Explore the elevation of Casper—rising over 5,000 feet above sea level in central Wyoming. I enjoy visiting this energy-rich city with a rich frontier history. You'll find rugged mountain terrain here, along with sweeping views of the high plains.

Table of Contents

Where is Casper?

  • Location: Casper is located in central Wyoming and is the county seat of Natrona County.

City Profile

  • Nicknames: Known as “The Oil City” due to its petroleum industry roots.
  • Fame: Recognized for its railroad history, energy production, and mountain scenery.
  • Population: About 59,000 residents in the city and 81,000 in the metro area.
  • Size rank: Second most populous city in Wyoming, after Cheyenne.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Casper sits at an elevation of 5,150 feet (1,560 m) above sea level.
  • State comparison: Wyoming’s average elevation is 6,700 feet (2,040 m), making Casper lower than the state average.
  • Tallest nearby peak: Casper Mountain rises to 8,130 feet (2,480 m), around 3,000 feet above the city.
  • City founding: Grew out of the 1860s Fort Caspar and expanded with the Wyoming Central Railway.
  • Name origin: Named after Caspar Collins; a clerical error changed it to "Casper."
  • Growth story: Rapid expansion followed the discovery of Salt Creek Oil Field in 1889.
  • Modern evolution: Today, Casper blends its energy legacy with museums, outdoor recreation, and community events.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • National comparison: U.S. average elevation is 2,500 feet (760 m), so Casper is more than twice as high.
  • Nearby landmarks: Casper Mountain is a popular year-round recreational destination with winter trails and summer hikes.
  • Highest point in Wyoming: Gannett Peak – 13,809 feet (4,209 m) in the Wind River Range.
  • Lowest point in Wyoming: Belle Fourche River – 3,101 feet (945 m) near the South Dakota border.
  • Other major city elevations:
    • Cheyenne: 6,062 ft (1,848 m)
    • Laramie: 7,165 ft (2,184 m)
    • Gillette: 4,554 ft (1,388 m)

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Casper has a semi-arid climate—typical of the Rocky Mountain region.
  • Precipitation: Receives around 12 inches of rain annually, with frequent snow in winter.
  • Snowfall: Sees an average of 76 inches of snow per year, mostly between November and March.
  • Summer temperatures: July highs average around 88°F (31°C).
  • Winter temperatures: January is the coldest month, with chilly temperatures and snow.
  • Tourism appeal: While not a tourist magnet, Casper offers rich history, outdoor fun, and Western heritage.
  • Museums and attractions: Visit the Fort Caspar Museum, Tate Geological Museum, and Nicolaysen Art Museum.
  • Entertainment: Enjoy live performances, summer shows by the Troopers drum corps, and local theater venues.

Plan Your Trip