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CDT: Border Monument Terminus to Waterton Park
Hiking Trail
Hard
3.99 mi
892 ft
A classic finish to the CDT that ends at Waterton Park in Canada.
If you're wrapping up the traditional finish to the 3,300-mile CDT, then you're faced with two options when you arrive at the Border Monument Terminus on Waterton Lake. Either turn back, and retrace your steps 35-miles to Many Glacier Hotel, or continue north 4-miles into Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. These final few miles lead into Canada to a site that earned its designation in 1932 when both countries chose to celebrate "the longstanding peace and friendship" between our two nations, the CDT Coalition notes.
Given its ease, the obvious choice for most is to continue north into Canada. That, however, brings about a few other logistical details that you must consider. For instance, if you have someone coming to pick you up, a passport will be required to gain entry into Canada and to enter the park. The same is true for hikers, and any number of variables can cause closures at the border. In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, this particular section of trail was closed to international travelers, requiring hikers to opt for alternative routes, such as [this one]( that ends just south of the Canadian border.
When deciding how to complete your thru-hike, snow, wildfires, and trail closures are all variables to consider. Wildlife encounters are also not unheard of, though well-traveled trails tend to lead to fewer sightings. Some thru-hikers even opt for a road walk from Many Glacier Hotel to the border if snow hits earlier than expected. And, as with all of Glacier National Park, pets are prohibited on trails - so plan to leave your 4-legged friend at home even if you're just out for a day hike.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
If you're wrapping up the traditional finish to the 3,300-mile CDT, then you're faced with two options when you arrive at the Border Monument Terminus on Waterton Lake. Either turn back, and retrace your steps 35-miles to Many Glacier Hotel, or continue north 4-miles into Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. These final few miles lead into Canada to a site that earned its designation in 1932 when both countries chose to celebrate "the longstanding peace and friendship" between our two nations, the CDT Coalition notes.
Given its ease, the obvious choice for most is to continue north into Canada. That, however, brings about a few other logistical details that you must consider. For instance, if you have someone coming to pick you up, a passport will be required to gain entry into Canada and to enter the park. The same is true for hikers, and any number of variables can cause closures at the border. In fact, during the Covid-19 pandemic, this particular section of trail was closed to international travelers, requiring hikers to opt for alternative routes, such as [this one]( that ends just south of the Canadian border.
When deciding how to complete your thru-hike, snow, wildfires, and trail closures are all variables to consider. Wildlife encounters are also not unheard of, though well-traveled trails tend to lead to fewer sightings. Some thru-hikers even opt for a road walk from Many Glacier Hotel to the border if snow hits earlier than expected. And, as with all of Glacier National Park, pets are prohibited on trails - so plan to leave your 4-legged friend at home even if you're just out for a day hike.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continental Divide Trail Climb | 0.32 mi | 223 ft | 13.2% |
| Continental Divide Trail Climb | 0.36 mi | 144 ft | 7.6% |
| Unnamed Road Climb | 0.41 mi | 207 ft | 9.5% |
| Evergreen Avenue Climb | 0.54 mi | 341 ft | 11.8% |