2017 Map of Three Buttes

About this map

The Three Buttes rise above a landscape defined by significant geologic exposures in central Wyoming, most notably the towering Red Wall and Gray Wall escarpments. This 2017 survey details the complex network of ephemeral drainages and cattle water developments that support ranching in the high desert of Natrona County. Notable water features include Three Buttes Reservoir, Little Chief Reservoir, and the Big Jerry Reservoir, which capture runoff from seasonal streams like Three Buttes Cr and Cottonwood Cr. The topography is marked by distinct landforms such as Black Mesa and Cottonwood Rim, while the human footprint is primarily limited to rural routes like Buffalo Creek Rd and Co Rd 108, illustrating the area's continued use for open-range grazing.