A FAT OLD MAN'S

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL

ADVENTURE

                                                                TRYING TO FIND THE TRAIL SO I COULD

                                                                STASH WATER AND HIKE PART OF TRAIL,

                                                                I GOT LOST AND WANDERED AROUND A LOT.

                                                                THAT LED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF

                                                                VEHICLE ACCESS INFORMATION FOR THE

(detailed, field verified and with GPS coordinates)

                                                                CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL IN NEW MEXICO.

Fat Old Man heading out on the ancient

Zuni-Acoma Trail.  The CDT follows the

ZAT 10 miles across the Malpais' lava beds.

NOTE RE 2011 UPDATE

In a comprehensive updating of this information in March 2011, and coordinating trail gps points listed here with CDTA’s 2011 trial maps and GPS points (see subsequent paragraph), I found many cases where the point notes referenced incorrect related points. For example, a note might say “Drive 3.1 miles W to 267.00” when it should have read “Drive 3.1 miles W to 268.50.” Hopefully all of these discrepancies have been located and corrected in this revision which should make the information easier to understand and use.

In October 2011 additional vehicle access to the 30+ mile Pelona Mountain segment was located and is provided starting at my point number 227.42.

Background

Approaching 70, in 2008 I set out to hike the Continental Divide Trail in New Mexico.  Being old and fat, this is being done a segment here and there until all 783 miles have been tramped.  Even for one day pieces, I am carrying a full pack as I would if on the trail for several days.  Since 10 to 12 miles per day is about all I can do under easy trail conditions, stashing water along the trail is essential to keep the pack weight manageable.  So, trail access at about seven mile (i.e., one gallon) intervals was desirable plus another gallon for each night on the trail.  There are some segments where access for this is not possible.  Where the distance isn't too much more, I'll just have to cowboy it and pack more water.  For the longer no access sections, I'll figure out how to deal with them providing I survive and get in better shape.

Problem

I soon found that locating the points where the trail crossed major roads, finding back roads that would lead to the trail, and seeing the trail as it sneaked across those back roads, was frustrating and very time consuming.  On an early 2009 trip to Lordsburg, I expected to knock off 50 miles over five days; two-and-a-half of the days were spent searching for trail access points.  Many of the roads shown on a variety of maps do not exist or are private with locked gates.  Something needed to be done so I could spend time hiking rather than driving around the country side.  There are probably others who may, or will, encounter, the same problem.

First Solution

A spread sheet was developed which provides specific driving directions to the trail all along its New Mexico route.  GPS coordinates are included for each critical point along the driving routes (and for the trail/road intersections) to eliminate the need to wander around a multitude of two-track roads in the boonies, taking the wrong road fork at the obscure junctions, and not being able to spot the trail as you pass over it.  The information is being field verified (about 85 % complete as of March 2011 and expected to be completed by the end of 2011).  The verification status for each reference point is provided on the spread sheet and the information will be periodically updated.  It is hoped that others using this information will provide field verifications, updates and other access observations as they tackle the trail so this information can be improved.

CDTA’s New GPS Data Available Makes it Much Easier, But . . .

The Continental Divide Trail Association has mapped the current CDT route and in February 2011 posted on their web site detailed GPS data for the entire New Mexico portion of the trail. This greatly eases finding where the trail crosses a road once you get in the vicinity. Still one is often left puzzled as to the route to drive to these access points. Thus, the some may find the directions provided in this data useful.

In updating my trail access information, the access points have been cross referenced to the corresponding CDTA GPS point number. My previous listings included guesstimates of trail miles between vehicle access points. Those guesstimates have been deleted since actual trail miles are part of the CDTA’s trail GPS point numbers.

CDTA’s New Mexico CDT GPS information can be found at: http://www.cdtrail.org/page.php?pname=about/newmexico

A February 2011 trail map book which is based on CDTA’s trail GPS is also available and is great for hiking the trail. Unfortunately the map detail, road identification and extent off of the trail do not provide enough information to easily drive to the trail access points. Information about the book and its availability in either hard copy or electronic format can be found at the above link.

Since CDTA’s mapping effort occurred over several years, and the CDT is still under construction and road walk sections eliminated, the CDTA’s maps and GPS points do not always reflect the actual on-the-ground trail alignment. Where differences have been found, these are mentioned in my listing.

Obtain your own copy of the trail vehicle access points information (it's free)

If you want to look at the spread sheet                                click here

          Use your browser's back button to return to this page

If you want to download the MS Excel spread sheet       click here

          Spreadsheet last updated June 2011.

Caution, the CDT route is evolving

The New Mexico CDT route is evolving. Some parts of the trail are still located on public roads due to private land, funding and other restrictions. Efforts are continuing to move these road walk sections to cross country routes and every year a few relocations can be expected. Users of this information (and CDTA’s GPS point information and companion map book) should contact the appropriate land agencies to verify the current status of the trail route through their regions.

Contact me at                                              Ralph      -      nm5rc at msn.com 505-821-7636