Continental Divide Southbound

Imagine a route stretching more than 2,500 miles from the northern Rockies of Montana to the high desert of New Mexico, following the spine of North America southbound along the Continental Divide. Beginning in Helena, Montana and ending in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this journey crosses Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, and New Mexico, with elevations ranging from roughly 4,000 feet to nearly 13,000 feet. The route traces a single, dominant geologic feature that shapes weather, divides watersheds, defines ecosystems, and delivers some of the most expansive and dramatic views on the continent. This is the legendary Continental Divide, often called the Great Divide.

Riding the Divide southbound is remote, immersive, and deeply rewarding. It is a true bucket list experience. Over ten unforgettable days, riders move from cool mountain air and alpine forests into wide open basins, historic towns, and eventually the striking high desert landscapes of the Southwest. Nights are spent under clear, star-filled skies or in carefully selected lodges, while days are defined by long miles of backcountry riding and ever-changing scenery. The route is only passable in summer, and even then weather can shift quickly, adding an element of unpredictability that keeps every day engaging.

Rawhyde’s history on the Continental Divide dates back to our first expedition in 2009, when we spent nearly two weeks exploring the route with a diverse group of riders. That journey covered more than 2,500 miles of backcountry terrain and revealed just how vast and unspoiled much of the American West remains. Riding such distances while staying almost entirely in remote, pristine environments is a rare experience, and one that leaves a lasting impression.

Traveling southbound from Helena, riders experience the rugged beauty of Montana’s wilderness, the wide open spaces and big views of Wyoming, the high alpine terrain of Colorado, and the dramatic transition into the deserts of New Mexico. Along the way are narrow dirt tracks, historic routes, mountain passes, forest corridors, and open plains that seem to stretch forever. The changing landscapes create a powerful sense of journey, with each day feeling distinct from the last.

We consider this ride America’s Ultimate Adventure for three reasons. First is the extraordinary diversity of terrain, offering rapid transitions from alpine mountains to desert environments. Second is the isolation, with long stretches far from population centers that feel truly removed from everyday life. Third is the unpredictability of the route itself, where summer storms, changing conditions, and the scale of the landscape demand respect and adaptability.

This southbound Continental Divide journey is difficult to describe fully with words alone. It is an experience that must be ridden to be understood, a remarkable passage through the heart of the American backcountry that stays with you long after the final mile.