1958 Map of East Portal

About this map

The Moffat Tunnel serves as the focal point of this survey, marking a critical engineering feat through the heart of the high Rockies at East Portal. This region, split by the Continental Divide, showcases the evolution of transcontinental travel, where the Denver and Rio Grande Western railroad replaced the treacherous high-altitude crossings of previous eras. Traces of that older transit history are visible in the Old Railroad Grade and the Rollins Pass (Site), which once served as the primary route over the crest before subterranean tunneling provided a more reliable passage. High-altitude hydrology is documented through a network of alpine lakes and reservoirs, including Yankee Doodle Lake and Skyscraper Reservoir, nestled beneath peaks like Mt Epworth and Chittenden Mtn. The map clearly delineates the administrative boundary between the Arapaho National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest, emphasizing the importance of these public lands for water management and transit.