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