Commonly used by hikers staging for early morning departures into the San Juan Mountains

Highway 17 (Chama to Cumbres Pass)

• Direct access to northern New Mexico CDT sections
• One of the simplest ways to reach the trail without navigating remote roads

Mountain access roads near Silverton

• Used for higher-elevation CDT entry points
• Conditions vary and may require additional planning

For hikers traveling from the west, staying along the US 160 corridor can simplify access to CDT trailheads the next day. Mancos sits along this route and offers a practical overnight stop before heading toward Durango, Silverton, or Wolf Creek Pass for early starts in higher terrain.

What do CDT hikers do after leaving the trail?

After hiking CDT sections in the San Juan Mountains, many hikers plan a “nearo” or “zero” day before continuing their trip. These rest days are used to recover from high elevation hiking and prepare for the next segment.

This often includes:

• Eating a full meal after time on the trail
• Rehydrating and resting
• Showering and resetting gear

Hikers commonly stop in towns like Durango or Pagosa Springs for these breaks, but smaller communities along major travel routes can offer a quieter alternative. For those heading west, Mancos provides a convenient place to stop with local restaurants, bars, and lodging options.

Staying in a lower-traffic town can make it easier to recover before continuing to travel or returning home, especially after time in more crowded mountain destinations.

The Mesa Verde Motel in Mancos is a popular choice for this transition, offering a comfortable place to clean up and a relaxed on-site bar and lounge where you can swap stories from the trail.

FAQs

Where does the Continental Divide Trail run in the Four Corners region?

The Continental Divide Trail passes through northern New Mexico and southern Colorado in the Four Corners region. Key areas include Carson National Forest near Chama, New Mexico, and the San Juan Mountains near Pagosa Springs, Silverton, and Durango in Colorado.

Can you hike the CDT without doing the full trail?

Yes. Many hikers complete shorter sections of the Continental Divide Trail rather than attempting the full route. In the Four Corners region, day hikes and multi-day section hikes are common, especially near accessible trailheads like Cumbres Pass and Wolf Creek Pass.

What is the easiest CDT section to access near the Four Corners?

Cumbres Pass in northern New Mexico and Wolf Creek Pass in southern Colorado are among the most accessible CDT entry points. Both are located along major highways and allow for shorter hikes without the need for complex logistics.

How difficult is hiking the CDT in Colorado?

CDT sections in southern Colorado are generally more challenging due to higher elevations, steep terrain, and exposure to weather. Hikers should be prepared for altitude, changing conditions, and longer distances between services.

Do you need permits to hike the CDT in this region?

Most CDT sections in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado do not require permits for day hiking. However, regulations can vary depending on the specific forest or wilderness area, so checking with the U.S. Forest Service is recommended.

When is the best time to hike the CDT in the Four Corners region?

The most common hiking season is late spring through early fall. Snow can persist at higher elevations into early summer, and afternoon storms are frequent during the summer months, especially in Colorado.