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
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