New Mexico · Hiking

Continental Divide Trail

1.0 mi
round trip
154 ft
climb
6,908 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jan–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Continental Divide Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Gila National Forest. It doesn't name Continental Divide Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

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

This is a short, easy out-and-back on the Continental Divide Trail in New Mexico, set within the Silver City Ranger District of the Gila National Forest. The route is about 2 miles long, with a low point of 6,764 feet and a high of 6,908 feet, and it gains about 150 feet of elevation. The Forest Service manages the land. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Ft Bayard weather station, which sits about 800 feet lower, show October highs around 74°F with lows near 47°F, and April highs around 73°F. Summer brings highs near 90°F and more frequent wet days, while winter lows dip to about 30°F. Several other trails lie within a few miles, including the Wagon Wheel Loop about 2.4 miles away and the Poderosa Loop and North Fork Walnut Creek Road at roughly 2.8 miles. Climbers can find the New Mexico, other Southern Areas climbing area about 3.9 miles off.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jan–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Continental Divide Trail

    Best months: January–May and September–November. 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

      56° / 32°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      59° / 34°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      66° / 37°

      5 wet

    4. Apr

      73° / 43°

      3 wet

    5. May

      80° / 50°

      3 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 60°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 64°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 63°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 58°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 47°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      63° / 37°

      4 wet

    12. Dec

      55° / 30°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ft Bayard, NM, 8.2 mi away at 6,099 ft. The station sits about 800 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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