What the Continental Divide is
The Continental Divide is a natural hydrological boundary: water that falls on the west side eventually drains toward the Pacific, while water on the east side heads for the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. In Colorado it follows the high crest of the Rocky Mountains, weaving roughly north to south across the state at elevations that are often above 11,000 or 12,000 feet. Many of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks sit right on it.
Driving over the Divide
The most accessible way to experience the Divide is to drive over one of the high passes that cross it — several of Colorado’s best scenic drives top out right on the crest:
- Trail Ridge Road crosses at Milner Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park — the highest continuous paved road in the country.
- Loveland Pass (11,990 ft) on US-6 above Summit County, a dramatic switchback climb near Arapahoe Basin.
- Berthoud Pass above Winter Park, and Hoosier Pass just south of Breckenridge.
- Independence Pass near Aspen, plus Monarch and Wolf Creek passes in the southern mountains.
On I-70, traffic skips the climb entirely by burrowing under the Divide through the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in the country. Several of the high passes — Trail Ridge and Independence among them — close for the winter, so check conditions first and see our guide to getting around Colorado.
Hiking the Divide
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs about 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, and roughly 750 of those miles thread through Colorado — the highest and most rugged stretch of the entire route, much of it above treeline. You don’t have to thru-hike to enjoy it: many of the passes double as trailheads for day hikes onto the crest, with big alpine views for relatively little effort (just respect the altitude and the afternoon storms). The trail’s highest point sits here in Colorado, on the shoulder of a Front Range 14er.
Where to base yourself
Because the Divide runs the length of the state, you’re rarely far from it. Summit County puts Loveland and Hoosier passes at your doorstep; Winter Park sits below Berthoud Pass; Estes Park and Grand Lake bookend Trail Ridge Road; and Aspen anchors Independence Pass. See where to stay in Colorado to pick a base near the crossing you want to explore.
When to go
Summer and early fall (roughly late June through September) are the sweet spot: the high passes are open, the tundra wildflowers are out, and the aspens turn gold in September. Winter locks up the highest paved passes and turns the Divide into serious backcountry, so plan a warm-season visit for the drives and day hikes. Whenever you go, dress in layers and start early — weather on the crest changes fast. See the best time to visit Colorado for more.
Continental Divide FAQ
What is the Continental Divide?
It is a natural hydrological boundary running along the crest of the Rocky Mountains. Precipitation that falls on the west side of the Divide ultimately drains toward the Pacific Ocean, while water on the east side flows toward the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In Colorado the Divide follows the high peaks, often above 11,000 to 12,000 feet.
Where can you cross the Continental Divide in Colorado?
On several high mountain passes, including Trail Ridge Road (Milner Pass) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Loveland Pass, Berthoud Pass, Hoosier Pass, Independence Pass, Monarch Pass, and Wolf Creek Pass. Interstate 70 passes beneath the Divide through the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel, the highest vehicular tunnel in the United States.
Can you drive over the Continental Divide?
Yes. Several paved passes take you right over the crest, and they are some of Colorado’s most scenic drives. Keep in mind that a few of the highest passes, such as Trail Ridge Road and Independence Pass, close during the winter, so check road conditions before you go.
What is the Continental Divide Trail?
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is a roughly 3,100-mile hiking route from the Mexican border to Canada. About 750 miles run through Colorado, where it is the highest and most rugged section of the entire trail, with long stretches above treeline. Many of the road passes also serve as access points for shorter day hikes onto the Divide.
When is the best time to visit the Continental Divide?
Summer through early fall, roughly late June to late September, when the high passes are open and the alpine tundra and aspens are at their best. In winter the highest paved passes close and the Divide becomes serious backcountry terrain.