Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
After completing my Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike in 2024 and the Appalachian Trail in 2025 – I am officially attempting a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail beginning in June 2026.
What is the Continental Divide Trail?
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is an approximately 3100 mile long hiking trail that travels between Mexico and Canada through 5 states . Similar to the Pacific Crest Trail, it takes between 4-6 months to complete. But in contrast to both the PCT and AT, I will be heading southbound. I will begin at the Canadian border and head south towards the Mexican border.
Note that I am once again using the word “attempt” liberally when speaking about this. Though I have completed a few thru-hikes before and feel competent - I continue to not going into this with blind confidence.
Why?
My time on both the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian was life changing in a multitude of ways. On the PCT, I pushed myself physically but more importantly - I pushed myself mentally. I grew in ways I did not know I could grow and absolutely adore the person that emerged on the Canadian border. On the AT, I pushed my physical limits to complete a rugged trail in a relatively short time span of 103 days. I would like to continue to push my mental and physical endurance on the CDT.
A quote from my original Pacific Crest Trail announcement post: “When I have told people my intention to thru-hike, the first question I typically get is ‘Why?‘. The reasons are varied but it boils down to a few things. I want to do something hard, I want to celebrate my body, I want to see the world at a slower pace, and I want community around something I am passionate about which in this case is hiking.”
And from my Appalachian Trail announcement post: “Thru-hiking is a unique experience that is hard to describe to those that have not done it themselves. Being surrounded by like-minded people that are out there for their own reasons is refreshing. There is a built-in community that is hard to find elsewhere. It completely changed the way that I looked at and treated my body. For the first time in my life, I was (and continue to be) focused on my body’s function over aesthetics - which is more freeing than I realized. Lastly, when I think about hiking consistently 25+ miles per day, I am filled with joy.”
Lastly, the combination of these three trails is called the Triple Crown of Hiking. There are less than 1000 people who have reported ever completing this - though I am sure the number may be higher for those unreported. As a goal oriented person, once I made the decision to hike the Appalachian Trail, I knew I had to do the third. There is a saying in the thru-hiking community about these long trails: “You do 1 or 3 of the trails - never 2”. And well… count me in.
What Else?
In addition to my attempt of the Continental Divide Trail to wrap up my Triple Crown, my overarching goal for the year is to hike 5000 miles. The CDT will account for ~3000 miles of this, so I have decided to extend my hiking season to include a couple smaller trails to reach that total.
February - March: I was on the Arizona National Scenic Trail. This is an 800 mile trail that goes from the border of Mexico to the Utah border. I went in that direction, northbound. There were some complications around the Grand Canyon due to wildfire damage on the North Rim that will cause some logistical issues. That is around mile 700 of the trail, so I got off the trail at mile 575 in Flagstaff. I will be back!
April, May, and June: I went abroad and completed the Camino de Santiago in Spain. There are several routes of the Camino, but I completed the Camino Frances and the Camino del Norte. Together, this was just over 1000 miles. I am looking forward to switching up my hiking style as this is not backcountry camping.
How?
As my life continues to throw me curveballs, seemingly month over month, I have had to remain adaptable. Between my dad’s passing, changes in my nuclear family, and my financial planning - I am able to do another long distance thru-hike. I stated last year that I am fully aware and acknowledge the inherent privilege this is. And though it seems enviable, this does not come without sacrifice. In fact, I wouldn’t wish my giant life changes from the last 2-3 years on anyone.
I am just a human attempting to make lemonade from mountains of lemons.
Follow Along:
I have already been posting about the Arizona Trail and the Camino de Santiago prior to beginning the CDT. The Continental Divide chapters will come within the first week in July.
There is an overwhelming sense of excitement for this next step in my journey and for what the trail will bring me… again.
I am most excited for the transformation in myself.
xoxo Leeann/Kanga
PS: This gorgeous picture was taken by my dear friend Darline. Check out her website for more amazing portraits.
