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CDT: NM-9 to Lordsburg

A barren wasteland of solitude as you round out the southernmost section of the CDT.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
63 km
Ascent
545 m
Descent
670 m
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
1.3 km
High Point
1.5 km
Gradient
CDT: NM-9 to Lordsburg Map

Spanning from the U.S./Mexico border at the Crazy Cook Monument all the way north to Canada, the CDT is one of the most highly-acclaimed thru-hikes in North America. This segment begins on NM-9, near mile marker 45.5 for those heading northbound (NOBO).

Description

After traversing the eastern slopes of the Big Hatchet Mountains, this segment transitions into mellow, rolling grades along the east side of another mountain range. As you hike, expect views of 5,000'+ peaks shouldering the trail, notably Pyramid Peak, Cedar Mountain, and Rimrock Mountain, as you near the northern terminus of this segment. Trading in singletrack for road, this section ends with a brief road walk into Lordsburg, NM, just north of the interstate.

For thru-hikers, one of the most important variables on this stretch of trail is the water. Several cache boxes are available along the way, plus multiple water tanks with solar panels can be found along the trail. Most are murky, and others may smell of sulfur, so always treat or filter it first to be safe. A detailed, up-to-date list of water sources along the CDT can be found here.

According to this source, if you commission a CDTC Shuttle from Lordsburg to Crazy Cook Monument, you can pay a small fee to have water at every cache box, which are spaced evenly for 85 miles along the trail's southernmost section. Passing up this opportunity could be deadly as the summer heat intensifies, and the author issues a grim warning that "there is a very good chance you will run out of water and die alone in the New Mexico desert," if you don't plan accordingly.

Sources: https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/trails/continental-divide-trail/caching-water-new-mexico-bootheel-cdt/ https://continentaldividetrail.org/

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between September and May

Features

  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers

Guidebooks in this area