A Vision for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail

CDTC promotes the following vision for the CDNST Corridor:

Views from the CDNST are predominantly wide-ranging and grand in nature.  The trail offers a diversity of topography and a variety of vegetation and animal life exposing the user to the entire range of land forms, water features, history, and uses of the land that are found along the Rocky Mountain Region.  The corridor appears natural to the visitor and is characterized by a range of ecological life zones.

This special area retains a natural healthy forested and alpine landscape character shaped by both natural processes and humans. Visitors will experience diversity of native plant and animal species. This corridor traverses a range of Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes. The CDNST setting will either be consistent with or complement the primitive and semi-primitive non-motorized ROS Class. Careful trail design will allow for an appearance of a more primitive setting than the recreation opportunity spectrum would predict.  The linear nature of the corridor is recognized in determining the ROS class.  Roads, utility corridors, or signs of mineral development may be seen, yet they remain visually subordinate.

An atmosphere of self-reliance and respect for CDNST values is fostered and all activities in the Special Area are designed to maintain or enhance the CDNST experience.

CDNST desired conditions should include a “recreation experience not materially different in quality than that extended by a bona fide hiking and equestrian trail and one that is”:

1.     quiet

2.     in a wild and primitive setting

3.     with a natural surface single track (18-36 inches wide)

4.     harmonizes and compliments the surrounding landscapes

5.     travel is at a slow pace

Furthermore, CDTC hopes all activities along the CDNST are only approved when they achieve the following:

1. serve to protect the significant experiences and features that exist along the CDNST
2. establish the best location for a non-motorized CDNST through the most primitive, scenic, diverse and undeveloped landscapes on or near the CDNST that will provide a wide range of experiences and challenges
3. allow for existing trails to be considered for the final CDNST route so long as they are non-motorized and meet the nature and purpose for a National Scenic Trail
4. foster communication, participation and partnership along the CDNST
5. require monitoring and evaluation of the conditions on and around the CDNST
6. assure proper and sensitive standards pertaining to establishment, operation and maintenance of the trail. 
7. they would provide common objectives and means to coordinate the efforts of many agencies and interests having responsibility for implementation.” (Study Report; page 5)