| The Gregarious Railfan |
| Moffat Tunnel |
GPS: East Portal, N 39.90210, W 105.64618 Rollinsville, CO
West Portal, N 39.88742, W 105.76135 Winter Park Ski Resort, CO
Scanner: UP 160.455
Railroad: Union Pacific Denver Division, Moffat Tunnel Sub
Railfan Access: East Portal via E. Portal Rd, SR-16, (A high ground clearance vehicle is a must for this road);
and use S. Boulder Creek Trail (on foot)
West Portal via Winter Park Ski Resort
Description: Third longest railroad tunnel in The United States at over 6 miles long, the Moffat Tunnel bores under
James Peak and the continental divide to avoid the highest parts of Rollins Pass. Completed in 1927 with government
assistance, the tunnel was named for David Moffat of the Denver, Northwestern and Pacific (DNW&P) railroad. The
original DNW&P tracks climbed Rollins Pass with a series of switch back loops requiring steep grades and experiencing
severe snow conditions. In fact, removing snow from the original line made it non-profitable to operate.
West Portal, N 39.88742, W 105.76135 Winter Park Ski Resort, CO
Scanner: UP 160.455
Railroad: Union Pacific Denver Division, Moffat Tunnel Sub
Railfan Access: East Portal via E. Portal Rd, SR-16, (A high ground clearance vehicle is a must for this road);
and use S. Boulder Creek Trail (on foot)
West Portal via Winter Park Ski Resort
Description: Third longest railroad tunnel in The United States at over 6 miles long, the Moffat Tunnel bores under
James Peak and the continental divide to avoid the highest parts of Rollins Pass. Completed in 1927 with government
assistance, the tunnel was named for David Moffat of the Denver, Northwestern and Pacific (DNW&P) railroad. The
original DNW&P tracks climbed Rollins Pass with a series of switch back loops requiring steep grades and experiencing
severe snow conditions. In fact, removing snow from the original line made it non-profitable to operate.
Google image
Links
Moffat Tunnel Colorado Railfan
Moffat Tunnel KM Farms
Moffat Tunnel Wikipedia
Pictures Google images
West Portal
East Portal
