Biking – Great Divide Mountain Bike Route
The CDT was designed primarily for use by hikers and equestrians. There are steep trail grades and obstacles such as downed trees and narrow fences that are not optimal for mountain biking. However, there is still a way for you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Continental Divide via bike on a similar route! The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route (GDMBR) also follows the Continental Divide, and in some parts the Continental Divide Trail itself.
The GDMBR is the longest off-pavement cycling route in the world and runs from Banff, Alberta, Canada to the US-Mexico border in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The route is 2,696 miles and typically takes bikers about 40-60 days to complete which can vary widely depending on pace and rest days. About 90% of the trail is off-payment and is a network of high-quality dirt roads, gravel roads, trails, and sections of unmaintained tracks. Bike packing this trail is achievable by those with intermediate off-road mountain biking skills, however, there is still a lot of planning and logistics to carry out for a successful journey.
Learn More about the Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride
Supplies and Welcoming Montana Communities
Biking the GDMBR will take you through three of Montana’s four CDT Gateway Communities – Butte, Helena, and Lincoln. These communities have pledged to be welcoming of CDT trail users and offer many of the necessary amenities to continue your journey. In addition to the Gateway Communities, you will also travel through the following Montana towns:
- Lima
- Wise River
- Ovando
- Seeley Lake
- Whitefish, Kalispell, and/or Columbia Falls
- Eureka
Safety Considerations
Many of the safety considerations of hiking the CDT that apply to hikers also apply to bikers. As always, prior planning will be key in a successful completion of the route.
Trail Considerations and Etiquette
Many wilderness areas and national parks do not allow bicycling on-trail and therefore it can be difficult to legally complete the CDT route made for hikers. Fortunately, the GDMBR is a continuous route that bypasses the sections of the CDT that are not biking friendly and/or do not allow bicycles on the trail. Riders following the GDMBR will find that they can still make the trans-continent journey legally.
Some of the bypass routes of the designated Continental Divide National Scenic Trail route for hikers utilize the GDMBR route. Please be considerate of other trail users, especially those traveling slower than you, so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Horses and those packing with stock such as llamas have right away on the trails. Please be courteous of these trail users and do your best to not startle the stock animals (horse, llama, mule, etc.) for everyone’s safety.
