rcwild
10-15-2009, 11:02 AM
A wet canyon descent with three drops west of the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel.
Rating: 3C II
Time Required:
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
No special permits required for technical canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There is great camping in Roosevelt National Forest along the upper stretches of the Rollins Pass road. Be careful not to tresspass on private property in the valley west of Rollinsville.
Preferred Season
mid to late summer after spring runoff has subsided.
Water Concerns
High runnoff in early season is a serious safety concern. Be aware of unstable log jams and historic mining equipment from the 1800's at the third drop.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 150' rope for the longest rappel, nylon webbing, wet suit and rapid links, standard canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo East Portal, Colo, Trails Illustrated Indian Peaks/Gold Hill
Directions to Trailhead
From Boulder Colorado take Canyon Blvd. west. As Canyon Blvd. enters the mouth of Boulder Canyon it becomes Colorado Hwy. 119. Go west on CO 119 to Nederland. At Nederland turn south and continue on CO 119 to the town of Rollinsville. Turn west at Rollinsville and follow the Rollins Pass Road to parking at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking lot at East Portal the trail now starts from the northwest corner of the parking lot and runs over the East Portal of the Moffit Tunnel to join the original trail avoiding the dangerous crossing of the railroad tracks. The trail follows South Bolder Creek and ultimately leads to Arapaho Lakes and Heart Lake. The trail is an old road and is fairly flat. After about one half mile the trail crosses Arapaho Creek coming in from the right. Strike through the trees just east of Arapaho Creek through an open meadow and begin climbing the steep hillside through the trees. A faint trail works its way up along the east edge of the gorge. All waterfalls and obstacles can be scouted from this approach. The first waterfall starts at just above the 9600' countour.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Thee waterfalls, numerous cascades and some wading. Natural anchors are abundant.
Description:
Exit
After exiting the gorge simply walk back through the open meadow to the trail and back to your car at the East Portal.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
Rating: 3C II
Time Required:
Longest Rappel:
Permit Information
No special permits required for technical canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
There is great camping in Roosevelt National Forest along the upper stretches of the Rollins Pass road. Be careful not to tresspass on private property in the valley west of Rollinsville.
Preferred Season
mid to late summer after spring runoff has subsided.
Water Concerns
High runnoff in early season is a serious safety concern. Be aware of unstable log jams and historic mining equipment from the 1800's at the third drop.
Special Challenges
Equipment Suggestions
One 150' rope for the longest rappel, nylon webbing, wet suit and rapid links, standard canyon kit.
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' topo East Portal, Colo, Trails Illustrated Indian Peaks/Gold Hill
Directions to Trailhead
From Boulder Colorado take Canyon Blvd. west. As Canyon Blvd. enters the mouth of Boulder Canyon it becomes Colorado Hwy. 119. Go west on CO 119 to Nederland. At Nederland turn south and continue on CO 119 to the town of Rollinsville. Turn west at Rollinsville and follow the Rollins Pass Road to parking at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
Approach
From the parking lot at East Portal the trail now starts from the northwest corner of the parking lot and runs over the East Portal of the Moffit Tunnel to join the original trail avoiding the dangerous crossing of the railroad tracks. The trail follows South Bolder Creek and ultimately leads to Arapaho Lakes and Heart Lake. The trail is an old road and is fairly flat. After about one half mile the trail crosses Arapaho Creek coming in from the right. Strike through the trees just east of Arapaho Creek through an open meadow and begin climbing the steep hillside through the trees. A faint trail works its way up along the east edge of the gorge. All waterfalls and obstacles can be scouted from this approach. The first waterfall starts at just above the 9600' countour.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
Description: Standard Route
Thee waterfalls, numerous cascades and some wading. Natural anchors are abundant.
Description:
Exit
After exiting the gorge simply walk back through the open meadow to the trail and back to your car at the East Portal.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate