Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 32

The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail spans nearly 3,100 miles across 5 states from Mexico to Canada, exploring 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 Colorado portion of the CDT features 800 miles of stunning and challenging high altitude hiking. Highlights include the South San Juans, Collegiate Peaks, 14,270 foot Grays Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. In this guide we’ll take a closer look at Colorado Section 32.

Colorado Section 32 begins from Berthoud Pass and Highway 40, where the town of Winter Park is accessible to the north. There is also a large warming shelter with restrooms here, as well as a large parking area and trailhead.

The trail begins by following a service road as it gently ascends and makes a couple switchbacks. You’ll then continue straight at a signed junction onto singletrack and leave the road behind. From here you’ll continue climbing, a little more steeply in areas.

The tail eventually gains the ridge after skirting around Colorado Mines Peak. It then follows the ridge all the way to the flat and rocky summit of Mount Flora. The views from here are great. CDT hikers can choose to take the James Peak Alternate if they wish to remain on the ridge and have some off trail fun. Otherwise, begin the long descent on the CDT.

The descent soon leads to a rather tedious section of trail with lots of loose rock. The trail is very easy to loose through this section, so be sure to keep an eye out for cairns marking the way. Eventually the trail leaves the rocky mountainside behind and curves left.

You’ll enter into a nice valley, just below Bill Moore Lake. You’ll cross a 4x4 road and Mill Creek.  A slight climb then takes you up and around a ridge before descending steeply and steadily down to a gravel road. You’ll follow the road to the right for a short distance until you cross the Fall River. There is some good camping around here. This also marks the end of Section 32.