The 55-mile Peak to Peak hugs the Continental Divide. Footpaths that were once trodden by Native Americans became mining roads to carry gold, silver, and iron ore to mill towns such as Black Hawk and Nederland. As mining declined as a major industry in Colorado, the Peak to Peak continued to play an important role in the state’s history.

The Moffat Tunnel forged improved railroad links to the national rail network. F. O. Stanley and Enos Mills worked to preserve the beauty of the area, campaigning for the establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park and ensuring a bright future for tourism in Colorado.