Hiking to the Continental Divide

Hiking to the Continental Divide

The Continental Divide, that mythical geographic division that sends raindrops to either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, makes a worthy pilgrimage for day hikers and backpackers alike in summer. Although it doesn't look dangerous to the untrained eye, the slopes off the Divide are avalanche prone, so it is an extremely dangerous place to ski in winter. The easiest way to reach the divide is to drive up U.S. Highway 6 over Loveland Pass at the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 and park on top of the divide. Hiking trails lead both east and west along the divide. If you feel like breaking a sweat, hike to the summit of James Peak from the base of St. Mary's Glacier. This 4-mi round-trip hike rewards you with views of almost the entire Front Range as well as staggered mountain ranges farther west. Take I-70 west just past Idaho Springs and get off at Exit 238 (St. Mary's and Fall River Road). Follow the road until you see the trailhead on the left. It takes an hour to reach the trailhead from Denver.