Home › Trails › Colonel Bob Trail #851 vs Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

Colonel Bob Trail #851 vs Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Units
Colonel Bob Trail #851 Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Distance 4.1 mi7 km 2,923 mi4,705 km
Elevation gain 282 ft86 m 44,032 ft13,421 m
Typical duration 1 day 178 days
Difficulty — —
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network Regional National
Country United States United States
Best time to hike Best from July to July Best months: June, July, September
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Colonel Bob Trail #851 vs Continental Divide National Scenic Trail: which should you hike?

At 2,923 mi4,705 km, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is the longer route — roughly 2,919 mi4,698 km more than Colonel Bob Trail #851 (4.1 mi7 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Colonel Bob Trail #851 is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.