Rawlins connects city trails with stories from the region. For your planning, you have a clear choice: Would you like to explore the trails around the Continental Divide Trail, or focus on prison history, city tours, and the heritage of Carbon County? You can explore both through specific offerings without combining their distinct themes into a single tour.
City Trails and Orientation Along the Continental Divide
Rawlins’ Outdoor Walking Trail follows a paved 7.5-mile route through the city. It connects the Continental Divide Trail, Main Street in downtown, and the historic grounds of the Old Frontier Prison. The route therefore stretches from a well-known long-distance trail to the center of Rawlins and a historic site.
Another trail leads from Rawlins Springs to Rawlins Uplift. Interpretive signs there cover local history, geology, and other topics. This trail offers its own perspective on the surrounding area, while the Outdoor Walking Trail is defined by its length and the connections it provides.
Rawlins’ location also provides a point of reference: the city is near the midpoint of the more than 3,000-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. In September 2016, Rawlins was designated a “Continental Divide Trail Gateway Community.” The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a separate route: Rawlins is located at the midpoint of its mapped sections. These details refer to two named routes and different ways they relate to the city.
Prison History Through Guided Tours
The Wyoming Frontier Prison offers immersive tours of the former Wyoming State Penitentiary. The offerings also include a new exhibit about the current Wyoming State Penitentiary and a dedicated prison museum. The Wyoming Frontier Prison can only be visited as part of a guided tour, so plan your visit around the current tour times. The museum exhibits can be viewed free of charge and at your own pace.
The subject of incarceration can be explored here from two perspectives: the tours bring the former prison to life, while the exhibit and museum provide further insights. The distinction is useful when planning your trip: visiting the prison requires joining a guided tour, whereas the exhibits are intended for a self-guided visit.
Downtown: Murals and Historic Sites
An art tour of downtown uses twelve murals to highlight the history and natural beauty of south-central Wyoming. A historic, self-guided city tour takes you through the nationally designated historic downtown district and to other historically significant sites. Allow about 60 to 90 minutes; you can take the tour at your own pace.
The two offerings have different emphases: the art tour focuses on the murals and their regional themes, while the historic city tour centers on the designated downtown district and other historic sites. You can plan your time downtown according to whether you would rather explore art in public spaces or historic sites.
Carbon County at the Museum
The Carbon County Museum preserves more than 30,000 artifacts and archival materials. Its exhibits explore the heritage of cattle and sheep ranching and mining in Carbon County. The focus therefore extends beyond Rawlins to include the history of the entire county.
A current exhibit is titled “How Did We Get Here: Travels Through Carbon County.” It explores routes, transportation links, and journeys that connected Carbon County with the broader West. Since exhibits may change, check before your visit to see whether it is on display at that time.
Another Activity
Rochelle Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole course with a pro shop and driving range. Seasonal operations may change; check visiting options in advance. This provides golf as a separate activity alongside the historical and themed offerings, without implying a specific length of stay.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Elk Mountain, Saratoga.
Go to the main travel overview: Carbon.
