Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 8

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 8.Section 8 is a short but very scenic section of the CDT. It begins deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. Access to the start of this segment is difficult if only section hiking.From Twin Lakes you'll descend slightly to Middle Ute Creek before a moderate climb. The trail then descends again down to West Ute Lake. This is a nice spot for a break or a swim.The CDT then climbs up to a pass near Mount Nebo. The views from the top are absolutely stunning. Mount Nebo and a small lake dominate the foreground, while the rugged peaks of the Grenadier Range provide the backdrop.Enjoy the epic views as you descend from the pass. You'll drop down to a creek valley before following it up toward Hunchback Pass. From the top of this pass it's a brief descent down to Bear Town Road (FR 506) where there is a remote trailhead. This also marks the end of Section 8.