The Continental Divide: Five States Crossed

The Great Divide's Path Through the US

The Continental Divide of the Americas (separating Pacific vs. Atlantic/Gulf drainage) crosses five US states along the Rocky Mountains:

1. Montana — Enters from Canada (Glacier NP), follows Rockies south. Triple Divide Peak (Glacier NP) — water flows to Pacific, Atlantic (Gulf), Arctic (Hudson Bay).
2. Idaho — Brief crossing on MT/ID border (Bitterroot Range). Most of ID drains to Pacific (Snake/Columbia).
3. Wyoming — Crosses Yellowstone (Isa Lake — drains to both oceans), Wind River Range, Gros Ventre Range. South Pass (historic Oregon Trail crossing) is a low point (7,412 ft).
4. Colorado — Longest segment. Follows Park Range, Sawatch, San Juans. Highest point on US Divide: Grays Peak (14,278 ft). Many 14ers on/near Divide.
5. New Mexico — Enters from CO, crosses San Juan Mountains, Jemez, Sandias, exits into Mexico near Lordsburg. Lower elevations (avg 8,000–10,000 ft).

Not Crossed (But Close)

• Arizona: Divide runs along NM/AZ border for ~20 mi, then into Mexico. AZ drains to Colorado River (Pacific) or closed basins.
• Utah: Wasatch is western rim of Colorado River basin; Divide is in WY/CO.

Trail Access

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) — 3,100 mi Mexico to Canada. Follows Divide closely. Thru-hike: 5–6 months. Iconic sections: Glacier NP, Wind Rivers, San Juans, Gila Wilderness (NM).

Global Context

The Divide continues north through Canada (BC/AB border, NWT) to Arctic Ocean, and south through Mexico, Central America, Andes (Colombia to Tierra del Fuego).