Current Closures and Alerts
Day use is prohibited along the CDT (mile 1372-1396), and the Tonahutu Creek cutoff, in Rocky Mountain National Park due to the East Troublesome Fire of 2020. The National Park Service is limiting use to only those that obtain a wilderness permit. Permits can be obtained online here. CDT users should select the “North Inlet” starting point when searching online for permits. Please note – hard-sided bear canisters are required with a wilderness permit. Canisters can be rented in Grand Lake, CO at Never Summer Mountain Products.
For more information on wilderness permits click here or call the Kawuneeche Visitor Center at (970) 627-3471. For more information about fire regulations, please visit this site.
Updated 10/23/23 – 4:43 pm MST
The Helena Ranger District is implementing a long-awaited fuel mitigation project during the summer of 2023. Almost five miles of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) is impacted and there will be a reroute of the CDT for public safety and to ensure the work is completed in as expeditiously as possible. The work involves heavy equipment operation and hazardous tree removal directly adjacent to the CDT. This work will create a safer trail for the public and firefighters in the event of a wildland fire. The project is part of the Tenmile – South Helena Project; the record of decision was signed in 2018. The miles with the project area are CDNST Series 370 (MT-ID), section 20, miles 616.5 – 620. Please use this link for detailed reroute directions with maps.
MacDonald Pass Reroute DetailsPlease note that road names given in suggested reroutes may not match road names in Google Maps and other mapping applications based on OpenStreetMap.
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions for lands the CDT passes through are listed roughly south-to-north by state. If you aren’t sure which national forest, park, or BLM unit you’ll be visiting on your CDT adventure, find out using the map above by clicking the section of trail you plan to visit. Please note that the definitions of “Stage 1” and “Stage 2” fire restrictions vary slightly by agency.