Explore the breathtaking heights of one of America’s most iconic national parks. Whether you're planning a trip or just curious, this guide helps you get your elevation facts straight—with real advice like you’d give a friend.

Table of Contents

Where is Grand Teton National Park?

Head to northwestern Wyoming in Teton County to find Grand Teton National Park, covering 310,000 acres. Named after the Grand Teton Mountain, the park features dramatic peaks, scenic valleys, and wildlife-filled terrain.

How Close is Yellowstone?

Planning to visit both parks? You're in luck! Grand Teton is only 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park.

Elevation Basics

Human History at High Altitude

People have lived here for over 10,000 years, with permanent settlements starting in the 1880s in Jackson Hole.

National Park Status

Grand Teton became a national park in 1929, and by 1950, most of Jackson Hole was officially included.

Name Origins

The word Teton comes from French—meaning “teat”—inspired by the mountain’s unique shapes.

Landscape Variety

Mountains, lakes, plains, and forests create diverse life zones, home to grizzly bears, moose, bison, and more.

What to Do

This park is your playground for hiking, climbing, fishing, boating, skiing, and camping.

Elevation Must-Know Facts

What is Elevation?

Elevation means height above sea level—measured in feet or meters—and it greatly impacts weather and ecosystems.

Elevation Range

Grand Teton’s elevation varies by 7,450 feet (2,270 m). Eight other peaks exceed 12,000 feet (3,658 m).

Highest Point

The tallest spot is Grand Teton itself at 13,775 feet (4,198 m), with a prominence of 6,530 feet (1,990 m).

Lowest Point

The lowest is Fish Creek, at 6,320 feet (1,926 m) in Jackson Hole.

High-Altitude Lakes

Check out Lake Solitude in Cascade Canyon, at 9,035 feet (2,754 m), with others topping 10,000 feet (3,000 m).

Elevation and Climate

Higher elevations may be frozen, while lower areas like Jackson Hole are milder and more lush.

Wyoming State Elevation Overview

Average Elevation

At 6,700 feet (2,040 m), Wyoming is the second highest U.S. state—just behind Colorado.

Highest Point

Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range tops out at 13,809 feet.

Lowest Point

The Belle Fourche River on the South Dakota border sits at 3,101 feet (945 m).

City Elevations

  • Cheyenne: 6,062 feet (1,848 m)
  • Casper: 5,150 feet (1,560 m)
  • Laramie: 7,165 feet (2,184 m)
  • Gillette: 4,554 feet (1,388 m)

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