Rogers Pass Needle Out and Back

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

This epic ride is a hearty undertaking. Though it follows the road the whole way to the top, you'll be climbing up to almost 12,000 feet! However, the views are great, and the experience of riding over the railroad trestle is not to be missed!

Park at the Moffat Tunnel lot and head up the dirt road. You WILL be sharing this road with cars, ATVs, motos, other bikers, and even a hiker or two. This a is a really popular route, so it's best to attempt this on a weekday when the traffic may be a little reduced.

The road climb is nothing to write home about (it's nice enough), but when you pop out at treeline, you'll be treated with expansive and impressive views. Loop around Yankee Doodle and Jenny Lakes and soon you'll reach the closed (and barricaded) Needle Eye Tunnel.

Here comes the real challenge. You'll have to ride (more likely hike-a-bike) over the tunnel. It's loose and steep but short. On the backside, you'll keep climbing for a bit, but right away, you'll get to experience biking over old railroad trestle bridges! Before heading downhill, enjoy the views off the back. Continue down until you hit the junction (and a parking area) and take a left onto Rogers Pass trail. The grade is steeper than anything else you've climbed so far, but ends at a nice viewpoint. Here, be very careful to stay on the trail. The trail is hemmed in by wilderness area and you're not allowed to bike there.

After you've had your fill, turn around and retrace your pedal strokes! On the way back down, as you pick up speed, make sure to watch out for all that traffic! They won't necessarily be looking for you!