Moffat Tunnel

Located at the base of the Winter Park Resort, the Moffat Tunnel West Portal offers a striking glimpse into Colorado’s engineering heritage. This historic landmark, situated in the Rocky Mountains, marks the western entrance to a tunnel that has connected the state’s front range with the western slope since 1928. The structure, named in honor of railroad pioneer David H. Moffat, was a critical development in connecting the region, effectively replacing the difficult and treacherous Rollins Pass route for rail transport.

Visitors to the site can appreciate the historical significance of this engineering marvel, one of the great railroad projects of the American West. The tunnel remains an active corridor, carrying Union Pacific freight trains, Amtrak's California Zephyr and, on winter weekends, the Winter Park Express ski train under the Continental Divide. The project was instrumental in transforming the local area, playing a pivotal role in the development of Winter Park into the mountain community and ski destination it is today.

Standing at an elevation of 9,239 feet, the tunnel spans 6.2 miles through the rock, providing a vital link across the continental divide. For travelers, the site offers a unique opportunity to engage with the history of western expansion and the technical achievements that made modern travel in the Rockies possible. It serves as a meaningful stop for those interested in the intersection of history, engineering, and the natural landscape, offering a moment to reflect on the infrastructure that supports both the local community and the broader region.