It's always fun to look ahead to new adventures. This summer I hope to hike the Continental Divide Trail starting on the Mexican border in New Mexico and roughly following the continental divide to the border of Canada, in Glacier National Park, Montana. Depending on the exact route taken, the hike, if completed, will likely be around 2,800 miles long.
They say the trail is about 70% completed, and there are many alternate routes to take. This appears to be a high snow year so I plan to be flexible. A likely scenario is hiking until I hit deep snow near the Colorado border, then "flipping" ahead to South Pass, Wyoming where I'll hike south to pick up the skipped section, which will hopefully be mostly melted off before I get to the deepest snows.
I've been rounding up maps, reading books, researching online and gathering gear. Currently I plan to start in late April, and if things go well and my creaky knees don't hurt too much, I'll likely finish in September or October.
On this trip I hope to update this site with current news and progress as I make town stops along the way, so I hope you'll check back often to read the latest news!
I received the DVD - Alaska. Great adventure for you, thanks. I'll bet that bear scared you- I was nervous just watching it. Also, did you read the article in The Backpacker magazine on The Continental Divide. Information in the article might be helpful for you. Good Luck Buck.
ReplyDeleteNancy
Hi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the DVD! I haven't read that article on the CDT from Backpacker. I'll have to check it out if I get a chance.
Thanks for your comment!
Buck
hey Buck, ,,, glad you are doing well. AK is still chilly but not too bad. Dennis should be around you somewhere. he jumped up some cuz of water situation. Keep hiking and have a blast.
ReplyDeleteyappy..:)
Hi Yappy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment. Lots of snow up high now! I'm in Steamboat pondering my next move. It will be to keep walking, but I have to decide what route to take. I hope to run into Dennis.
Have a good day,
Colter
Great reading Buck, were down to visit your folks today and your Mom gave us your web site address..Will be watching for more updates on your trip...
ReplyDeleteJohn and Pat
Hey Buck,
ReplyDeleteAwesome CDT trip blog! I loved your Alaksa DVD and show it to Boyscouts and Venturers every chance I get. I started following your CDT trip while you were in NM and was hoping to run into you around Salida, CO. I volunteered as a mountain guide for a high adventure youth camp in that area in early June. Looks like I missed you by a month. I was looking forward to going back to hit the 14ers in late July, but that plan has been changed. I have to do another round of chemo, so will have to save that trip for the future. As a result, I'm really enjoying reading up on your trip progress. Best Wishes!
Hello Buck,
ReplyDeleteI sure hope you are doing a video documentary on the CDT trip, similar to the Brooks Range adventure. I've watched the Alaska DVD numerous times and enjoy it immensely. Best of luck!
Thanks Lapsley. Sorry to say no video for this trip, but I hope to do a video slide show of the best still pictures.
ReplyDeleteBuck
Hi Bruce, My friends and I ran into you on the divide trail last week at pintler pass. It was great hearing of your adventures. Hope you complete the trail. I will keep looking for updates in the weeks to come. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIt was great meeting you guys. I wish I'd had more time to ask you of your many adventures. Do any of you have a website?
ReplyDeleteColter
Hi Buck,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the gear review from your Brooks Range Traverse. Could you tell us what gear you took on your Continental Divide Trail trip and what you thought of it.
Thanks and Happy Trails.
Mike
Chattanooga,TN
Hi Mike,
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea and it's been something I've planned to do but I just haven't gotten it done yet. I'll try to announce it on this blog when I do.
Buck
Did you complete this trip yet?I'm having a hard time finding out on your site.Johnny
ReplyDeleteHi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteYes, I completed the hike in late September.
Have a good day,
Buck
Buck
ReplyDeleteDid you have any problems with snakes in New Mexico,or bears anywhere along the trail?I am going to hike this trail next year,and these are two of my major concerns,or should they not be concerns at all?? Thanks,Johnny
Hi Johnny,
ReplyDeleteI only saw one rattle snake on the whole trail and it dove into a hole as soon as it spotted me. Snakes aren't much of a concern on the CDT.
I saw about fifteen bears or so. Had one black bear hanging around my camp one evening, other than that didn't have any bear problems. By following the basic bear precautions you are highly unlikely to have any serious bear problems.
Have fun!
Buck