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Divided: A Walk on the Continental Divide Trail
Once a person hikes a long trail, they catch the bug, but does it get any easier the second time around? Four years after starting the Appalachian Trail with his brother, Brian takes to the Continental Divide Trail for his second thru-hike in familiar company. However, trail life is not always as rewarding and romantic as the pictures you see or second-hand stories you hear. "Divided" provides an accurate account of life on what hikers ponder, eat, love, loathe, and the questions they tire of answering. Some moments are too short, some are painfully long while others are whisked away unceremoniously with the wind. Follow along on the journey as Brian navigates difficulties, successes and everything between while attempting to walk from Mexico to Canada. “The greatest challenge of being a long-distance backpacker is learning how to live fully on - and off - the trail. In 'Divided,' Brian shares the rugged beauty and grueling challenges of the Continental Divide Trail along with thought-provoking insights which encourage the reader to reassess his or her own path and consider new alternatives.” Jennifer Pharr Davis, "The Pursuit of Endurance" “If you’ve ever wondered what it is like to wander along the entire length of the multi-thousand mile Continental Divide Trail, Brian Cornell’s 'Divided' will take you on a journey from Mexico to Canada that just may have you planning your own hike of this magnificent trail!” Lawton Grinter, "I Hike Again" " 'Divided' is unlike any hiking memoir I've read. Cornell is undeniably talented and his unique prose vividly conveys the hypnotic nature of long-distance hiking without leaving the reader in a trance. A modern-day 'Desert Solitaire.' " Gary Sizer, "Where’s the Next Shelter?" "An honest look at what life on the Divide is truly like." Heather Anderson, " 2600 Miles to Home"
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2019
107 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 27, 2021
The Continental Divide Trail is the least popular trail of the Triple Crown making thru-hiking books dedicated to it more rare. I enjoyed reading about the trail, but I would have liked to read more about the landscape and natural trail features.
The author spent a lot of time describing his thoughts and interactions with the people he encountered. Often times he came off as pretentious. He thought he was better than day hikers or weekend backpackers because he thought they envied him, better than south bound thru-hikers, better than horseback riders, etc. I felt he went out of his way to bring people down that had their lives together to make himself feel better about “not following the norms of society”. He did not bring people down in person, just in the way he wrote about them.
It also frustrated me than he spent so much time worrying about getting to Glacier National Park before the snow fell, yet he took several weeks off and quite a few zero days to visit with friends and family. If he had not done that then his timeline would have worked out. Instead he set himself up for near failure. And why is it that thru-hikers feel the need to ditch their water filters and then they always end up getting sick. Bring a filter, use it, and save yourself from getting sick.
On a personal note, I did not like that he smoked marijuana.
The author spent a lot of time describing his thoughts and interactions with the people he encountered. Often times he came off as pretentious. He thought he was better than day hikers or weekend backpackers because he thought they envied him, better than south bound thru-hikers, better than horseback riders, etc. I felt he went out of his way to bring people down that had their lives together to make himself feel better about “not following the norms of society”. He did not bring people down in person, just in the way he wrote about them.
It also frustrated me than he spent so much time worrying about getting to Glacier National Park before the snow fell, yet he took several weeks off and quite a few zero days to visit with friends and family. If he had not done that then his timeline would have worked out. Instead he set himself up for near failure. And why is it that thru-hikers feel the need to ditch their water filters and then they always end up getting sick. Bring a filter, use it, and save yourself from getting sick.
On a personal note, I did not like that he smoked marijuana.
August 21, 2020
Adventure books seem to be my preferred pandemic reading. I hadn’t read any books about the Continental Divide Trail so I was happy to find this one on Kindle Unlimited. I enjoyed the descriptions of the hike itself and I finished it quickly. I found the writing painfully overblown at times (the sun grew fonder of the western horizon). Most irritating was his sneering contempt toward the people he encountered (many of whom were helping him) with their measly little commercial lives and their negativity when they told him (I’m sure with admiration) that they could never do what he was doing. Mercifully this abated about the time I thought about a did-not-finish for this book and I enjoyed the last part.
February 2, 2020
I picked this book up because I thru hiked the Continental Divide Trail and also wrote ( “In the Path of Young Bulls”) about my own experiences on the mind blowing adventure.
I could not put Brian’s story down and read it in one day. Brian Cornell authored a well written account of his 2018 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. He's divided the book into five major sections reflecting each the Rocky Mountain States, with each of state night lighting five 24-to-48 hour periods with their own subheadings that reflecting topics that interest the hiker. Brian’s ability to sincerely reflect on his experiences adds further insight into what one wears, thinks about, and eats as the 20 mile and plus days add up in his northbound five month long adventure.
