10 Easy Road Trips From Rawlins, Wyoming: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Carbon County
If you’re based in
Rawlins, Wyoming and itching to explore beyond
Carbon County, you’re in a great spot. In just one to three hours, you can reach hot springs, mountain towns, dinosaur digs, and some of the wildest open spaces in the West.
Below are
10 short out‑of‑county road trips from Rawlins into nearby counties in Wyoming and Colorado:
Albany, Converse, Fremont, Natrona, Sweetwater, plus Moffat and Routt in Colorado. None of these are in Carbon County, so they’re perfect when you want a true little getaway.
1. Soak and Stroll in Laramie (Albany County, WY)
Laramie is about a 2–2.5 hour drive from Rawlins, and it feels like a totally different world: a lively college town tucked between mountain ranges.
Why go: A mix of history, food, and mountain air.
If you’re used to the quiet of Rawlins, Laramie’s campus energy and restaurant choices can be a fun change of pace for a day or weekend.
2. Classic Western Vibes in Casper (Natrona County, WY)
Casper is roughly a 2‑hour drive northeast and makes a great “big town” day trip from Rawlins.
Things to do in Casper:
If you’ve been craving more shopping and dining options than Rawlins offers, Casper fills that gap without feeling overwhelming.
3. Explore Frontier History in Douglas & Glenrock (Converse County, WY)
Drive about 2.5–3 hours northeast from Rawlins and you’ll hit
Douglas and nearby
Glenrock along the North Platte River.
Highlights:
- Learn about the jackalope in Douglas: Douglas calls itself the home of the mythical jackalope. It’s quirky, sure, but grabbing a photo with the giant jackalope statue is half the fun.
- Oregon Trail and pioneer history: In the area, you’ll find markers and small museums that talk about the wagon‑train era. It’s an easy way to bring history to life for kids (or adults who like stories of the Old West).
- Riverside picnics near Glenrock: Find a quiet spot along the river to enjoy a simple lunch and watch the water roll by.
If you like small towns with deep roots and a slower pace, this road trip into Converse County will feel just right.
4. Mountain Town Escape to Lander (Fremont County, WY)
About 2.5–3 hours from Rawlins,
Lander sits right up against the foothills of the Wind River Mountains. The drive itself starts feeling more and more rugged as you head north.
Why people love Lander:
- Sinks Canyon State Park: Just a few miles outside town, the Popo Agie River disappears into a limestone cavern (“the Sinks”) and reappears downstream (“the Rise”). It’s a short, easy walk and one of the more unique natural features in the state.
- Downtown with a mountain vibe: Great coffee, gear shops, and local restaurants. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see climbers and hikers wandering around in dusty boots.
- Easy hikes and scenic drives: Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, there are plenty of short walks with big views.
Lander makes a solid weekend base if you’re craving pine trees, cool evenings, and that laid‑back mountain‑town feel.
5. Hot Springs & Dinosaurs in Thermopolis (Fremont County, WY)
Yes,
Thermopolis is in neighboring Hot Springs County, but many people reach it by passing through or tying it in with
Fremont County stops like Lander or Riverton. From Rawlins, it’s usually a 3–3.5 hour drive, depending on your route.
Top reasons to go:
If you time it right, you can build a loop: Rawlins → Lander → Thermopolis → back through Casper, turning the whole thing into a long but memorable weekend road trip.
6. Flaming Gorge Adventure via Green River (Sweetwater County, WY)
Head southwest from Rawlins about 2 hours and you’ll reach
Green River and
Rock Springs in Sweetwater County, gateways to the dramatic
Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
What to do near Flaming Gorge:
- Scenic drives: The cliffs and red‑rock canyons along the reservoir look almost like a mini Grand Canyon in spots.
- Boating and fishing: Rent a boat, or book a guided fishing trip if you want someone else to handle the gear and know‑how.
- Short hikes and viewpoints: There are pullouts with big overlooks where you barely have to walk to get brag‑worthy photos.
