CDT from Steamboat to Yellowstone

imported
#1

Hi all…So I’m considering hiking the CDT from Steamboat Springs, CO area north to Yellowstone, then cutting off the Idaho loop & taking the Lewis & Clark Trail to Butte or Helena, MT, then getting back on the CDT and continuing on to Glacier Park.

Currently I’m working for the winter ski season at Steamboat until April 15th. I start my summer job at Glacier Park on June 6th. I’m already aware this is NOT prime season for hiking the CDT due to snow. I am a very experienced hiker and outdoorsman, having lived in Montana for over 15 years and worked in Glacier for the past 4 years. I am fully equipped and experienced with early spring hiking at high elevations & in snow! (Just trying to avoid the inevitable “Don’t do it, you’ll die” comments :smiley: )

I’m just trying to get an idea of how long this hike would take; approx how many miles it would be if I don’t do the Idaho portion, if I can make it within the time constraints I talked about above, & if it would even be possible at this time of the year (with the appropriate equipment) The Wyoming portion is 550 miles, does that take about a month to complete? Can’t really tell how many miles it is from Steamboat to the WY border. I’ll be looking around for info on the Lewis & Clark Trail portion of MT as well. I have family in Montana so theoretically I could get a ride the rest of the way once I get to Yellowstone.

Any advice or getting pointed in the right direction would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

TimP

#2

Via the CDT it is about 1400 miles from Rabbit Ears to E. Glacier but following a different route in S. MT would cut that back. You would need to maintain something like a 25 mile average which is a lot for me but I met plenty of people who do so when trail conditions are good.

Your finish date is earlier than a typical SOBO start date so snow and deep water would be issues. You would have a good idea after a few days. If you can make the 61 miles through the Zirkels to the WY line in April then you can probably do any of it.

bearcreek