Rawlins sits at the southeastern edge of the Great Divide Basin, a unique expanse of high desert where the Continental Divide splits in two. Water that falls into the Great Basin does not flow to the ocean, but remains within its bounds. While it may appear desolate, the Basin is in fact an extraordinary desert ecosystem teeming with wildlife and diverse flora, and is home to wild horses, sand dunes, archeological relics, and the world’s largest herd of desert elk. The area has supported humans for at least 12,000 years, and by the time European settlers arrived 200 years ago, nomadic Plains tribes like the Ute, Crow, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Lakota, and, most predominantly, the Shoshone, traversed the area.
Rawlins’ beginnings, like those of many western towns, are closely tied to the railroad. While surveying for the transcontinental railroad’s route with a Union Pacific Railroad survey crew in 1867, Army General John Rawlins became thirsty and a spring was found nearby. Gen. Rawlins thought the water from the spring was particularly refreshing, and said, “If anything is ever named after me, I hope it will be a spring of water.” A small community, initially known as Rawlins’ Spring, arose around the railroad and eventually became known as Rawlins.
The closest international airport to Rawlins is Casper/Natrona County International Airport (CPR), which is about 2 hours away via US-287 N and WY-220 E. Laramie also has a regional airport, which is about 1.5 hours away via I-80 E. It offers a direct flight to Denver, serviced by United Airlines.
The Continental Divide Trail passes right through Rawlins. Visitors will discover a unique, friendly city that’s home to a nationally-recognized downtown, where rich and colorful Old West history intersects with a modern, multicultural community.
Ten things to do in Rawlins
Tour the Wyoming Frontier Prison
Learn local history at the Carbon County Museum
Visit the Mabuhay Oriental Market
Walk the CDT through town
Discover downtown Rawlins through TravelStorys
Explore a nearby ghost town
Visit the Fort Steele State Historic Site
Take a scenic drive
Enjoy some Music in the Park
Island Lake Loop, Bridger Wilderness
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: Various
Directions: Elkhart TH: From Pinedale take the Fremont Lake Road to Forest Road 740. Follow FR 740 for approximately 9 miles to the Elkhart Park and the Trailhead to Little Seneca Lake. Access the CDT at Little Seneca Lake, which is about an 8-mile hike from the Elkhart Park Trailhead outside of Pinedale.
Maps:
USGS 7.5 Quadrangles: Fremont Lake South, Fremont Lake North, and Bridger Lakes, Bridger-Teton National Forest – Pinedale Ranger District and Bridger Wilderness
For More Information:
Bridger-Teton National Forest – http://www.fs.fed.us/btnf/
- wifi
- camping/ lodging
- showers
- food
- laundry
- camp supplies
- Rawlins Post Office
- 106 5th St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-324-3521
- Rawlins-Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
- 519 W. Cedar St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-324-4111
- Walmart
- 2390 E Cedar St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-417-3001
- True Value
- 600 W Maple St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-324-3867
- Rawlins Library
- 215 W Buffalo St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-328-2618
- Rawlins Family Recreation Center
- 1616 Harshman St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-324-7529
- Wash & Dry Laundry
- 515 15th St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-324-4991
- Washboard
- 504 23rd St, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-328-5182
- Rawlins KOA Journey
- 205 WY-71, Rawlins
- WY 82301
- 307-328-2021
Submit a place
Is the thru-hiker section above missing a business or an amenity? If so, please let us know below!
CDT in Rawlins
One of the few communities that the CDT passes directly through, Rawlins offers the opportunity to take a gentle stroll through town on the Continental Divide Trail. Recommended points to start from are Rawlins Spring Park at the intersection of West Davis and Bennett Streets, Rawlins Family Recreation Center on Harshman Street, and Bolton Park on Washington Street.
CDT in the Great Divide Basin
Explore this geologic anomaly on the Continental Divide Trail. Its highlights include stunning buttes, roaming herds of wild horses, diverse wildlife, and expansive high desert vistas. However, water is sparse and alkaline, and there is little shade, so prepare accordingly. To reach the Basin, head north from Rawlins on US Highway 287. Take a left on Carbon County Rd 63 – it will cross the CDT in about 5 miles. The trail across the Basin is a conglomeration of dirt roads and hiking paths. This stark landscape provides a dramatic change for those intrepid enough to venture there.