2021 Map of McDonald Ranch

About this map

Chugwater Flats and the high plains of the Platte and Laramie county line define this area, where water management is central to the ranching landscape. Named reservoirs such as Morrison Number 2 Reservoir and Hugh McDonald Reservoir reflect the necessity of catchment in a region characterized by numerous seasonal drainage features like North Steer Draw and Parson Draw. The eponymous McDonald Ranch sits near the crossing of Iron Mountain Rd and Chugwater Cr, serving as a primary point of human settlement in a terrain marked by deep draws and named springs. Tracing the courses of Richeau Cr and North Chugwater Cr reveals the intricate network of hydrology that supports the local livestock economy. This map provides a detailed view of the high-country range before the modern era, showing the intersection of private ranching interests and the rugged topography of southeastern Wyoming.