Continental Divide Trail: Wyoming Section 6

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 6.

Wyoming Section 6 begins along Highway 287/Highway 789 just outside of Rawlins. You’ll turn off the highway and onto a dirt road. Follow it for about a mile. You’ll see a sign about private property and the easement that the CDT has through this area. Turn right onto the next dirt road.

The trail will then soon veer to the right and go cross country. Perhaps the best way to go here is to stay on the road, then cut across the gravel pit and back to the trail.

You’ll then continue along the dirt road. The terrain isn’t too exciting. Watch for a junction to the right, where the trail will pass near a small patch of trees (a rare sight in the basin!). You’ll climb over some small knobs and then descend to Fish Pond Reservoir where there is a solar well. Be sure to fill up on water here.

Its about 2 miles from the solar well to the highway where the CDT joins the pavement for a while before turning left onto a gravel road. You’ll then head cross country until you pick up the singletrack trail across the flat, barren landscape.

The trail is straight as an arrow. Continue along until you cross a paved road that will mark the end of Section 6.