Home : Where to Go : Stay the Trail OHV Trail Guide : Display Trail

East Rollins Pass

Gilpin County, Colorado

This historic road over the Continental Divide was the original Hill Route of the Denver, Northwestern, and Pacific Railway built by David H. Moffat in 1903. The road starts a few miles outside the town of Rollinsville and reaches an elevation of 11,660 feet before coming to a dead end on the east side of Rollins Pass at the closed Needle Eye Tunnel.

Popular Trails in This Area

East Rollins Pass (aka Moffat Road) (FDR 149)
Jenny Creek (FS 502 / FS 808)**
Jenny Lake Spur (FS 148)

Detailed Description

East Rollins Pass

The East Rollins Pass road is an easier, (2 out of 10) maintained Forest Service gravel road. The road provides many scenic views of the lakes and the mountains in the area as well as access to the historical Needle Eye tunnel. The Needle Eye tunnel is closed to all traffic.

Turn by Turn Directions

Mile Description

0.0 Start. Trailhead is marked by a Moffat Road historical marker and a Carsonite post for FDR 149.

5.5 FS 502 exits to the right to the Jenny Creek Trail. Stay left on FDR 149.

9.4 FS 808 exits to the right to the Jenny Creek Trail. Stay left on FDR 149 and curve around Yankee Doodle Lake.

10.1 FS 148 exits to the right. This short spur leads to a small parking area next to Jenny Lake.

12.0 End of Road. If desired, you can park here along the side of the road and hike the remaining 1/2 mile to Needle Eye Tunnel. Otherwise, turn around here and proceed back down the mountain.

Jenny Creek

The Jenny Creek trail provides a narrow, rocky route for those looking for a challenging four-wheel drive experience. Jenny Creek is considered an intermediate difficulty trail (5 out of 10) with a few rocky sections that can require lockers in wet conditions. In snowy conditions, a winch is required. The Jenny Creek trail is best suited for narrower, high-clearance vehicles.

Adopted Trails

** FR808, FR502 Adopted by Rising Sun 4WD Club

http://www.risingsun4x4club.org/

How To Get There

From Boulder, take Boulder Canyon Drive / Highway 119 South through Nederland to Rollinsville. Turn right on to Rollins Pass Road (CR16) and proceed West for 7.6 miles.

From Golden, take Highway 93 north toward Boulder. Turn left on to Golden Gate Canyon Road / Highway 46. Take Highway 46 west then turn right on to Highway 119. Take Highway 119 north to Rollinsville. Turn left on to Rollins Pass Road (CR16) and proceed West for 7.6 miles.

Trailhead is marked by a Moffat Road historical marker and a Carsonite post for FDR 149.

Return to overview map

---

Know Before You Go

• Maps and data files are from a variety of sources. Trail and area conditions vary widely and many trails and areas may have changed significantly since the map or data file was created. Use your discretion and check with the local land management agency before riding or driving on public lands. Ride and drive at your own risk. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE!
• Not all routes are open to all vehicles. Follow the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) and signage for the area and ride only on trails open to and wider than your OHV. Almost all trails in Colorado are subject to seasonal restrictions and closures. Visit the road and trail closure info page for more information. Call the responsible agency before making plans to ride in an area.
• All off-highway vehicles operated in Colorado must have a registration or permit issued by Colorado State Parks including those of non-residents. For more information, visit the State Parks OHV Program Page. Street legal vehicles with valid license plates do not need to be registered.
• This symbol indicates areas where most routes are open only to licensed, street-legal vehicles. Please refer to the MVUM for designated ATV and dirt bike routes.