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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail stretches 3,100 miles from the Mexican to the Canadian borders. Most hikers complete the trail hike south to north to avoid winter weather, but you can hike the course in either direction. In Wyoming, officials have divided the trail into four sections. The southernmost section is the Encampment/Riverside section, running near the small towns of Encampment and Riverside, Wyoming, and Medicine Bow National Forest. The Rawlins, Wyoming, section along the southeastern edge of the Great Divide Basin follows the first section. The next section runs through the Wind River Indian Reservation near South Pass City. The next part of the connected trail runs near Pinedale, Wyoming. It is about 130 miles from Pinedale to Yellowstone National Park and about 85 miles to Grand Teton National Park. Typically, fewer than 150 people thru-hike this trail from its start to finish annually, while many more hike along sections of the course. Near the path, you will find Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. These campgrounds, managed by the U.S. government agency that oversees public lands, often allow you to stay for up to 14 days at a very reasonable fee or for free.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Playas Peak Trail

Playas Peak trail is an out-and-back trail in the bootheel section of the state that experiences an elevation gain of 1,102 feet and takes roughly an hour and 30 minutes to complete. The real challenge is the rather steep climb to Playas Peak, so don’t be fooled by the short length of this hike.

Length: 1.9 miles

Intensity: Hard

Little Hatchet Loop

Little Hatchet Loop, located near Playas, is a looping trail with an elevation gain of 2,034 feet and an estimated completion time of four hours and 10 minutes. The trail has an abundance of prickly plants, but if you visit during the spring, you’ll be treated to flowering cacti.

Length: 6.9 miles

Intensity: Hard

Tsankawi Ruins Trail

The Tsankawi Ruins Trail is a looping trail situated 36 minutes northwest of Santa Fe in the north-central area of the state that has an elevation gain of 236 feet and takes 48 minutes to complete. This trail goes over a lot of tuff, rock composed of volcanic ash, so you should watch your step to prevent damaging the trail.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Jordan Hot Springs Via Little Bear Canyon Trail

This is an out-and-back trail in the southwest region of the Gila National Forest, which is in the southwestern part of New Mexico, that has an elevation gain of 1,561 feet and takes around seven hours and 10 minutes to complete due to its length. This trail goes over 15 river crossings, so wearing waterproof shoes will be essential for visitors.

Length: 15.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Washakie Pass Loop

This trail in the Bridger and Popo Agie wilderness areas starts at the Big Sandy Trailhead. Then, it parallels the west side of the Continental Divide while passing Dads, Marms, and Skulls lakes before reaching Hailey Pass. Then, there are steep descents before it comes to Washakie Lake and stunning views of the backside of the Cirque of the Towers. Length: 35.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Shadow Lake Trail

Experience breathtaking views of the backside of the Cirque of the Towers along this trail, starting at the Big Sandy Trailhead. The first part of the trail runs through willow thickets along a bench cradling Shadow Lake. Then, it opens into a marshy area before following along Washakie Creek and ending at Shadow Lake's northwest shore. Length: 21.8 miles Intensity: Moderate

Pole Creek Trail

Enjoy the high peaks above the Indian Basin by following Pole Creek Trail in the Bridger Wilderness. The first part of this trail runs through a meadow, which is a wonderful place to go birdwatching. This trail ends at Photographer's Point, and you will want your camera to capture images of Bow Mountain, American Legion Peak, Mt. Woodrow Wilson, Mount Helen, Mount Sacagawea, Fremont Peak, and Jackson Peak. Length: 9.4 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Fremont Lake is a beautiful place to go fishing near Pinedale, Wyoming for rainbow, brown, lake trout, and Kokanee salmon. There are many places around this 5,000-acre reservoir to rent a boat and numerous campgrounds. This lake is the second largest in the state and one of the deepest in the United States.

ClimbingClimbing

The northeast face of Pingora is one of America's most classic climbs, with Harry Daley and Jim Yensan establishing the route in 1962. Bring a 60-meter climbing rope with you when climbing this route, rated 5.8. Boondocking is available at Lonesome Lake near this climb.

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

Luke Lynch Wildlife Habitat Management Area, about 2.5 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, is a fantastic place to see elk, moose, mule deer, antelope, black bears, sage grouse, songbirds, and many small mammals. The extensive wetlands at this location are also a good fishing spot. This facility is open from May 15 to December 1 to protect migrating animals during the remainder of the year.

Picnicking

South Pass City Historic Site is a fantastic place for a picnic. This site has 17 restored buildings from the late 1800s. Smith-Sherlock General Store is a beautiful place to go shopping before heading to nearby Willow Creek to pan for gold. Stop at the interpretative center to learn more about this area's history and gold panning.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

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There are many places near the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail to go RV camping. Warren Bridge Campground has 16 pull-through campsites near the Warren Bridge River Access Area, about 20 miles north of Pinedale. This area on the Green River's shore is especially popular for fishing, floating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Atlantic City Campground has 18 sites near Lander. Big Atlantic Gulch Campground offers 18 sites near South Pass.

Free Camping Campground Icon

The Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at North Boulder Lake Campground, about 17 miles from Pinedale on Boulder Lake's north end. Large Creek Campground in the Scab Creek Recreation Area has seven campsites and a corral for horses and pack animals. Located about 25 miles from Rawlins, Wyoming, Corral Creek Campground lies near the North Platte River. Staying in the six campsites gives you a good chance of seeing bald eagles, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, wild turkeys, mule deer, and mountain lions.

RV Rentals Near Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Continental Divide National Scenic Trail BLM trip

Searching for BLM camping near me allows you to camp in scenic areas cheaply. You will build lifelong memories whether you hike the trail's entire length or only a piece. Pack for the changes in weather, and be sure to have extra supplies as some spots are far from major roads. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Do not litter, as the smell of food can attract wildlife, including bears. It also ruins the pristine environment for others following you. Therefore, ensure you can pack out any trash you generate.

Leave No Trace
Location

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Location

You can reach the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail from many points in Wyoming. Rawlins, Wyoming, is one place to start your journey. The Continental Divide runs right through town, and you can make a stop at Rawlins Spring Park on West Davis and Bennett streets. To get to Rawlins, take I-80 north from Laramie or Highway 287 south from Casper. Address: Rawlins Field Office, 1300 N. Third Street, Rawlins, WY 82301 Ready to visit Continental Divide National Scenic Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.