Compared to the PCT there are a lot fewer permits you need to get and they are much easier to get. The only expensive/need to plan before you start permit, the New Mexico permit, you no longer need to get.
There is no master permit such as the one for the Pacific Crest Trail. A backpacker needs to have a permit for each of the National Parks and certain wilderness areas.
Permits are required for Glacier National Park, the Blackfeet Nation land near East Glacier, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park (if you choose that route), Indian Peaks Wilderness (if you choose the older CDTS route) and a self-signed permit for various wilderness areas.
It appears that the New Mexico permit is no longer required.
- Glacier National Park: permit as a walk-up or on the phone the day before 40-6-888-7801
- Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Permit: obtain in person at the ranger station or visitor center by walk-up.
- Blackfeet Nation on-line: https://blackfeet.nagfa.net/online/
- But the big change, as of February 2023 “The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico Office has acquired a right-of-way from the New Mexico State Land Office (NMSLO) to improve recreational access along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST), the agencies announced today. The right-of-way will authorize and facilitate hiking through segments of state land located along the CDNST and will enable federal funds to be used for the administration, operation, and maintenance of the CDNST where it crosses state land. Today’s announcement follows years of collaboration between BLM New Mexico, the State Land Office, and nonprofit organization the Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC).”
That is really neat, all in all. Makes planning and hiking easier. Basically you get walk-up permits as needed, except for the Blackfeet Nation and that one you get online using your phone once you get about twenty-five hundred miles into your hike.