47 Years Later, the CDT Still Isn’t Complete — New Legislation in Congress Aims To Change That

Legislation aimed at completing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate last month, according to trail advocacy groups. The proposed bill seeks to address gaps along the approximately 3,100-mile trail, which traverses from Mexico to Canada along the Rocky Mountains.

First designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1978, the CDT currently remains incomplete, with estimates suggesting around 160 miles lack official trail designation or protection. These gaps often force hikers onto road walks or unofficial detours, potentially posing safety risks and detracting from the intended wilderness experience. 

Obstacles to completion include securing rights-of-way across private lands and finalizing routes through complex terrain managed by various federal and state agencies.

Proponents say the proposed legislation is specifically designed to provide the necessary mechanisms, potentially including targeted funding and authority for land acquisition or easement negotiation, to close these remaining gaps. Unlike broader conservation funding packages, this bill would focus directly on finalizing the CDT route.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC), the primary non-profit partner working with the US Forest Service to maintain and complete the trail, has long advocated for dedicated efforts to achieve full continuity. Completing the trail, advocates argue, would not only enhance recreational safety and experience but also improve ecological connectivity and resource protection along the Divide. L Fisher, Director of Trail Programs, tells us:

The successful passage of such legislation would require navigating the standard legislative process through both the Senate and the House of Representatives before potentially reaching the President for signature. The specific bill number and sponsoring senators are typically confirmed as legislative details become publicly available on congressional tracking websites, for those hoping to track the progress.

The CDT Completion Act was also introduced in the two previous sessions of Congress. In the 117th Congress in 2022, the bill passed the House but never passed the Senate. In the 118th Congress in 2023, the bill never received a floor vote.

How You Can Get Involved

For those interested in impacting the future of the Continental Divide Trail, opportunities to engage with the legislative process generally include contacting the offices of their respective US senators to express views on legislation concerning National Scenic Trails and specific measures aimed at finalizing the CDT.

Additionally, supporting advocacy organizations like the Continental Divide Trail Coalition through membership, donations, or volunteering contributes directly to trail completion projects and related advocacy efforts. Furthermore, staying informed by following updates from the CDTC, federal land management agencies, and congressional news sources allows interested parties to track the bill’s status and identify further opportunities for public input.

The potential completion of the CDT represents a significant milestone for one of the nation’s longest and most challenging National Scenic Trails, fulfilling a vision laid out decades ago within the National Trails System Act. As CDTC Executive Director Teresa Martinez put it in an April press release, “Completing the CDT is not just about closing the gaps — it’s about all the benefits that result from ensuring connections to one of the country’s most important landscapes exist for future generations.”