Nestled between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in the western part of Wyoming, not far from the border with Idaho, is Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole is a valley and was so named due to the fact that the early trappers in the area felt like they were descending into a hole as they entered the area from the north. The area was quickly identified as a good spot for hunting and trapping, and a little settlement named Jackson was formed right at the southern end of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
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1. Jackson Hole History and Elevation
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Who lived in Jackson Hole before settlers arrived?
- Various Native American tribes had lived in the area before any settlers arrived.
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When was Jackson named, and why?
- In 1893, the little settlement in Jackson Hole was named Jackson as an homage to David "Davey" Jackson, a popular pioneer and beaver trapper who had spent time in the area.
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How large is Jackson’s population?
- The town has remained small over the years, with a population of just over 10,000 people.
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What attracts visitors to Jackson?
- Jackson attracts many visitors each year due to its proximity to major ski resorts like Snow King, Jackson Hole Mountain, and Grand Targhee.
- The town is also close to national parks like Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
- During the winter months, plenty of elk can be seen in Jackson Hole.
- The city’s strong tourism sector has led to the development of many top-quality stores and restaurants.
2. Elevation of Jackson Hole
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What does elevation mean?
- The elevation of a location tells us how high it is in relation to sea level.
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What is the elevation of Jackson Hole?
- Jackson Hole is a valley with changing elevations from one point to the next, so we look at the mean elevation.
- The average elevation in Jackson Hole is 6,500 feet (2,000 m) above sea level.
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What is the elevation of the town of Jackson?
- The elevation of Jackson is 6,237 feet (1,901 m), which is slightly lower than the average for the valley.
- This is because Jackson is located at the southern end of Jackson Hole, which has a lower elevation than the northern section.
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How does Jackson Hole’s elevation compare to other places?
- Jackson Hole has a relatively high elevation, as most towns and cities in the U.S. are located at 500 feet (152 m) or lower due to their coastal locations.
- Wyoming is one of the highest states in the U.S. in terms of elevation, with a mean elevation of 6,700 feet (2,040 m).
- Colorado is the highest state on average, only 100 feet higher than Wyoming.
- Compared to the state average, the elevation of Jackson Hole is just slightly lower.
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What is the highest and lowest point in Wyoming?
- The highest point in Wyoming is Gannett Peak in the Wind River Range, which has an elevation of 13,809 feet (4,209 m).
- The lowest point in Wyoming is the Belle Fourche River on the border with South Dakota, at an elevation of 3,101 feet (945 m).
- Even Wyoming’s lowest point is relatively high, with the entire state being at least several thousand feet above sea level.
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What are the elevations of major cities in Wyoming?
- The state capital, Cheyenne, has an elevation of 6,062 feet (1,848 m).
- Casper has an elevation of 5,150 feet (1,560 m).
- Laramie has an elevation of 7,165 feet (2,184 m).
- Gillette has an elevation of 4,554 feet (1,388 m).
3. Jackson Hole Elevation, Climate and More
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What type of climate does Jackson Hole have?
- Due to the fact that Jackson Hole is a narrow valley at a high elevation, it has a humid continental climate with a lot of precipitation.
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When does it snow in Jackson Hole?
- Snow can fall quite heavily in the colder months of the year, primarily from November through March.
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Does Jackson Hole get rain?
- Small amounts of rain can fall at any time of the year.
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How do temperatures vary in Jackson Hole?
- Temperatures in Jackson Hole can differ enormously between day and night.
- In August, daytime highs can reach 81°F (27°C), while nighttime lows can drop to 39°F (4°C).
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What makes Jackson a popular destination?
- Jackson is surrounded by beautiful scenery and has grown into a popular recreational resort town.
- It is close to some of the most famous National Parks in the United States, including Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
- Visitors can enjoy a myriad of activities like hiking, camping, mountain biking, and fishing.
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What major ski resorts are near Jackson?
- The National Elk Refuge is nearby, along with three major ski resorts:
- Snow King
- Jackson Hole Mountain
- Grand Targhee
- All three resorts are within an hour’s drive from Jackson.
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