Plan Your Visit

Rollins Pass is a landscape shaped by time, where Indigenous peoples traversed and hunted in the high country, railroad engineers battled the elements to push steel across the Continental Divide, and alpine wildlife thrives in an environment that remains as untamed as ever. Visiting requires preparation, awareness, and a deep respect for its fragile history—learn how to plan your visit to ensure you’re fully prepared.

This guide assumes you’ve chosen to plan your visit for summer or early autumn, when access is most reliable. For winter trips, check our Rollins Pass Road Status page for current conditions, essential gear recommendations, and avalanche safety information.

STEP 1: CHOOSE ONE SIDE OF THE PASS

Rollins Pass can be accessed from two distinct approaches: Rollins Pass West and Rollins Pass East. For motorized vehicles, it is not a through-route—the partial collapse of Needle’s Eye Tunnel severed the connection decades ago in 1990. You must drive back down the same side you came up. To help plan your visit, explore our detailed map containing 750+ custom-located features.

For bicyclists, the closure can be navigated by taking the narrow and steep route beside Needle’s Eye Tunnel. (Congressional wilderness begins just 100 feet from the road, placing many of the stone foundations above and near the tunnel within wilderness. Do not ride or wheel your bike through this area.) Once past the tunnel, bicyclists can continue riding on the other side of the pass. Alternatively, bicyclists can take the wagon road on Guinn Mountain, which overlooks Yankee Doodle Lake. A portion of the historic switchbacks lies within another wilderness area, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, so bicyclists must stay on a straight, direct route. Motor vehicles are not allowed on this route, and the closure has been in place since 1980.

For hikers and horseback riders, additional options exist, as they can legally enter the James Peak Wilderness. They can also take the Guinn Mountain route encircling Yankee Doodle Lake as an alternative approach. When passing Needle’s Eye Tunnel, hikers and horseback riders can opt to take a wider berth near all of the stone foundations to enter designated wilderness areas.

For real-time road conditions, traffic volumes, live webcams, construction updates, and closures on routes to Winter Park or Rollinsville, Colorado, visit COtrip.org.

If you prefer to avoid a slow, bumpy, and dusty road that dead-ends, consider exploring nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, where Trail Ridge Road—a paved scenic drive—offers a smoother and more accessible experience across the Continental Divide, connecting Grand Lake to Estes Park in the summer and early autumn.

Reminder: It is not possible to drive from one side of Rollins Pass to the other—despite what outdated maps or navigation apps may suggest. Any appearance of a through-route is inaccurate. The area is actively monitored, including with high-resolution cameras capable of capturing license plates and registration stickers—even from surprising distances and angles. Additional monitoring methods may also be in place. Unauthorized crossings, travel on closed routes, and wilderness incursions are routinely detected, documented, and reported.

Respecting trail closures on Rollins Pass is essential to keeping access open for all users. Going around barriers not only carries legal consequences—like fines or impoundment—but also makes it harder for those working to maintain access through partnerships, meetings, and advocacy. When riders follow the rules, it strengthens the case for responsible recreation and helps prevent unnecessary restrictions. Land managers take note of patterns, and when trails are respected, it supports efforts to keep Rollins Pass accessible for future generations. With so many great legal routes in the area, there’s no need to risk access for everyone by ignoring closures. Protecting this historic corridor means honoring present-day access limitations. Your cooperation helps ensure that Rollins Pass remains a place of discovery and respect for generations to come.

STILL UNDECIDED?

Not sure which side of Rollins Pass to explore? New to the area? Curious about the history behind the landscapes you’re seeing on your journey?

Our books provide an in-depth look at both the Pacific Slope and the Atlantic Slope, capturing the history, landscapes, and stories that make each side unique. Our 2018 book features rare grayscale photographs and untold stories, while our 2022 book brings the journey to life in full color, offering a vivid glimpse into the past and present of this remarkable area. Both books are designed to be the perfect trail companions—compact enough to slip into a hiking backpack or glovebox, ensuring they’re always within reach as you explore the wonders of Rollins Pass.. Order your autographed copies here with speedy shipping.

STEP 2: PLAN AHEAD

Despite its proximity to Winter Park, Colorado and Nederland, Colorado, Rollins Pass remains a rugged, high-elevation landscape where careful preparation is essential. At 11,676.79 feet above sea level, conditions can shift rapidly—from clear skies to sudden storms, from warm sun to freezing temperatures. Cell service can be patchy or unreliable, roads are unmaintained with no shoulders or guardrails, and help can be hours away. Travelers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing the right gear, understanding the terrain, and knowing their limits. Whether driving, hiking, biking, or exploring on horseback, those who venture here should respect both the challenges of the alpine environment and the fragility of its history. A well-planned trip ensures a safer experience and helps preserve Rollins Pass for future generations.

