THURSDAY, August 6, 2026|
Photo – CDT Marker – Courtesy CCVC
The Rawlins Downtown Development Authority’s first Continental Divide Trail‑themed event was a success.
From July 10th to the 12th, Rawlins hosted Halfway Days, a celebration of the city’s place at the midpoint of the Continental Divide Trail. Rawlins Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Pam Thayer explained that the city also sits at the intersection of numerous other historic and prominent routes.
Every year, the Downtown Development Authority holds a community event called SummerFest. Part of those activities include highlighting the city’s place as a hub for outdoor experiences. While planning for last year’s event, called AdventureFest, Thayer said the Downtown Development Authority learned that the city was one of only three communities that sit directly on the 3,000‑mile Continental Divide Trail, also known as the CDT. The CDT is one of the country’s three major north–south hiking routes, along with the Pacific Crest and Appalachian trails. She said the Downtown Development Authority developed that idea into Halfway Days to recognize the city’s place on the Continental Divide Trail and other major hiking and biking paths.
Though it was the city’s first time hosting it, Thayer said Halfway Days was a success, due in large part to the city staff and volunteers who helped organize and oversee the three‑day event.
Thayer said over 4,000 people attended the inaugural Halfway Days. She added that six nonprofit organizations and charities fundraised during the event.
In preparation for Halfway Days, volunteers, city staff, and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition completed a series of improvements to the section of the trail adjacent to Rawlins, including removing debris and installing a water station. Thayer said after the event, the hiking community had good things to say about Rawlins and encouraged others to spend their time and money in the city.
With this being their first year hosting Halfway Days, Thayer said the Downtown Development Authority identified several ways to improve the event. She said one example is that the weekend’s activities may have been spaced too far apart.
Thayer said the Downtown Development Authority is already planning next year’s Halfway Days, using what it learned from this year.
