Continental Divide Trail: Wyoming Section 13

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans nearly 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada, traversing a vast array of different environments and landscapes along the way. The CDT can be completed as a single thru-hike that will take 4 to 6 months, or by section-hiking smaller segments. The Wyoming portion of the CDT features nearly 550 miles of incredibly diverse terrain. You’ll pass through the open desert plains of the Great Basin, the craggy ice carved peaks of the Wind River Range, and the steaming geysers and volcanic activity of Yellowstone National Park. In this guide we’ll take a closer look at Wyoming Section 13.

Wyoming Section 13 begins near the Big Sandy Trailhead. From here it is possible to hop on the Cirque of the Towers Alternate (highly recommend!) if you decided to skip first half of it. Otherwise continue along the CDT as it passes through some nice alpine terrain including Dads Lake and Marms Lake. You’ll then pass the junction where the Cirque of the Towers Alternate ends and rejoins the CDT.

After this you’ll descend to and cross the East Fork River. There is then a decent climb up to a high point, follow by mostly flat and open terrain for a while. You’ll pass by many lakes, each getting more scenic as you continue. There are also serval stream/river crossing that require wet feet.

You’ll walk along scenic Sandpoint Lake (a great spot for a dip), the Pipestone Lakes, and finally pass near North Fork Lake (after another river crossing). Just past North Fork Lake is where Wyoming Section 13 comes to an end at a trail junction.