[4] Precipitation runoff from this iconic landform's slopes drains to the San Juan River via Lime Creek.

Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 400 feet (122 meters) above the surrounding terrain in 0.1 mile (0.16 km).

This landform's toponym has been officially adopted as Rooster Butte by the United States Board on Geographic Names,[1] however it is also known as "Petard Tower" and "Prairie Dog on a Mound" by some rock climbers and locals.

[6] Cedar Mesa Sandstone is the remains of coastal sand dunes deposited about 270 to 300 million years ago, during the Wolfcampian (early Permian).

This desert climate receives less than 10 inches (250 millimeters) of annual rainfall, and snowfall is generally light during the winter.