Save the Trip and Know Before You Go: Even if it’s mid or late June (and sometimes even early July), snow may still block the road, or U.S. Forest Service gates may remain closed due to runoff. Check our Rollins Pass Road Status page for current conditions before heading out.

Rollins Pass Weather: Weather on Rollins Pass is highly unpredictable. Snow can linger into mid-July and return as early as September. Sever afternoon thunderstorms are common, and lightning is a serious hazard. High winds can make exposed areas dangerous. Rollins Pass was never designed as an all-season road. Above 10,000 feet, winter conditions aren’t limited to winter—drifting snow, high winds, and sub-freezing temperatures can occur well into the shoulder seasons. What falls as rain down below often hits this elevation as snow, sleet, or even intense hail—sometimes in the heart of summer. It’s a route shaped by the elements, not maintained to defy them. Check forecasts before your trip, but be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. This page provides looks at nearby webcams, AWOS, and SNOTEL data, avalanche forecasts, and more.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions or bans may prohibit campfires, even if conditions appear safe. Fire danger is often extreme, and regulations can change quickly. Check our Fire Information and Restrictions page before building your next campfire.

Outdoor Essentials: Rollins Pass is no place for flip-flops and jeans. Wear sturdy shoes, dress in layers, and bring waterproof gear. There is limited cell service in many areas, so navigation must be planned in advance. Carry plenty of water, a printed or downloaded map, and emergency supplies. Come fully prepared.

Review Maps: Review Rollins Pass (Corona Pass) maps to understand legal routes, historic sites, designated wilderness boundaries, and where camping and campfires are allowed before heading out. Have an alternate or backup plan in case trailhead parking spots, campsites, or other areas are full. Do not park on the tundra and do not park illegally at trailheads.

Wildlife Interactions: Rollins Pass is home to moose, black bears, marmots, pika, ptarmigans, and many other critters. Never feed wildlife, as human food disrupts natural foraging. Moose can be aggressive if approached, and all food should be stored properly in bear-resistant containers if camping. Learn more here.

Legendary Landmarks: From historic tunnels and trestles to serene alpine lakes, Rollins Pass is home to some of Colorado’s most iconic and legendary landmarks. Each site tells a unique story of the region’s natural beauty and railroad legacy, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past.

Frequently Asked Questions: Almost every question we’ve ever been asked about Rollins Pass and the Moffat Tunnel is on this page.

STEP 3: VISIT WITH CARE AND RESPECT ROLLINS PASS

Once you’re fully prepared, Rollins Pass offers a rare opportunity to explore Colorado’s high country—a place where history, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking alpine vistas converge. Here, every step retraces the paths of those who came before—Indigenous peoples who skillfully navigated these elevations, railroad workers who carved a route through the mountains, and early adventurers drawn to its remote beauty. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply taking in the views, Rollins Pass is more than a destination—it’s a journey through time, shaped by those who traveled these ridges long before us.

Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you bring in—if you carry it up, carry it back down. This includes apple cores, banana peels, cigarette butts, and dog waste bags—even if labeled biodegradable. Learn more.

Protect Historic Sites: Do not move or take artifacts or damage railroad remnants. If you discover something significant, leave it in place—don’t pocket the past—and report it using our Contact an Archaeologist page.

Know the Drone Regulations: Drone use is restricted in certain areas of Rollins Pass, including designated wilderness. The FAA regulates all airspace in the United States from the ground up, meaning that if you’re flying outdoors—no matter how low or how remote—you must understand and comply with airspace requirements. Following these regulations helps protect wildlife, visitors, and the backcountry experience while avoiding violations. Learn more on our Drone Regulations page.

Stay on Designated Routes and Be Courteous: Off-trail travel damages fragile tundra and accelerates erosion. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, visit our Driving Etiquette page to learn more. Be courteous and inclusive; avoid conflicts. People have different reasons for visiting shared public lands and everyone deserves respect and courtesy while recreating outdoors.

JOIN US IN PRESERVING ROLLINS PASS

Rollins Pass is a layered story—one that we are responsible for safeguarding as its history is fragile and irreplaceable. Visitors play a direct role in determining how much of its history remains intact for future generations. Rollins Pass is not just a place to visit—it is a place to experience, to learn from, and to protect. Those who travel here follow in the footsteps of those who lived on, worked on, and found wonder in this landscape. What we preserve today will define what the next generation inherits. Learn more, volunteer with us, or stay connected through our newsletter and social media channels.

The primary purpose of our work is to inform the public.

• Facebook
• Mail
• Twitter
• Amazon
• Goodreads
• YouTube
• LinkedIn