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.
Up and over the top of the Needles Eye Tunnel I wanted to approach the tunnel entrance from the opposite side. However, as you can
see from this image, there was too much snow - drifted right to the edge - making that trip not possible this day. But if you use your
imagination, you can see a steam-powered engine coming around that bend. What an experience that must have been for those early
travelers.
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