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 10 and the Ley Alternate.
Wyoming Section 10 begins at the bridge over the Sweetwater River and continues to South Pass City. An alternate option is available for those who are looking to save a couple miles and a bit of vert. Johnathan Ley is well known for his CDT maps, and we’ll be following his alternate route for Section 10.
The alternate route begins from the bridge. Take the first left onto a dirt road before the barbed wire fence. You’ll follow this dirt road and the fence line all the way until you again come out at the main gravel road (alternatively you could just walk the gravel road but this saves some distance).
Continue following the main gravel road for a while, then turn left onto a dirt track. You’ll descend down to and cross over stagnant Willow Creek, then climb up from the water and turn right to follow the fence line.
Continue straight with great views of the ever nearing Wind River Mountains. You’ll cross wide open, flat terrain. You’ll come to another junction in which you’ll then follow the road almost all the way to South Pass City. Just before the city you’ll pass a small cemetery, then turn right and cross Willow Creek before entering the charming old town of South Pass City. This marks the end of the Ley Alternate as well as the point where the official CDT Wyoming Section 10 ends.
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