The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail provides for high quality, scenic, primitive hiking and horseback-riding recreational experiences, while conserving natural, historic, and cultural resources along the Continental Divide. Extending 3100 miles between Mexico and Canada, the trail traverses landscapes primarily on public lands within 50 miles of the geographic feature. This National Scenic Trail was established in 1978 through the authority of the National Trails System Act (P.L. 90-543) and is one of the outstanding resources of the National Landscape Conservation System.

Where the Trail crosses BLM lands in New Mexico the route does not ordinarily have a tread. Except where it follows ranch roads, the Trail is identified with line of sight signs or rock cairns. Equestrian facilities are intermittent and in various stages of development.

Because Trail location, use, and condition status across the state are managed by the unique agency office associated with that area, users are encouraged to contact every pertinent office for Trail updates, especially when crossing Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas.