- Rawlins is a city located in Carbon County, Wyoming, United States. It is the county seat of Carbon County and has a population of approximately 9,200 people. Rawlins is known for its rich history in the coal mining industry and is often referred to as the "Gateway to the West" due to its location on the historic Overland Trail. The city offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and hunting, and is also home to the Wyoming Frontier Prison, a popular tourist attraction. Rawlins has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.