Colorado · Hiking

CDT ilcST

35.3 mi
round trip
6,245 ft
climb
11,905 ft
high point
Out and back
route

Is CDT ilcST open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The CDT ilcST is a 17.7-mile out-and-back trail located in Colorado. This route follows the Continental Divide Trail corridor in the state and offers hikers an extended backcountry experience through the high country. The trail's out-and-back format means you'll retrace your route on the return, making for a full 35.4 miles of total hiking distance if you complete the entire roundtrip. The CDT ilcST traverses terrain typical of Colorado's alpine and subalpine zones along the Continental Divide. Hikers should come prepared with proper navigation tools and supplies for a remote backcountry setting. The trail is suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with longer distances and self-sufficiency in the wilderness. This segment provides access to some of Colorado's most rugged and scenic high country. The out-and-back structure allows flexibility—you can hike to your preferred turnaround point rather than committing to the full distance. Spring through fall represents the typical hiking season, with snow likely at higher elevations during shoulder months.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go

    Best time to visit CDT ilcST

    No month here meets our mild-weather rule. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    2. Feb

      29° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    3. Mar

      35° / 8°

      14 wet · 14 snow

    4. Apr

      40° / 15°

      13 wet · 13 snow

    5. May

      49° / 25°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    6. Jun

      61° / 34°

      8 wet · 2 snow

    7. Jul

      67° / 40°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      64° / 39°

      15 wet

    9. Sep

      58° / 32°

      11 wet · 2 snow

    10. Oct

      47° / 21°

      9 wet · 7 snow

    11. Nov

      35° / 11°

      12 wet · 12 snow

    12. Dec

      27° / 3°

      15 wet · 15 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Climax, CO, 19.9 mi away at 11,344 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors