Continental Divide Northbound

Imagine a route more than 2,500 miles long, running from the Mexican border to Canada and crossing New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. Elevations rise from roughly 4,000 feet to nearly 13,000 feet, following a single, dominant geologic feature that shapes weather patterns, divides watersheds, defines ecosystems, and delivers some of the most expansive views on the continent. This is the legendary Continental Divide, often called the Great Divide.

Riding the Continental Divide is remote, immersive, and deeply inspiring. It is a true bucket list journey. Over the course of ten days, riders experience some of the most striking landscapes in the United States, spending nights under clear, star-filled skies or resting in comfortable lodges along the way. The terrain demands respect and attention, while the scenery rewards every mile. The route is only passable in summer, and even then weather can quickly change conditions, making each day feel dynamic and memorable. It is the kind of ride that stays with you long after it ends.

Rawhyde’s connection to the Continental Divide goes back to the summer of 2009, when our first group spent twelve days exploring the route with a diverse mix of riders. That journey covered more than 2,500 miles of backcountry terrain across Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. What stood out most was the vastness and unspoiled beauty of the American backcountry. It is remarkable that you can ride such great distances while remaining in places that feel truly remote and pristine. The journey began in Douglas, Arizona on the Mexican border and concluded in Roosville, Montana at the Canadian border.

Along the way, riders passed through the saguaro cactus of the Arizona desert, climbed to high alpine elevations in Colorado, crossed the western edge of the Great Plains in Wyoming on narrow dirt tracks with cattle grazing in the distance, and navigated tight backcountry routes deep in the Montana wilderness. The experience was a moving tapestry of landscapes, from harsh desert terrain to lush alpine forests, from wide open plains with seemingly endless views to the expansive skies of Montana.

Years later, we refer to this experience as America’s Ultimate Adventure. The reasons are clear. First is the diversity of terrain. Few places in the world offer such dramatic geographic change in such short distances, from desert expanses to rugged mountain passes and remote forest routes. Second is the isolation. Large portions of the route pass far from population centers, creating a sense of riding somewhere far beyond the modern world. And third is the unpredictability. Summer brings access to the route, but also afternoon storms, changing conditions, and moments that demand adaptability. These elements are part of what make the journey so compelling.

It is difficult to fully capture this experience with words alone. It must be ridden to be understood. The Continental Divide is not just a route, it is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the American backcountry.