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