You Now Need a Special Permit to Reach One Terminus of the Continental Divide Trail: What You Need to Know

For hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, completing the 3,100-mile hike that spans New Mexico to Canada will now require filing additional paperwork. As a result of a transfer of federal land to the U.S. Army, hikers must obtain a permit to access the final 1.1 miles of the CDT to its southern terminus near the U.S.–Mexico border.

Only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply.

Why the Change?

In April 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior transferred around 110,000 miles of BLM-controlled land in New Mexico to the U.S. Army.

The handover of this land, located near the southern border, was designed to enable “the Department of the Army to support U.S. Border Patrol operations in securing the border and preventing illegal immigration,” according to a press release.

The land transfer will last for the next 3 years.

Within this area, renamed the New Mexico National Defense Area, lies the last 1.1 miles of the CDT, its southern terminus monument, and the portions of Commodore and Crazy Cook roads that access the terminus.

What Do Hikers Have to Do?

Any thru-hiker attempting to traverse this area of the trail needs to apply for a permit, which is issued by the U.S. Army on Fort Huachuca in Arizona. They’ll need to submit a copy of a REAL ID, a passport-style photo, and an application form.

Every applicant is subject to a background check, and permits can take anywhere from 2 to 21 days to be processed. Approved permits will be sent via email.

According to the U.S. Army, a person may be denied if their background check produces “credible derogatory information indicating the individual may present a threat to good order, discipline, or health and safety on the installation.”

Perhaps the biggest change is that only U.S. citizens are eligible to receive this permit. Foreign nationals or U.S. permanent residents cannot gain access.

For more information and regular updates on trail access and conditions, visit the CDT Coalition’s website.