Sometimes when I travel and hike in the Rocky Mountains, I am in awe of
how people used to live in and cross these peaks. Without the modern conveniences that we take for granted, how hard that must
have been. This hike up to Rollins Pass was one of those times.
Before the Moffat Tunnel was built, over 7 miles long crossing under the Continental Divide, the steam locomotives took travelers
over Rollins Pass – 11,660 ft. In fact. The first recorded use of Rollins Pass was by a wagon train in 1862. Wow – talk about
taking a walk through history.
At the entrance to the Needles Eye Tunnel I was disappointed to find it totally blocked. I could see daylight but obviously several
rock slides had made the tunnel too dangerous so it was closed. Now the only option was to hike up the side and over the top. Cool!
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