Rollins Pass (West Side)
The rather rough Moffat Road (FR 149) follows the historic route of the Denver and Salt Lake Railway from Winter Park all the way east to Moffat Pass at 11,660 feet, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. This section of the railroad was abandoned in 1928 when the Moffat Tunnel opened. The road rises through lodgepole pine forest into some patches of mature spruce-fir forest before emerging on the open tundra, home of White-tailed Ptarmigan, American Pipit, and Yellow-bellied Marmot. The view from the end of the road is breathtaking; look for rosy-finches and brewer’s sparrow on the snowfields below you. If you’re looking for the high-mountain experience away from the crowds on Trail Ridge Road, this is the spot for you.
Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
County: Grand
Directions: The Moffat Road (FR 149) heads east from US 40 about a mile north of the Winter Park Ski Resort, on the south end of the town of Winter Park. The road is not great, but is maintained in summer for passenger cars. There is no winter access.
Alternate Directions: Moffat Road (FR 149) heads east from US 40 on the south end of the town of Winter Park, about a mile north of the Winter Park Ski Resort.
Habitat: Lodgepole Forest; Spruce-Fir Forest; Alpine Tundra; Cliff Face
Dates of Access: Open June - October, closed during the winter.
Hours: 24 hours
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission or Fees: Free
Parking: Gravel parking lot
Lodging: Hotels in Winter Park
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Birding from car
Delorme: 39 A5
ROC: 5.5E+05
Latitude: 39.89924
Longitude: -105.70409