We spent $7500 per person on the Appalachian Trail. We could have easily spent more. Alternatively, we spent $3500 per person on the Continental Divide Trail. We could have easily spent less.
People Also Ask
Frequently Asked Questions. How long is the Continental Divide Trail? The trail is about 3,100 miles long. To put that number into perspective, if you walked 20 miles every single day, it would take 5 and a half months to get from the Mexican border to the Canadian border along the Continental Divide Trail.
The Continental Divide Trail may not be as well-known as the Pacific Crest Trail on a large scale (and this is a good thing), but among hikers, the CDT is largely regarded as the more challenging of the two trails.
To call it the Continental Divide Trail at this point is a bit of a stretch. It should really be called the Continental Divide Route. If you want to hike an actual trail, hike the PCT; if you want to walk a bunch of forest roads (and paved highways), hike the CDT.
CDT Hiker BackpacksThe ULA Circuit was the most common backpack on the Continental Divide Trail this year. It is a 2.29 lb / 1.038 kg pack capable of carrying up to 68 L and 35 lbs / 16 kg of gear. The Circuit was also the highest-rated pack among CDT hikers.
For those hiking the entire length of the CDT, you will definitely need to plan ahead to acquire at least three permits: a Blackfeet Nation Fish & Wildlife Recreation Permit, and backcountry camping permits for Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.
The Continental Divide Trail takes hikers through Yellowstone National Park, but this national treasure is too big to enjoy from one trail. Take time to explore the geysers, mountains, waterfalls and wildlife within America's first national park.
The CDT is not a dangerous trail for a prepared backpacker. Yes, it is more remote, requires additional planning, and has a higher likelihood of encountering wildlife compared to the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, however, the CDT is statistically no more dangerous than thru-hiking the AT.
8 Reasons the AT is the Easiest Triple Crown Trail for First-Time Thru-Hikers. Let me just come out and say it, the Appalachian Trail is the easiest Triple Crown trail for first-time thru-hikers. I know that this opinion might bristle some toe hairs, but it is also the truth.
The PCT has great views from day one. You're guaranteed a pretty panorama every day, and not just at viewpoints. Think about some of the PCT highlights. San Jacinto, Forester Pass, Kings Canyon, Crater Lake, and Goat Rocks, among others.