Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Gilpin County. Tolland Road and Rollins Pass is one of the scenic and historical treasures in Gilpin County, Colorado.

We know Native Americans once summered here and hunted on what is now known as Rollins Pass. Wagons crossed the mountains here and then a railroad was built. The heroic crews battled the altitude and the snow for years. Tourists came to see snow in the summer and the amazing mountain views. 

Then, in the golden age of railroads a man had a dream to cut through the mountain. His dream came true and the rails over Rollins Pass became obsolete. Vehicular traffic was allowed to travel Rollins Pass for several years. 

One thing has never changed over the years, the scenery is still nothing less than amazing. It is stunning. 

With the current health situation in the world Tolland Road and Rollins Pass are only open to Gilpin County residents. This is a temporary situation. As a Gilpin County resident I recently did take take a slow drive on Tolland Road with my son. It was wonderful not having cars speed by me or looking annoyed as I pulled over to admire the view. We listened to the roaring spring creek and stopped to take photos of the early spring mountain flowers. My son tolerated my history lesson of the area as long as he could use the camera. 

We have lots of scenic and historical treasures in Gilpin County. This one I kinda feel is in my own backyard. I will always treat it with respect. I will honor the history, environment and the people who traveled here before me.

(Originally published in the May 28, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)