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. 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 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.
County: Grand
Habitat: Lodgepole Forest; Spruce-Fir Forest; Alpine Tundra; Cliff Face
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.
Delorme: 39 A5
Roads of Colorado: 55 E4
Dates of Access: Road open early summer - late fall
Hours: Any
Ownership: US Forest Service
Admission: Free
Restrictions: Hiking can be a hazardous activity; bring raingear and water, and avoid thunderstorms
Parking: Gravel parking lot
Lodging: Hotels in Winter Park
Handicapped: No
Handicapped Access: Birding from car
Elevation: 11660
Latitude: 39.89924
Longitude: -105.70409
Amenities
Restrooms | No |
Drinking Fountain | No |
Gravel Trails | No |
Paved Trails | No |
Platform/Blind | No |
Boardwalk | No |
Concession | No |
Visitor Center | No |
Gift Shop | No |
Primitive | Yes |
Camping | |
Picnic | |
Hunting | No |
Fishing | No |