Originally, Moffat had planned to build a tunnel through the worst part of the pass but his original plans
failed. Instead, the Denver Northwestern and Pacific Railway tracks climbed Rollins Pass with a series
of switch back loops requiring steep grades and experiencing severe snow conditions. The line over the
pass was 23 miles long, with a 4% grade along many stretches and was the highest railroad ever
constructed in North America. A small rail stop called Corona was established at the top of the pass,
with a restaurant and lodging, which allowed workers to help keep the rail line free of snow in the winter.
Trains were often stranded for several days during heavy winter snows. Removing snow from the original
line went on to make it unprofitable to operate.
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