Description

Forming the Triple Crown of Hiking in the United States, the [Appalachian Trail](https://fatmap.com/guidebooks/55/the-appalachian-trail), [Pacific Crest Trail](https://fatmap.com/routeid/39877/Pacific_Crest_Trail), and Continental Divide Trail are all epic endeavors that take years to plan and prepare for.

On top of the extensive gear list needed to successfully complete a thru-hike, arriving at a trail's start or finish is often one of the most under-appreciated tasks for those new to the challenge.

And the CDT is no different.

Its southern terminal requires hiring a shuttle to arrive at the Crazy Cook Monument, a remote landmark along the US/Mexico Border.

In contrast, thru-hikers have two options to finish the trail at the US/Canada Border.

Seen here, the Waterton Route follows Swiftcurrent Pass to the infamously stunning Highline Trail before joining the Waterton Valley Trail.

Following the basin northbound, you'll arrive at the northern terminus at a monument "celebrating the longstanding peace and friendship between our two nations", the [CDT Coalition](https://continentaldividetrail.org/project/northern-terminus-of-the-continental-divide-trail-glacier-national-park/) explains. Snow, wildfires, and trail closures are all variables to consider when choosing this finish to the CDT over others.

A popular trail alternative that follows lower elevations to the Chief Mountain Highway [can be seen here](https://fatmap.com/routeid/2839343/cdt:-many-glacier-hotel-to-chief-mountain-terminus), while a simple road walk is another option if weather becomes a hazard.

Importantly, this route also ends with a brief 4.2-mile walk to Waterton Park in Canada, where you would then have to arrange transport back to the US if that if your ultimate destination.

Passports and other international travel considerations would need to be factored in. As with all of Glacier National Park, pets are prohibited on all trails in the backcountry and wildlife is often present.

Grizzlies, in particular, pose the most threat to hikers, and bear-proof canisters are required for camping in the backcountry.

Bear spray also comes highly recommended, though the more popular trails tend to lead to fewer sightings.

Sources: https://continentaldividetrail.org/project/northern-terminus-of-the-continental-divide-trail-glacier-national-park/ https://thetrek.co/continental-divide-trail/10-things-2020-cdt-hikers-need-know/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continental_Divide_Trail