The City of Salida and Salida Chamber of Commerce are proud to share that Salida was officially deemed a Gateway Community for Continental Divide thru-hikers by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of the most rugged of America’s triple crown of long trails. It runs 3,100 miles from Canada to Mexico, along the spine of the Great Continental Divide, through five states, including Colorado. Elevation along the Continental Divide Trail ranges from around 4,000 to 14,000 feet.
Congress designated the CDT in November of 1978. Congress recognized the valuable contributions that volunteer and private, non-profit trail groups have made to the development and maintenance of the Nation’s trails. In recognition, Congress further felt it was critical to encourage and assist volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development and management of these trails.
Highlights from the Continental Divide trail near Salida Colorado. Photos courtesy of Claire Deveney.
The vision of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is to connect the thousands of people who visit the CDT and various communities along the way together for the utmost in world class hiking experiences, and successful stopovers, including visiting Salida.
Facts about the CDT:
3,100 miles total
6 months to finish the average thru-hike
17 miles per day to thru-hike in 6 months
Highest point along the CDT is 14,270 feet at Grays Peak in Colorado
730 miles in need of relocation off roads
What is a Gateway Community? Gateway Communities are towns that recognize the unique economic and cultural value that the CDT brings. They make services available to hikers, educate local residents, and advocate for continued access to public lands. Communities comprise volunteers, business owners, public officials and land management partners.
Towns, counties, and communities along the Trail’s corridor are considered an asset by CDT users, and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. With the potential of thousands of visitors coming to the Trail every year, it is no wonder that outfitters, restaurants and businesses are beginning to embrace CDT Travelers.
Designation as a Continental Divide Trail Community and participation in the program is designed to act as a catalyst for enhancing local economic development, engaging community citizens as Trail visitors and stewards, aiding local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning and helping local community members see the Trail as a resource and asset. The program also serves to highlight and recognize those communities who are taking steps to ensure the ongoing protection of their natural, cultural and recreational resources, including the CDT. Preserving and enhancing a charming, memorable community destination will contribute to the long-term economic health of CDT towns and make a CDT hike even more desirable. A win-win for everyone.
It is with this partnership with the CDT Coalition that we recognize Salida as a Gateway Community and embrace our thru-hikers.
