Distractions from the day job are a welcomed escape, especially when they involve planning the ultimate Continental Divide Trail (CDT) adventure. The goal is to embark on a series of Long-Ass Section Hikes (LASHes) over the next couple of years, allowing for periodic returns home, quality time with the husband, and the occasional music gig. The excitement of dreaming and planning is palpable, and while flexibility is key, getting a general sense of the ideal time to hike different parts of the CDT is essential. Let’s delve into the specifics.


Certainly, planning a thru-hike or a long series of Long-Ass Section Hikes (LASHes) on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is an exciting endeavor. The trail offers a diverse range of landscapes and climates, making the ideal time to hike different parts of it vary. Here’s a breakdown

of the optimal times to hike different sections of the CDT based on your preferences and experiences:

  1. Southern New Mexico (Ghost Ranch to Chama):
    • Ideal Time: Late May to early June or late September to October.
    • Notes: Spring and fall are preferable to avoid extreme temperatures. Snow may be present in May, especially around Mt. Taylor and San Pedro Parks Wilderness.
  2. Northern New Mexico (Chama to southern Colorado):
    • Ideal Time: Fall, particularly in September.
    • Notes: Fall foliage is breathtaking, and rattlesnakes are less active. The Gila may be chilly, but the scenery compensates.
  3. Colorado (Southern CO to Glacier National Park):
    • Ideal Time: August to September.
    • Notes: Lower sections may be feasible in early summer, but high-altitude areas, including the San Juans, Rockies, and Wind River Range, might have lingering snow. Bugs and wildfires can be considerations.
  4. Wyoming (Great Basin and Wind River Range):
    • Ideal Time: Mid to late May to October.
    • Notes: The Great Basin can be hiked early in the season, while the Wind River Range is best in September after bugs have subsided.
  5. Montana (South of Bob Marshall Wilderness to Helena):
    • Ideal Time: July to September.
    • Notes: Mosquitoes may be prevalent