While I gave the book five stars some of his information is not entirely accurate. For example, when he finds himself caught in a thunderstorm on an open field Brian erroneously take cover in a grove of trees, unaware that standing near a tall tree puts one at risk to be struck by lightning passing from a tall tree into the ground one where one stands. His practice of daily ibuprofen washed down with bleach purified water isn’t something I’d do.
But the practices that Brian shares with the prospective hiker more than out weigh the few times he makes questionable actions, and aren’t mistakes the open door to adopting new more positive habits ? Brian’s choices become strong links in the chain of positive habits that he incorporates into his evolving responses to the unique challenges that he faced as he struggled to eventually successfully complete his amazing hike.
I could not put Brian’s story down and read it in one day. Brian Cornell authored a well written account of his 2018 thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. He's divided the book into five major sections reflecting each the Rocky Mountain States, with each of state night lighting five 24-to-48 hour periods with their own subheadings that reflecting topics that interest the hiker. Brian’s ability to sincerely reflect on his experiences adds further insight into what one wears, thinks about, and eats as the 20 mile and plus days add up in his northbound five month long adventure.
While I gave the book five stars some of his information is not entirely accurate. For example, when he finds himself caught in a thunderstorm on an open field Brian erroneously take cover in a grove of trees, unaware that standing near a tall tree puts one at risk to be struck by lightning passing from a tall tree into the ground one where one stands. His practice of daily ibuprofen washed down with bleach purified water isn’t something I’d do.
But the practices that Brian shares with the prospective hiker more than out weigh the few times he makes questionable actions, and aren’t mistakes the open door to adopting new more positive habits ? Brian’s choices become strong links in the chain of positive habits that he incorporates into his evolving responses to the unique challenges that he faced as he struggled to eventually successfully complete his amazing hike.
August 19, 2024
When delving into books about long-distance hiking, I anticipate gaining insights and virtually experiencing the trail through the author's perspective. However, this particular book leaves me with the impression that the author harbors contempt for people. Whether discussing individuals off or on the trail, there seems to be a tendency to highlight flaws in each person. While I recognize that hiking can offer profound philosophical insights into life and the world, the author appears to dwell solely on philosophical understanding, lacking a more diverse exploration of the hiking experience.
January 24, 2026
I have read a few books about the Continental Divide Trail, and many more about the PCT and the AT. The CDT continues to stand apart for me because of its remoteness. I enjoyed spending time on that trail again through this book.
Brian Cornell comes across as someone who genuinely wanted to be out there. He wanted to enjoy nature, move at his own pace, savor the moment, and occasionally indulge in the simple pleasures of trail life.
One aspect I appreciated was his response to splitting up from his brother and friend. They chose to pursue a fastest known time, while he chose a different experience. There is no resentment or sourness in that decision. He accepts it and continues on his own hike without framing it as a failure.
At times, the book veers into crass territory, with details that feel unnecessary. Explicit descriptions of bodily functions added nothing and pulled me out of the narrative rather than deepening it.
Overall, this is a solid CDT memoir that captures the experience of someone hiking for presence rather than performance. I appreciated the perspective of a hiker who chose enjoyment over optimization and solitude over competition.
Brian Cornell comes across as someone who genuinely wanted to be out there. He wanted to enjoy nature, move at his own pace, savor the moment, and occasionally indulge in the simple pleasures of trail life.
One aspect I appreciated was his response to splitting up from his brother and friend. They chose to pursue a fastest known time, while he chose a different experience. There is no resentment or sourness in that decision. He accepts it and continues on his own hike without framing it as a failure.
At times, the book veers into crass territory, with details that feel unnecessary. Explicit descriptions of bodily functions added nothing and pulled me out of the narrative rather than deepening it.
Overall, this is a solid CDT memoir that captures the experience of someone hiking for presence rather than performance. I appreciated the perspective of a hiker who chose enjoyment over optimization and solitude over competition.
December 14, 2025
Several times I asked myself “why am I still reading this book?”
The book starts okay. During the first half there are insights about life on the trail and a few passages that are laugh-out-loud funny. Those features offset the grammar errors and misuse of many words.
As the hike and the book progress, the trail descriptions turn more often into critical rants against fellow hikers, people he meets along the trail, and seemingly anyone who doesn’t think the way he does.
Other reviewers called the book “preachy” - what an understatement. Skimming over pages and pages of his judgmental tirades was the only way I could finish the book.
The best parts of the book are the trail descriptions and what he learns about himself. If he’d stayed with that and had some real editing, this review would be quite different.
