What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Medicine Bow Peak Trail
Fifty-five minutes northwest of Twin Buttes Reservoir, Medicine Bow Peak Trail is an out-and-back pathway that has an elevation gain of 1,272 feet. It is popular with birders and hikers because it is the shortest of three routes to the peak.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Turtle Rock Loop Trail
Located near Buford, 40 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir, the Turtle Rock Loop Trail offers views of interesting rock formations and a 321-foot elevation change during your hike. It is a popular area, so expect others on a bike or foot. You can bring your leashed four-legged friend too.
Length: 2.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
Twin Buttes Lake has a boat ramp, staging area and launch on the south side. The reservoir produces quality brown and rainbow trout between 12 and 25-plus inches. Laramie and the surrounding area are known for windy conditions, so you will find it a popular spot for windsurfing. The 250-acre lake is accessible from well-marked easement areas.
Climbing
One of the more popular climbing opportunities is the Nautilus, which is located 35 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir. Popular routes here include Cornelius (5.5), Lower Progressive (5.9+) and Max Factor (5.11c). The Vedauwoo Climbing Area is in the same region, and Walt's Wall offers popular routes like Ed's Crack (5.7) and three beginner-level trad climbing on Walt's Wall (5.4).
Wildlife Viewing
Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 25 minutes southeast of Twin Buttes Reservoir, is a popular birding location with 220 potential species, including cackling geese, sandhill cranes, great egrets, and golden eagles. The lands surrounding nearby Jelm Mountain offer a chance to see bears, mule deer, elk, moose, and mountain lions.
Hunting
The lands in and around Twin Buttes Reservoir have received designations by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department as Antelope Area 45, Deer Area 76, and Elk Area 10, among others. These areas are general season designations with elevations ranging from 7,100 to 11,600 feet. The terrain can be challenging because it has lots of short grass prairie and contains areas with private property that one must navigate around.