The Denver Post reports on best ways to cross Colorado’s Divide
Travelers crossing Colorado’s Continental Divide can choose from an array of routes ranging from high-elevation alpine hiking trails and winter snowshoeing paths to scenic passenger train journeys, according to a recent report by The Denver Post.
Following the crest of the Rocky Mountains, the natural boundary runs from New Mexico up to Wyoming, making its way past localities such as Aspen, Buena Vista, and Breckenridge. Elevations along the route vary dramatically, from a low point of 8,643 feet near the Rio Chamita in Archuleta County to a high point of 14,270 feet atop Grays Peak.
“You can cross the divide in so many unique ways,” Paul Talley, executive director of the Colorado Trail Foundation, told The Denver Post. Talley noted that travelers can alpine ski across the divide, ride a UTV or 4×4 over Tin Cup and Hancock passes, bike along the Monarch Crest, fish at Boss and Hancock lakes, or run via the Leadville 100’s Hope Pass route.
Hiking and Thru-Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail has evolved as a patchwork of routes since its official designation as a national scenic trail in 1978. Jordan Williams, Colorado regional representative for the nonprofit Continental Divide Trail Coalition, described the 3,100-mile footpath as inclusive, accommodating hikers, horseback riders, and various other allowable uses.
Climbing Grays Peak provides summer access to the trail, as it is the only one of Colorado’s ranked peaks crossed by the Continental Divide Trail. For autumn conditions, Williams recommended lower-elevation options in Grand County, such as the Devil’s Thumb Trailhead in Fraser, which serves as a starting point for day hikes through the Indian Peaks Wilderness depending on weather conditions.
Winter Recreation on Snowshoes and Backcountry Skis
As winter snow accumulates, visitors utilize snowshoes to traverse passes crossing the divide. Williams pointed to Jones Pass as a viable alternative to Berthoud Pass, offering snowmobile access and backcountry skiing.
Breckenridge provides a basecamp for exploring nearby routes such as Hoosier Pass. Situated at 11,542 feet and located 20 minutes south of town, the pass features summit parking that allows visitors to walk out and stand directly on the divide.
For backcountry skiers, experienced travelers access routes near the Eisenhower Tunnel from the Dry Gulch Trailhead off Interstate 70 Exit 216. Ben Coryell, owner of Golden Mountain Guides, stated that his outfit leads guided backcountry ski trips during the winter months, while noting that solid intermediate or advanced resort skiing ability serves as a prerequisite for the terrain.
Resort Skiing Across the Divide at Monarch Mountain
Monarch Mountain, located near the top of Monarch Pass on U.S. Highway 50, operates as the only resort in Colorado where skiers can cross the divide. Downhill enthusiasts can navigate into the rear terrain and traverse the boundary on every single run, enabled by a 377-acre No Name Basin expansion completed in 2026.
“When you ski over the divide, you’re dropping into this beautiful backcountry area,” Eva Egbert, Monarch Mountain’s brand experience director, told The Denver Post, describing an “extremely quiet” bowl featuring advanced terrain supplied entirely by natural snow.
Monarch operates independently from multi-resort mega passes, maintaining exchange partnerships with local ski areas alongside day ticket options and a $79 uphill season pass.
Scenic Paved Driving Routes Through National Parks
Motorists cross the divide via Trail Ridge Road inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Reaching 12,183 feet over a 48-mile stretch between Estes Park and Grand Lake, the route represents the highest continuous paved road in North America.
At Milner Pass, the road carries drivers across the divide at an elevation of 10,759 feet. The route typically remains open from late May through mid-October before closing seasonally due to snow and ice. Current conditions are tracked through the National Park Service system at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Biking and Rail Transit Options Across the Mountains
Cyclists traverse Marshall Pass, a gentle 2% grade gravel route that forms part of the Tour Divide bikepacking ride.
Rail passengers cross beneath the divide aboard Amtrak’s California Zephyr, which travels through the 6.2-mile-long Moffat Tunnel at 9,200 feet before arriving at Winter Park Ski Resort. Paul Hammond, executive director of the Colorado Railroad Museum, noted that the Moffat Tunnel also accommodates the seasonal Canyon Spirit luxury rail journey between Denver, Moab, and Salt Lake City, as well as the Winter Park Express ski train running from Union Station.
Further south, long-distance CDT thru-hikers utilize a $50, 75-minute one-way transfer service from Cumbres Pass down to Chama aboard the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.