filed under: economics of trails


Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study

The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.

by Continental Divide Trail Coalition


Colorado CDT Economic Impact 4


The mission of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The CDTC does this by building a strong and diverse trail community, providing up-to-date information to the public, and encouraging conservation and stewardship of the trail, its corridor, and surrounding landscapes. 2022 marks the tenth anniversary of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s vision is to see that the 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail remains a renowned and revered natural resource for people to connect with friends and family, draw inspiration, and create outstanding personal experiences.

The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the CDT, how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding the protection of public lands and the use of the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.

Published February 2023

About the Author


CDTC has four pillars of focus: stewardship of the Trail, promotion of the Trail, building a strong Trail community, and building an organization with sound governance. These pillars guide our long-term direction as well as our day-to-day efforts to complete, promote, and protect the CDT.

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2022 CDT Small Business Survey

From August to December 2021, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition surveyed 136 small business owners in 38 communities located along the Continental Divide Trail to learn more about how the Continental Divide Trail impacts their businesses, the local economy, and their support for public lands.

Impact of Trails Hub

Everything you need to know about the positive impact of trails on health, environment, economics, and more.

2022 CDT Small Business Survey

As a connector of landscapes, communities, and cultures, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) provides a setting for community members, decision makers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone connected to the lands and waters of the Divide, to come together to discuss how to steward the vital natural, cultural, and historic resources found across its entirety. With this report, the Continental Divide Trail Coalition hopes to highlight the role of the cooperative stewardship model in the management of the CDT, what we accomplished in 2021, and what we are looking forward to in 2022.