The book starts okay. During the first half there are insights about life on the trail and a few passages that are laugh-out-loud funny. Those features offset the grammar errors and misuse of many words.
As the hike and the book progress, the trail descriptions turn more often into critical rants against fellow hikers, people he meets along the trail, and seemingly anyone who doesn’t think the way he does.
Other reviewers called the book “preachy” - what an understatement. Skimming over pages and pages of his judgmental tirades was the only way I could finish the book.
The best parts of the book are the trail descriptions and what he learns about himself. If he’d stayed with that and had some real editing, this review would be quite different.
February 12, 2025
I really, really wanted to like this book, but it was so disappointing. At first I thought that was because it is written in a diary-type format and not as a story. Then I realized that the information shared was monotonous and repetitive and, quite often, boring.
I met the author when I bought the book and he was a really nice guy, which made me want to give the book an extra star just for merit’s sake, but by the last 20 pages I just wanted it to end. It was like he wanted to draw out the ending of the book so he just kept repeating the same ideas and feelings over and over and over AND OVER again: it’s winter now and I’m hiking alone in the wilderness. It ended up feeling like he used an awful lot of words to not actually say anything meaningful or important.
I met the author when I bought the book and he was a really nice guy, which made me want to give the book an extra star just for merit’s sake, but by the last 20 pages I just wanted it to end. It was like he wanted to draw out the ending of the book so he just kept repeating the same ideas and feelings over and over and over AND OVER again: it’s winter now and I’m hiking alone in the wilderness. It ended up feeling like he used an awful lot of words to not actually say anything meaningful or important.
March 18, 2025
I hiked a bit around Pie Town with Brian and his brother. I knew he had written a book the year after his hike, but it took me six years to finally pick it up. As he says, "Once a person hikes a long trail, they catch the bug." Well, I’m one of those people, and I’ve always hesitated to dive back into that world, afraid of reliving the post-trail blues.
His book really resonated with me. It pulled me back into a world I cherished and stirred up great memories. The writing flows effortlessly, making it a real page-turner. That said, some passages felt a bit preachy, and the teenage angst vibe got on my nerves at times—but nothing too serious. It still makes me want to read more thru-hiking memoirs.
His book really resonated with me. It pulled me back into a world I cherished and stirred up great memories. The writing flows effortlessly, making it a real page-turner. That said, some passages felt a bit preachy, and the teenage angst vibe got on my nerves at times—but nothing too serious. It still makes me want to read more thru-hiking memoirs.
November 29, 2021
A dope a smoking twenty something through-hikes the Continental Divide Trail
I really enjoyed this book and stayed with him to the last philosophical step. This is more of an existential travelogue than an adventure read. Brian spends a good deal of time telling himself and the reader why his life hiking is better than yours working and has yet to learn that hiking may take less courage than engaging in relationships, helping others, and contributing to society. Still it works well as an escape read from the comfort of your living room chair. Read it with Google maps so you can see where he is because there are no pictures.
I really enjoyed this book and stayed with him to the last philosophical step. This is more of an existential travelogue than an adventure read. Brian spends a good deal of time telling himself and the reader why his life hiking is better than yours working and has yet to learn that hiking may take less courage than engaging in relationships, helping others, and contributing to society. Still it works well as an escape read from the comfort of your living room chair. Read it with Google maps so you can see where he is because there are no pictures.
February 27, 2024
This book captures the mental ramblings that accompany solo thru hiking and the challenges that the CDT holds that aren’t so common on the other long trails. Winter weather on both ends of the trail, fording your own path away from the red line, and recognizing that everything can go wrong nearly every day, even at the very end of the trail while you’re most fit. The last couple chapters really emphasized the way the end of a thru hike can mentally feel - simultaneously reflecting on the journey and anticipating whatever may be ahead - getting those thoughts rushed in before you finish as if that matters at all. Good book, good journey.
September 2, 2022
Esmu lasījusi tik daudz labu grāmatu par Pacific Crest Trail un Appalachian Trail, ka šī (izvēlēta, jo pirmā par Continental Divide Trail) šķita pavisam meh. Tas, kā autors “nolika” visus, kas gāja īsos posmus, kas jāja, kas gāja pretējā virzienā, kas teica, ka nevar paši atļauties atvēlēt 5 mēnešus pārgājienam, jo viņiem ir ģimenes un darbi - kādi visi ir mietpilsoņi 🤦♀️ Sadusmoja black or white attieksme, “reklamēšanās”, kā visi bija izbrīnīti, ka viņš iet no Meksikas līdz Kanādai, pārāk daudz vēderizeju un zālītes pīpēšanas aprakstu 🙄
March 15, 2020
Well written and a delightful read. I picked this up to learn about the CDT and ended up finding it so much more. I have read lots of long-trail books from older authors but this was my first book written by a 20-something author. It was informative, funny, and touching — this book has it all. I’ve gifted it now because I want all my hiking and reader friends to experience Knots’ journey on the trail and philosophical musings.
