Stretching across the spine of the Rockies, the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) challenges and rewards in equal measure. One of its most enigmatic stretches carves its way through Wyoming’s Great Divide Basin, a vast, arid expanse that defies conventional mountain hiking. This section, around 120 miles long, offers a raw wilderness experience where the land itself tests your resolve.

The Great Divide Basin is unique—its closed drainage system means that rainwater here dares not flow outward but pools, evaporates, or sinks underground, lending the terrain a quiet intensity. Expect long, open desert steps punctuated by the muted buzz of sagebrush and the distant silhouette of shale cliffs under an immense sky. Elevations hover between 6,500 and 7,800 feet, with gentle elevation gains rather than mountainous climbs dominating this stretch.

Hikers will find wide, mostly soft-packed dirt and gravel trail surfaces that sometimes blend into the landscape, demanding constant attention to navigation. The basin’s wind moves with purpose and persistence, pushing forward like a living force that never tires. Water sources are scarce and unpredictable; prudence calls for carrying ample supplies and proofing your planning around any available springs or caches.

The days here are measured in long views rather than dense woodland shade. Temperatures swing widely—from sun-baked afternoons to surprisingly chilly, windy nights. Footwear with durable soles and good ventilation is essential to handle rocky patches and dust alike. Timing matters: late spring through early fall offers the best window, avoiding Wyoming’s often harsh winter and unpredictable shoulder seasons.

Beyond the physical challenge lies an interplay with nature that’s fiercely itself—compressed in the scent of greasewood, the scuttle of a lizard, or the unexpected brush of wind that presses against your skin. Wildlife sightings lean toward pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and an occasional sage grouse—all alert, elusive, and part of the basin’s stubborn ecosystem.

Strategic resupply points are sparse, so coordination with nearby towns or arranging drop-offs can be a game-changer. Raw, relentless, and rewarding, backpacking the Great Divide Basin section of the CDT demands respect, preparation, and a willingness to meet the open land on its terms. This is adventure stripped down to essentials—a test of endurance, patience, and sharp-eyed observation amid one of Wyoming’s least-traveled wild places.