Moffat Tunnel - East Portal

Embark on a challenging touring cycling adventure through the James Peak Wilderness, where the Moffat Tunnel, Tolland & Rollinsville loop offers a rugged journey across diverse terrain. You'll navigate gravel roads, some quite rough, winding through pine and aspen forests, past high mountain meadows, and alongside South Boulder Creek. The route provides stunning panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide and takes you by picturesque Yankee Doodle Lake and Jenny Lake, making it a visually rewarding, albeit difficult, ride for those with very good fitness.

This demanding 34.1-mile (54.9 km) loop, with its significant 4351 feet (1326 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 4 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Before you head out from the Black Hawk trailhead, be sure to check seasonal conditions, especially for Rollins Pass, which can be snow-covered well into summer. Services are limited, so pack plenty of water and supplies, and be prepared for rapidly changing high-altitude weather.

Beyond the natural beauty, this route is steeped in history, connecting you to the impressive Moffat Tunnel East Portal, an engineering marvel from 1928. You'll also cycle through the historic ghost town of Tolland and traverse Rollins Pass, a path used by Native Americans and early trains for thousands of years. These Moffat Tunnel area cycling landmarks add a rich cultural layer to the high-alpine environment, making it more than just a physical challenge.