June 26, 2020
Amazing thru hike
I have read many books on hiking..PCT...CD...and AT. This is one of the very best! Brian's determination and fantastic attitude paired with his joy of hiking and living with nature is so pleasing to my soul. There were times when I felt like I was walking right beside him and enjoying all the wonderful things that Mother Nature so unselfishly offers. Hope to read more of your books on your travels.
I have read many books on hiking..PCT...CD...and AT. This is one of the very best! Brian's determination and fantastic attitude paired with his joy of hiking and living with nature is so pleasing to my soul. There were times when I felt like I was walking right beside him and enjoying all the wonderful things that Mother Nature so unselfishly offers. Hope to read more of your books on your travels.
May 16, 2021
My three cents worth
Love it, very well written. At the age of 66 now with my long weekly hikes gone, I now enjoy one or two overnight hikes in the great smoky mountains. Hiking the AT is just a memory. But reading books like this brings life back in me.
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Pokey (my trail name and biker name)
Love it, very well written. At the age of 66 now with my long weekly hikes gone, I now enjoy one or two overnight hikes in the great smoky mountains. Hiking the AT is just a memory. But reading books like this brings life back in me.
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
Pokey (my trail name and biker name)
December 13, 2022
I’m a hiker and would love to do one of these trails someday. I enjoyed hearing about what he saw and how he made it through obstacles but was put off by his comments about other hikers and his distain for going back to work. Every job has meaning so I didn’t like his almost looking down at going back to WORK. It took away from the story.
December 23, 2025
I enjoyed the journey the author shared with us. If you have a taste for a through hike I believe the author gives you an accurate account of what it takes.
My only negative is I felt the author was a little preachy at times and almost condescending to those that live a life outside of that of a through hiker.
My only negative is I felt the author was a little preachy at times and almost condescending to those that live a life outside of that of a through hiker.
November 21, 2020
As a thru-hiker (not CDT yet, but PCT), this is one of the best thru-hiking memoirs I’ve read! Knots did a great job describing the thru-hiking experience and the feelings before, during, and after a long hike. Now I can’t wait for my future CDT hike!
January 23, 2021
Excellent
I have read many books about thru hiking and this is one of the best. His insight and thoughtfulness in how he shares his experiences is thought provoking as well as enjoyable.
I have read many books about thru hiking and this is one of the best. His insight and thoughtfulness in how he shares his experiences is thought provoking as well as enjoyable.
August 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I’d only ever read books about the AT and PCT. It was really cool to read about the differences. I also enjoyed reading about how the author mostly hiked alone and how that experience made his hike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2024
I just love books like this one. It is possible to see the trail and go from town to town with the author. I enjoy that very much. I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook. Wonderful day by day ... Skipping a bit.
April 2, 2020
Great story
One of the best I have read by any thru hiker.
Good story and great insights.
A pleasure to read.
One of the best I have read by any thru hiker.
Good story and great insights.
A pleasure to read.
July 5, 2020
As long distance hiking books go this was a nice mixture of description of trail and introspection. One of the better trail books I've read, would recommend! He has quite a lyrical style of writing.
November 29, 2020
CDT Thru Hiking Fans
An honest viewpoint of thru hiking the CDT. The book is filled with the author’s personal insights which hold a universal-truths for many of us.
An honest viewpoint of thru hiking the CDT. The book is filled with the author’s personal insights which hold a universal-truths for many of us.
May 31, 2021
Captivating
Hard one to put down. Well written. Felt as though I was walking along each mile of each day. Thanks
Hard one to put down. Well written. Felt as though I was walking along each mile of each day. Thanks
July 22, 2021
This was my first book on the CDT and 4th thru-hike book. I really enjoyed Knots’ journey on the CDT. It was a detailed account and loved hearing his thoughts while on the trail.
November 4, 2022
Fine travelogue, but annoyingly preachy at times.
May 20, 2023
read it
Good read for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Brian does a good job of taking us on the trail with him.
Good read for anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Brian does a good job of taking us on the trail with him.
January 27, 2024
Love the CDT. Interesting book.
May 24, 2024
Although I'd never want to do this I really enjoyed experiencing it vicariously through Brian Cornell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews