1985 Map of Chimney Gulch

About this map

The Bighorn River borders this high desert terrain in Washakie County, where a complex network of ephemeral drainage systems carves through the landscape. This 1985 survey, based on aerial data from the mid-1970s, illustrates the vital role of water management in the arid West, featuring the Bluff Canal running parallel to the river's course. The interior is defined by deep incisions like Chimney Gulch and Lester Draw, which feed into the larger basins of Gooseberry Creek and Cottonwood Creek. To the east, the plateau levels out at Tie Down Flats, reflecting the traditional open-range character of the region. This document serves as a precise record of the topography and drainage patterns before modern land-use shifts altered the visibility of these distinct natural landmarks.