CDT — Colorado Section landscape

Photo: Photo by Mike Scheid on Unsplash

CDT — Colorado Section

39 days · 805.3 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance805.3 mi
Days out39
Elevation gain149,272 ft
Gain / mile185 ft
High point14,203 ft

What the CDT — Colorado Section is known for

The Continental Divide Trail across the full length of Colorado, from Cumbres Pass near the New Mexico line to the Wyoming border, crossing the San Juan Mountains, the Collegiate Peaks, and the high country around Rocky Mountain National Park. Published mileage is roughly 750-800 miles depending on route choices, nearly all of it at high elevation, and thru-hikers typically take 5-8 weeks. The line here is heavily simplified for planning, so true distances run well above what the segments measure.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the CDT — Colorado Section on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 27,028 ft to 43,228 ft over 805.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 361.0 mi · 45%
  • Downhill 261.9 mi · 33%
  • Flat 182.1 mi · 23%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How much elevation gain is on the CDT — Colorado Section?

The CDT — Colorado Section climbs roughly 149,272 ft total — about 185 ft per mile, topping out near 14,203 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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