Flaming Gorge can be a simple day trip for sightseeing from Rawlins, or you can stretch it into a weekend with camping or a motel stay in Sweetwater County.
7. Wild Horses & Wide‑Open Country Around Rock Springs (Sweetwater County, WY)
While you’re in Sweetwater County, set aside time for the
Wild Horse Scenic Loop north of Rock Springs.
What makes it special:
- See wild horses: With a bit of patience and a slow drive, you may spot bands of mustangs roaming the high desert. It’s one of those “pinch me, this is the real West” moments.
- Big sky, big views: The landscape feels endless. On a clear day, the horizon goes on forever.
Bring binoculars, extra water, and a full tank. This is a true back‑roads style trip, and that’s exactly why it sticks with you.
8. Dinosaur Country in Craig (Moffat County, CO)
Ready to cross into Colorado? Head south and a little west about 2.5–3 hours from Rawlins and you’ll reach
Craig in Moffat County, right in the heart of dinosaur country.
Why visit Craig:
- Gateway to Dinosaur National Monument: The monument spreads across the Colorado–Utah border. From Craig, it’s an easy drive to the Colorado side, where you can hike, raft, or just admire the canyons.
- Wildlife and open spaces: Elk, deer, and pronghorn are common, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Small‑town Colorado feel: Grab a meal in downtown Craig and enjoy a slightly different flavor of Western life than Wyoming offers.
If you’ve got kids who love dinosaurs—or you’re that adult who still does—this makes an exciting weekend from Rawlins.
9. Mountain Fun in Steamboat Springs (Routt County, CO)
One of the best-known spots within a few hours of Rawlins is
Steamboat Springs, about 3–3.5 hours away in Routt County, Colorado.
Why Steamboat is worth the drive:
- Hot springs: The town is named for them. There are both in‑town springs and more rustic options nearby.
- Hiking, biking, and skiing (in season): Trails range from easy riverside paths to more serious mountain climbs. In winter, the ski resort draws visitors from all over the country.
- River life: In summer, you’ll see people tubing, fishing, and just hanging out along the Yampa River.
Steamboat has a lively downtown with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. If you want a change from quiet Wyoming evenings, this is an easy “mini‑vacation” town.
10. Scenic Detours Through Routt & Moffat County Back Roads (CO)
If you enjoy the drive as much as the destination, consider building your own loop through
Routt and
Moffat Counties.
Ideas for a custom loop:
- Rawlins → Steamboat Springs → Craig → Rawlins: This creates a full circle through Routt and Moffat Counties. You get hot springs, mountain views, and dinosaur country in one trip.
- Scenic ranch country: Many of the two‑lane roads wind through working ranches and rolling hills. It’s the kind of quiet scenery that’s perfect when you just need to clear your head.
Just remember: in this part of the world, gas stations can be far apart. Top off your tank in any decent‑sized town and keep water and snacks on hand.
Tips for Planning Your Rawlins Road Trips
- Check the weather: Wyoming and northwest Colorado can change fast—sunny one hour, snow or strong wind the next, especially in spring and fall.
- Watch for wildlife: Deer, antelope, and even moose may cross the highway, especially around dawn and dusk.
- Pack a “car kit”: A small cooler, extra water, phone charger, paper map, and basic first‑aid kit go a long way out here.
If you’re coming from out of state and using Rawlins as a base, these short drives give you a great taste of
things to do near Rawlins without spending all day in the car.
Share Your Favorite Road Trips From Rawlins
Have you taken any of these
road trips from Rawlins? Maybe you’ve discovered a hidden picnic spot near Green River, a favorite coffee shop in Laramie, or a sunset overlook in Moffat County?
- Drop a comment with your tips, questions, or trip ideas.
- Share this post with friends and family who are planning a Wyoming or Colorado road trip and need ideas for things to do near Rawlins.
The more we share our routes and “best little stops,” the easier it is for everyone to turn a simple drive out of town into a real adventure.
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