CDT Celebration in New Mexico’s Bootheel

On November 14th, 2009, the Continental Divide Trail Alliance hosted an event near Hachita, NM to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Trail's designation and the completion of the CDT's southernmost point. The event also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the National Landscapes Conservation Act. Many exciting activities took place throughout the day, including day hikes, hidden geocaches, several guest speakers, a ribbon cutting ceremony, a delicious BBQ lunch, and an interpretive CDT display.

The event attracted over 50 members of the Trail community including ranchers, agency partners, through hikers, section hikers, day hikers, long distance horseback riders, United States Border Patrol, volunteers, CDTA staff, and trail angels. Guest speakers included New Mexico State Representative Nate Cote, BLM Las Cruces Recreation Manager Tom Phillips, New Mexico State Parks Trail Coordinator David Certain, Senator Tom Udall's Staff Member Xochitl Torres and International Rotarian and long distance hiker Mat Matson. In addition, Executive Director of the CDTA Steve Dudley read a letter of support from Senator Bingaman who unfortunately could not be in attendance. State Representative Nate Cote also presented the CDTA with a New Mexico state flag that had been flown over the State Capitol this past Columbus Day. The flag is now proudly on display in the new CDTA Golden office.

Thank you to everyone who attended the celebration!

Please click the link below to see photos from the event:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdta/with/4156681120/

Become a Member of CDTA!

Help us protect and complete one of our most beautiful and rugged national treasures: The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

To put it plain and simple -- we need your help! In the last twenty years not enough has been done to complete and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). Our treasured landscape. Your backyard. With only 72% of the trail complete, there is much to do still and without your help it simply won't happen. This is why you should become a new member or renew your membership with CDTA today:

No Small Project: It's 3,100 Miles Long!
The CDTA is the leading non-profit partner in the completion, management and protection of the 3,100 miles that make up the CDNST - stretching from Canada to Mexico. CDTA's work includes promotion and protection, public education, as well as the recruitment, training and coordination of volunteers to scout, locate, construct, repair and maintain the CDNST. We need your support to reach our goals.

Highest & Wildest
Snaking across five states along the backbone of our nation, the CDNST provides opportunities found no where else in the country to highlight the highest, wildest, and most remote National Scenic Trail along with the communities and people near it. The CDNST connects rugged, open spaces like the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, the San Juans in Colorado, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, the Big Hole in Idaho and the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. Show your love for these special places and become a member today.

History & Legacy
The CDNST is also a cultural and natural resource treasure chest; offering wildlife viewing, miles of dramatic and diverse landscapes, a window into our past and an open door for adventure and exploring. It is home to working ranches, small towns, and generations of Americans whose lives are forever etched with the land they work. It is where Lewis & Clark first crossed the Great Divide, where legendary mountain men like Jim Bridger and Kit Carson roamed, and where Native Americans lived harmoniously off the landscape years ago. Your membership helps preserve the history and legacy of the CDNST; the same history that inspires our rugged, western spirit today.

When you give, you get something in return. Special Benefits for All Members Include: A free gift for new members (while supplies last); Three issues of the Continental Divide Trail News filled with CDT news and information; A Continental Divide Trail Alliance membership card; Free participation on CDTA Volunteer Projects; Discounts on CDTA merchandise, such as t-shirts, books and hats; Advanced mailing of volunteer opportunities; An invitation to and discounts on CDTA activities. And - most importantly - you have the knowledge that your membership helps to protect, complete and maintain the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail for future generations. Thank you for your generous support!

YES! I want to help build the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and become a member of the Continental Divide Trail Alliance.

Click here to go to the CDTA New Member webpage. Sign up today!

TrailFest 2009 hosted by CDTA!

On Saturday August 8th, hundreds of people celebrated the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, got out on the Divide with free guided trips, and explored CDTA Base Camp in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Honored Attendees of this year's event included Joel Holtrip, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Forest Service; and Jim Bedwell, U.S. Forest Service Director of Wilderness, Recreation and Heritage Resources.

More than 60 kids won free backpacks for completing a CDTA scavenger hunt...the packs were generously donated by High Sierra through Rocky Mountain Trail.





The interest was so great for the scavenger hunt that the local BV outfitter shop, The Trailhead, also pitched in with free backpacks so every Scavenger Hunt participant could be awarded. The Trailhead also donated coffee and travel mugs to CDTA for the breakfast at Base Camp.

Walking the Great Divide on Rocky Mountain PBS

Mark Flagler's incredible documentary about the CDT is airing Sunday, July 19th at 6pm. Part 2 airs Sunday, July 20th at 6pm. The program will air on PBS stations nationwide, check your local listings for information.

More information