The Continental Divide Trail stretches over 3100 miles from Mexico to Canada, 800 miles of which pass through Colorado. There are innumerable places to pick up the trail, many within an hour drive of the Denver metro area. One such point is Herman Gulch, located north of Bakerville, CO in the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest. This segment of the CDT climbs through two lux drainages to reach the Divide, where it runs north at elevations between 12,500' - 13,300' to its next access point at Jones Pass. Visitors will enjoy miles of open travel at exhilarating heights, unabated panoramas and diverse wildlife throughout.

The CDT crosses Woods Creek 4 miles from the Herman Gulch Trailhead

The CDT scales several unnamed summits en route to Jones Pass

The CDT begins at the Canadian border in Glacier National Park and ends in the Big Hatchets Wilderness Study Area on the Mexican border

Looking east across the James Peak Wilderness Area from the Divide

A 'tundra rose'

Long, moderate sections like this are well-suited for experienced cyclists

The CDT runs 3100 miles along the spine of the Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico

Passing through treeline above the split for Herman Lake

Seemingly devoid of life, the alpine tundra holds one of the most diverse plant communities on earth

Mild grades and relaxing travel on the approach to Jones Pass

A narrow path and steep dropoffs require constant attention to footing

On clear days you can seepeaks from Rocky Mountain National Park all the way to the Gore Range in Vail, Colorado