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Continental Divide National Scenic Trail vs Old Rag Fire Road

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

Units
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Old Rag Fire Road
Distance 2,923 mi4,705 km 4.5 mi7 km
Elevation gain 44,032 ft13,421 m 1,598 ft487 m
Typical duration 178 days 1 day
Difficulty — —
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National Local
Country United States United States
Best time to hike Best months: June, July, September Best months: April, October
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail vs Old Rag Fire Road: which should you hike?

At 2,923 mi4,705 km, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is the longer route — roughly 2,919 mi4,697 km more than Old Rag Fire Road (4.5 mi7 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Old Rag Fire Road 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.