National Scenic Trails: CDT & PNT

Left image shows a wooden trail post with Pacific Northwest Scenic Trail label on it. The right image shows a wooden trail post with Continental Divide National Scenic Trail label.
 

Continental Divide Trail

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs along the spine of the Rocky Mountains from the Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. It is one of 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States designated by Congress to provide recreational access to our nation's unique and inspiring landscapes. These trail systems are long-distance trails (more than 100 miles long) that travel through diverse ecosystems and communities. The entire CDT corridor is approximately 3,100 miles (4,988 kilometers) long and passes through five states.

The CDT had its beginnings in 1978 when President Carter signed the National Parks and Recreation Act, amending the National Trails Act of 1968. The amended legislation addressed the proposed Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and designated the US Forest Service as its manager. While the US Forest Service manages the CDT in its entirety, the trail passes through multiple land managers, including the National Park Service.

Winding through Glacier National Park for approximately 110 miles, the trail stretches north from Marias Pass through Two Medicine and Many Glacier, on its way to the U.S./Canadian Border. The trail has two northern terminuses—The Chief Mountain Border Crossing and the Goat Haunt/Waterton Lakes Boundary.

 

Things to Know

 
 
 

Pacific Northwest Trail

From the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail provides a continuous 1,200-mile route through some of the region's most spectacular and diverse terrain. The trail crosses through five primary geographic areas: the Rocky Mountains, Columbia Mountains, North Cascades, Puget Sound, and Olympic Peninsula. Although the PNT ranks among the most scenic, rugged, and wild trails in the world, it is challenging to navigate as most of the trail is unmarked.

The 55-mile section in Glacier National Park stretches from the trail’s eastern terminus at the Belly River Trailhead over the Continental Divide to Polebridge, MT.
 

Things to Know

 
 
 

Last updated: October 28, 2024

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Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

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