West Portal to East Portal

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Crossing from near Nederland or Tolland to Winter Park is an idea that has crossed the mind of a lot of folks. Standing on top of the pass on both sides it's bound to cross your mind. After talking to those who had done it, the inherent appeal as a connection between these two areas was in my head for a while.

While overall casual, the ascent to Rogers Pass and its crossing offers an interesting perspective on the Continental Divide.

Vertical gain is not excessively demanding, but the specific route undertaken is contingent upon your snow safety evaluations and current conditions, leading to variations explored by different parties I spoke with. Our particular route involved both trips headed west from the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel to its West Portal, and reverse after a night in Winter Park - the route uploaded here. The Moffat Tunnel, a railway passage, provides a distinctive landmark encountered on both sides within a single day. Jim Creek is the trail following the western side and Rogers lake trail guides you on the eastern side.

Skiing conditions were great on both sides for us and were near as good as spring conditions can be.