ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Continental Divide Trail

Okay kiddo, have you ever seen a big mountain range? There's a really big one in North America called the Rocky Mountains, and it goes all the way from Canada down to Mexico.

Now, did you know that there's a special trail that goes along the tops of these mountains?! It's called the Continental Divide Trail, or CDT for short.

The "continental divide" is an imaginary line that goes along the very top of the Rocky Mountains. It's where the rainwater and snow melt on one side flow into the Pacific Ocean, and the water on the other side flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

The CDT is a really long trail that follows this line for over 3,000 miles! That's like walking from your house to the beach and back 30 times!

People who want to take on this big adventure have to be really strong and prepared. They might bring tents to sleep in, food to eat, and special gear to help them stay safe on the trail.

But it's not just about walking all day. There are so many amazing things to see along the way – like beautiful lakes, towering mountains, and cute little animals!

That's why people love hiking the Continental Divide Trail – it's a big challenge, but it's also a really exciting and rewarding way to explore the world.