The CDT runs along the border of Montana and Idaho for much of the section between Wisdom and the Teton Valley. To divide things into approximately equal parts, I’ve included the section from the border to Lima, MT within Montana.
010 Whitefish Divide
Canadian Border to Columbia Falls
The route begins ten miles from Eureka, Montana, with an easy and pleasant climb that touches the Canadian border.
At segment mile 25, you can take the Pacific Northwest Trail, or continue on Grave Creek Road / FR 114 for 4.4 miles to the Whitefish Divide Trail. I rode the Pacific Northwest Trail and encountered more than 100 downed trees. I recommend the Whitefish Divide Trail. The Whitefish Divide Trail is generally fairly ridable. At segment mile 45.8 the route crosses the GDMBR that can be ridden into Whitefish for any last minute needs. There’s a biker hostel in Whitefish. Hotels in Columbia Falls and Whitefish are very expensive.
The Hearth Bakery in Columbia Falls serves excellent coffee and pastries.
020 Alpine #7
Columbia Falls to Condon
The Alpine #7 trail begins immediately outside of Columbia Falls. It begins with a burly 4100’ climb, the last 3000’ or so is predominantly hike-a-bike. Alpine #7 is described in greater detail by Bikepacking Roots here: https://bikepackingroots.org/project/alpine-7/
Alpine #7 was likely the most demanding but also most rewarding section of the entire route. Parts of the route were extremely overgrown, to the point where it was sometimes difficult to find the trail. There were also long sections of hike-a-bike on very narrow trail, where I found it awkward to try to push my bike on trail sections too narrow to walk next to the bicycle. That said, it’s very much worth it: the alpine scenery and wildflowers this section offers are exceptional. That said, it would be easy to bypass this section on the GDMBR.
Condon makes for a slightly awkward resupply point. It’s a roughly three and a half mile diversion off the route to reach the post office. The post office is next to a well-supplied market, but there’s no cell service (on Verizon, anyway) and no wifi available. You might consider resupplying at Seely Lake, instead, which offers a full service town.
030 Falls Canyon (Condon to Lincoln)
This segment is mostly GDMBR, except for a detour through the stunning Falls Canyon from segment mile 68 through 91. This detour can be skipped, but I recommend riding it.
040 Boulder Mountains
Lincoln, MT to Butte, America
At segment mile 15 (Stemple Pass) you turn off from Stemple Pass Road onto the CDT proper. Congratulations! This is the main event. Note that water sources in this section are few and far between (since you’re on the ridge).
It’s quite a bit out of the way, but Llama Ranch, an extremely cute free bike hostel, is located at the bottom of Marsh Creek Road.
The travel on this section is generally quite efficient on generally modern singletrack. South of Macdonald Pass there’s a section of significant downfall (one of the three worst sections in 2025) but fortunately it doesn’t last long.
Butte is a fairly inconvenient location to resupply (it’s a 3000’ descent from the East Ridge down the Maud S trail, and then seven miles or so of road riding to reach the post office). That said, Butte itself is extremely charming in its Uptown area.
If resupplying, treat yourself to a night in the historic Finlen Hotel (and check out its bar, one of the best bars in Montana!). The riding between the Maud S trail and I-90 is extremely fun.
050 Highlands
Butte to Wisdom
The CDT between Butte and Wisdom is a mix of double track and single track until the CDT proper turns west into the Pintlers at the Seymour Lake trailhead. At segment mile 91 you can take the 060 GA Deep Creek Bypass resulting in more road riding (but likely less time). The mainline route takes a seldom used singletrack that connects between two roads that can be difficult to follow and connects to the road that runs through private property. I’m 99% sure that there’s an easement to access the trailhead, but not 100% sure. If this concerns you at all, take the Deep Creek Bypass.
There are no services between Butte and Wisdom. Wisdom has a couple of restaurants, though their hours can be somewhat limited. The Silver Mine antique shop contains a coffee shop with breakfast burritos and friendly service.
There’s a free American Legion campground just west of town with power and wifi.
060 Northern Beaverheads
Wisdom to Jackson, MT
The section between Wisdom and Lima is long and rugged and without any easy access to services or resupply, aside from outlets and a soda machine at the Big Hole National Battlefield visitor center.
070 Southern Beaverheads
Jackson to Lima
I chose to resupply in Jackson, Montana, which has a hot springs and restaurant that operates Wednesdays through Sundays (confirm hours) and a hotel/hostel that offers cheap camping and showers. (The post office happens to be within the hotel.) Unfortunately, I resupplied on a Tuesday and the hot springs and sole restaurant were closed. It’s an easy but long (14 miles) ride into Jackson. Many CDT hikers choose to resupply in Leadore which has more commercial offerings. There’s allegedly a hiker shuttle that can be arranged in advance from Bannock Pass (segment mile 68).
If you can, I recommend riding from Wisdom to Lima in a single long push.
Lima has a gas station, diner, lodging, a post office, and not a lot else.
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