Catching up to Jon and his family as they finish
their hike on the Continental Divide Trail.
From Canada to the Mexico border in Columbus, New
Mexico It’s estimated it takes 6,000,000 steps to
complete the hike.
So with these five it’s 30,000,000 steps!
Congratulations Jon and boys.
That’s a lifetime memory to treasure!
SEE GOOGLE MAP GDMBR Terminus Marker on the
US/Mexico border in Columbus, New Mexico
Why Columbus is the Smart Choice...
Columbus, New Mexico offers a far
more convenient and comfortable experience—making it the
preferred choice for many Continental Divide Trail Hikers.
Located just three miles from the U.S.–Mexico border,
Columbus blends historic charm with practical amenities,
ensuring your journey starts or ends on the right note.
In Columbus, you’ll find lodging, cafés, restaurants,
grocery stores, and a gas station—essentials that are
entirely
absent at Crazy Cook. Need last-minute gear, a
hearty meal, or a safe place to rest before starting (or
finishing) your hike? Columbus has you covered. Visitors can
also explore Pancho Villa State Park and the Columbus
Historical Museum, and even having a lunch and shopping trip
in Palomas, Mexico, our border sister ctiy in Mexico adding
a unique cultural and historical dimension to their trip.
Whether you’re beginning your adventure northbound, wrapping
up a southbound hike, or simply crossing the
border,
Columbus offers the accessibility, comfort, and support
services you need—without sacrificing the authentic
border-town atmosphere that makes this region so memorable.
Village of Columbus
Crazy Cook
Amenities: A
real town with lodging, restaurants, and a
strong local community.
Logistics:
Easier to access with options for shuttles and
transportation.
Support:
Potential for bike services, gear, and a
welcoming community to send you off or welcome
you home.
The
Columbus-Gila alternate is a 38-mile shorter
alternative to the official Continental Divide
Trail (CDT) start, beginning at the Mexican
border near Columbus, New Mexico. It allows
hikers to pass through town, skipping the remote
Crazy Cook Monument, and often connects toward
Deming and the Gila National Forest
Key Aspects of the Columbus Route:
Start/Location: Starts at the border near
Columbus, NM, rather than the traditional Crazy
Cook Monument
Logistics: Provides easier access to services
compared to the remote official southern
terminus
Route Nature: Often involves navigating dirt
roads, including potential highway walking
through the desert toward Deming and Silver City
Usage: Used by hikers who prefer starting in a
town or for logistics reasons, bypassing the
initial "Bootheel" section of the official trail
Water and Navigation: Water is scarce and often
unreliable; specialized apps like FarOut are
used to find the route
Located in
remote New Mexico, it is notoriously hard to access
via rough dirt roads and features intense desert,
minimal shade, and a challenging 84-mile trek to
Lordsburg
Location: The monument is in the southern bootheel
of New Mexico, requiring a rugged, roughly 2-hour
drive from the nearest paved highway, often
involving slow, cautious driving to avoid damage or
getting stuck .
The Start: Hikers typically take a photo, look at
the border fence, and start walking through the
Mojave/Chihuahuan desert environment, often
beginning in high heat
Initial Hike: The first section covers roughly 84
miles of flat to rugged terrain leading to
Lordsburg, often done in 3–4 days
Logistics: Water is extremely scarce, making it
essential to rely on water caches arranged by the
CDT Coalition and volunteers
Access: It is far from major transportation, leading
most hikers to use specialized shuttle services or
coordinate private transport to reach the spot
Stay in Columbus, New Mexico and enjoy easy access to Palomas, Mexico,
The Pink Store, Pancho Villa State Park, the Columbus Historical Museum,
desert sunsets, quiet roads, borderland culture, and the unique
adventure of the New Mexico Bootheel.
Book Your Columbus
Getaway
For availability, special requests, long-term rentals, business stays,
local experiences,
or direct booking specials, contact BigAddison.
