East Portal Road
East Portal Road follows the historic Denver, Northwestern, and Pacific Railway corridor from the mountain town of Rollinsville deep into Roosevelt National Forest. This leisurely gravel road going west from Rollinsville provides access to trailheads for Rollins Pass East and the James Peak Wilderness, winding along South Boulder Creek. The road passes through the ghost town of Tolland before reaching the east portal of the famous Moffat Tunnel, which started operating in 1928, connecting Denver to Winter Park.
From Rollinsville to East Portal, the road is an all-weather gravel road with chattery washboard sections that regular automobiles can travel. However, beginning at East Portal, at the formal start of Rollins Pass road (Forest Service Road 117), the road becomes very rough due to sustained sections of angular cobbles and potholes. It’s a 4×4 road, though you can make it to several dispersed campsites along this road before requiring high-clearance 4WD.
Biking, camping, hiking, and OHV riding are common activities around Moffat Tunnel and Rollins Pass East. The area offers excellent dispersed camping opportunities and serves as a gateway to the Continental Divide. The railroads stopped using this route in 1928 when the modern-day Moffat Tunnel was built, and nineteen men died during the 4-year construction period. This road carries the weight of Colorado’s railroad history while providing modern access to some of the state’s most remote high country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Length (miles) | 8 mi |
| Best season | May through October, weather permitting |
| Minimum vehicle | All-weather gravel to East Portal accessible by regular vehicles; high-clearance 4WD required beyond tunnel for Rollins Pass approach |
| Nearest town | Rollinsville, Colorado |
| Land manager | Roosevelt National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle East Portal Road, or do I need a lift?
The lower gravel section to East Portal is manageable for most stock all-wheel-drive and 4WD rigs with decent clearance. If you're pushing beyond the tunnel toward the Rollins Pass high country, high-clearance 4WD is required — a stock Tacoma handles it fine, but a stock Subaru or low-slung truck will have a bad time.
When does East Portal Road typically open in spring and close in fall?
May through October is the reliable window, but early May can still have snow and ice at elevation near the tunnel and above. Check current road conditions with Roosevelt National Forest before heading out — a late storm can shut things down fast and the road isn't plowed.
Do I need a permit or pass to drive East Portal Road and camp in Roosevelt National Forest?
No permit is required to drive East Portal Road. Dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest is free and requires no reservation, but you must follow the 14-day stay limit and applicable fire restrictions — check current fire bans before you go, they change seasonally.
What's the gnarliest section on this trail and what should I be ready for?
The roughest terrain kicks in beyond the Moffat Tunnel on the Rollins Pass approach — expect loose rock, narrow shelf road sections, and exposure. It's rated moderate but the drop-offs demand you pay attention; this isn't a trail to drive distracted or at speed.
Is there any cell service on East Portal Road, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
Cell service is essentially nonexistent once you're up the canyon past Rollinsville — plan accordingly and don't count on navigation or emergency calls working. Fuel up in Nederland, about 12 miles east, before you head out; there's nothing closer to the trailhead.
Trail track
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