Can I drive the Continental Divide in an RV?

Approximately. The Continental Divide Trail is wilderness; RV access is via paralleling highways. From south to north: US-180 + US-285 through NM. US-285 + US-50 + I-70 + CO-91 through CO. WY-789 + US-191 through WY. US-191 + US-89 through MT. Total roughly 1,800 miles parallel-driving for 3,100 miles of trail.

Best CDT-parallel segment?

The Colorado segment via US-285 + I-70 + CO-91 + US-40 hits the most dramatic divide crossings.

Can I drive the Continental Divide in an RV?

Approximately. The Continental Divide Trail is wilderness; RV access is via paralleling highways. From south to north: US-180 + US-285 through NM. US-285 + US-50 + I-70 + CO-91 through CO. WY-789 + US-191 through WY. US-191 + US-89 through MT. Total roughly 1,800 miles parallel-driving for 3,100 miles of trail. • Approximate, not literal • 1,800 miles parallel drive • Multiple high passes • Summer-only practical • NM + CO + WY + MT corridor

RegionCited official sources

Continental Divide RV drives

RV routes paralleling the Continental Divide Trail. Spine of the Rockies.

The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) runs 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. RV travelers can experience the divide via paralleling highways: US-285 + US-191 + US-89 form the rough corridor through Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. This guide identifies the parallel routes.

Photo: Glacier National Park, Montana — the Continental Divide runs through the park.

Browse RV rentals All region routes

By PickRV·Cited primary sources·Updated May 18, 2026

What Continental Divide Trail Coalition doesn't tell you

Regional travel guides typically focus on individual destinations. PickRV's regional guides focus on the multi-day RV-route reality — how to connect destinations efficiently, where to camp at intervals, what fuel + supply discipline matters.

Continental Divide Trail Coalition: Trail organization.[source]

Frequently asked questions

Best CDT-parallel segment?: The Colorado segment via US-285 + I-70 + CO-91 + US-40 hits the most dramatic divide crossings.

Authoritative sources

National Park Service — find a park National Park Service
America's Byways — Federal Highway Administration scenic byway program FHWA National Scenic Byways

Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.

Planning an RV trip along Continental Divide RV drives?

Browse RV rentals

Rent an RV in the 4 states Continental Divide RV drives crosses

This drive spans more than one state. Pick up where the road starts, or wherever the trip suits you.

Not sure which state yet? Search every RV on PickRV.

Was this guide helpful?