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HardDirt

Continental Divide Trail

Butte, Idaho · Jefferson County

Continental Divide Trail is a hard hiking trail near Butte in Jefferson County, Idaho.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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45.97052, -112.43964
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Continental Divide Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High49°F
Avg Low34°F
Peak Rain Chance47%
Humidity81%
UV (avg)4
Air Quality39 · Good
Today
🌧
Rain
47°/37°
💧 47%🌬 13mph
5:43 AM9:11 PM
Sun
🌨
Snow
39°/32°
💧 46%🌬 18mph
5:42 AM9:11 PM
Mon
🌨
Snow
42°/34°
💧 24%🌬 15mph
5:42 AM9:12 PM
Tue
🌨
Snow Showers
54°/31°
💧 15%🌬 10mph
5:41 AM9:13 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
65°/35°
💧 9%🌬 9mph
5:41 AM9:14 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Continental Divide Trail

Continental Divide Trail is a hard hiking trail near Butte in Jefferson County, Idaho.. The surface is dirt. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 🧥
    Light insulated jacket
    Fleece or light puffy you can stash if you warm up.
  • 👖
    Hiking pants
    Quick-dry softshell or fleece-lined.
  • 🧤
    Light gloves + beanie
    Especially if you start before sunrise.
  • 🥾
    Sturdy hiking boots
    Wool or synthetic-blend socks.
  • Rain jacket / shell
    47% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Idaho

Trail conditions in Idaho change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Continental Divide Trail?

Continental Divide Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

Can I ride a bike on Continental Divide Trail?

Yes — bicycles are allowed on this trail.

Are horses allowed on Continental Divide Trail?

Yes — horseback riding is permitted.

What is the trail surface on Continental Divide Trail?

The surface is dirt. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Continental Divide Trail?

Idaho has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.