Overview
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail runs over 3,100 miles from the Canadian to Mexican border, and its Montana sections pass through some of the longest stretches of genuine wilderness accessible on a marked trail in the lower 48 states. The section through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest near the Lima Peaks includes high-open ridgeline walking that is characteristic of the CDT at its best clear views, solitude, and terrain that doesn't feel managed.
This 10-mile out-and-back samples a section of the CDT that receives minimal traffic. Unlike the sections near Anaconda (adjacent to the Pintler Wilderness) or the northern forest near Missoula, the Lima Peaks corridor is remote by any standard. The nearest towns are Dillon and Lima, both small communities that provide basic services without the tourist infrastructure of larger gateway towns.
The route gains 1,200 feet over five miles of ridge walking, making this a moderate day hike in terms of physical demand. The challenge here is more logistical: the trailhead is remote, cell service is absent, and the open divide terrain offers little shelter in severe weather. Plan accordingly.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Trailhead to Lower Divide
From the trailhead, the CDT climbs through mixed terrain sagebrush and grasses at the lower elevations, transitioning to subalpine meadow as the route gains the divide's lower slopes. The trail is marked with CDT posts, though markers can be inconsistent in some sections. By mile 2, the views begin to open dramatically, with the Big Hole basin visible to the north and the Idaho mountains to the west.
Miles 3 to 5: Lima Peaks Area
The route's high point is in the Lima Peaks area at approximately mile 4-5, where the divide makes a series of minor summits with 360-degree views. The Lima Peaks themselves are accessible on this route as side objectives; the main trail stays close to the ridgeline without major technical sections. Turn around at the natural high point or continue farther on the CDT if conditions and energy allow.
When to Visit
July through September is the reliable window for this high-divide trail. Snow can hold on the ridge into June or early July. September offers stable weather and quieter conditions.
Check current conditions and any trail work updates using the conditions-checking guide.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this route:
- 3 liters of water (no reliable water on the open divide; carry everything from the trailhead)
- Full rain and wind gear; the ridge is exposed
- Navigation tools: GPS with CDT track, topo map; markers can be sparse
- Bear spray
- Emergency shelter for weather that comes in faster than expected
Individual needs vary. The lack of water on the upper route is the primary planning consideration.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest. Fires may be restricted during dry conditions. Follow Leave No Trace principles. For background on wilderness travel, see our national forest vs. national park guide.
Getting There
From Dillon, Montana (on I-15, approximately 65 miles south of Butte), take I-15 south toward Lima, then forest roads west toward the Lima Peaks trailhead. The Dillon Ranger District can provide current road numbers and access information. From Lima (on I-15 south of Dillon), the approach is shorter. This is a remote trailhead allow extra time and carry a full fuel tank before heading in.