Moffat Tunnel Road

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3.1/5 (18 reviews)
Rollinsville, Colorado (Gilpin County)
Last Updated: 08/19/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Moffat Tunnel Road (Gilpin County Road 16, also known as Tolland Road) is a leisurely gravel road going west from Rollinsville. Although its main attraction is the access it provides to the trailheads for Rollinsville (the southern spine of the West Magnolia network), Mammoth Gulch, Rollins Pass East and one of the hiking trailheads for James Peak, it is a pleasant and scenic drive in its own right as it winds its way along South Boulder Creek. Along the way you will pass through the ghost town of Tolland on your way to the east portal of the famous and historic Moffat Tunnel. The Moffat Tunnel started operating in 1928, connecting Denver to the other side of the Continental Divide at Winter Park. Before that time, the route went up through the Needle Eye Tunnel and over Rollins Pass. The Moffat Tunnel is 6.2 miles long and reduced travel time over the Divide from well over two hours to just 12 minutes. It cost $23,972,843 to build, and 28 people died during the construction. It is named after Colorado railroad pioneer David Moffat.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3.1/5 (18)
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2200
Open
Visited: 09/23/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Basically a highway, super scenic and the tunnel and history is pretty cool, some nice fall color.
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 08/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

a simple dirt road that takes you through a beautiful valley. just about any vehicle can handle this and you'll finish w/a fresh coat of dust all over your vehicle. moffat tunnel is interesting enough to see, to warrant the drive.

the parking lot at the terminus is filled w/hikers on weekends. also across 119 where the road starts, is a small outpost of businesses: a brew pub, wine bar, a pizza place & the great old Stage Stop, which unfortunately is now abandoned.

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Official Crew
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45900
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 08/19/2023

Calvary 4-Wheelers ran Moffat Road on Saturday, August 19 on our way to Jenny Creek. We did not go clear to the end but only as far as the turn off to Rollins Pass East. The road was in good shape and the weather was nice (we did get rain later on Jenny Creek). I always like going through the little town of Tolland and going through the underpass under the Union Pacific tracks.
Trail Review: Moffat Tunnel Road - Bill Andrews
Trail Review: Moffat Tunnel Road - Bill Andrews
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Official Crew
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52000
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 07/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Pretty drive and a well-maintained road. Provides access to a big area. Only ran to WP 6, though.
Open
Visited: 07/08/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Fun easy trail with a couple great views and stream running next to it.

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