Jackson Hole Wyoming at 6,200 Feet: The Elevation Shaping its Grand Canyon-Topped Wilderness

Perched at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet above sea level, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, stands as a geological and cultural nexus where rugged grandeur meets stratospheric vistas. This high valley, nestled between the Teton Range and the snow-kissed peaks of the Southern Rockies, is defined as much by its altitude as by its ecological diversity and human ambition. Jackson Hole’s unique elevation not only shapes its dramatic topography but influences its climate, biodiversity, and cultural identity—making it a singular destination where mountains rise sharply beneath crisp, sunlit skies.

The elevation of 6,200 feet places Jackson Hole within a high-altitude ecosystem characterized by sharp diurnal temperature swings, sharp winds, and intense solar radiation. These conditions sculpt a landscape where alpine grasslands transition abruptly into jagged granite spires, creating one of the most visually striking vistas in North America. The city’s position in the Snake River Valley floor, flanked by the Grand Teton to the south and the Wheeler Range to the east, reinforces its dramatic elevation contrast—where lowland valleys plunge suddenly into towering peaks exceeding 13,000 feet.

Geologically, Jackson Hole’s elevation is no accident—it is the product of tectonic collision and glacial sculpting spanning millions of years. The Teton Range, rising just 10 miles west of the town, owes its abrupt rise to active faulting along the Teton Fault, where recent uplift rates reach roughly 0.5 to 1 millimeter per year. This tectonic uplift, combined with Pleistocene glaciation, carved the U-shaped valleys, cirques, and moraines that now frame the valley floor at this elevation.

The interplay of high elevation and glacial history results in soils enriched with fine glacial silt, supporting a patchwork of sagebrush steppe, subalpine forests, and protected riparian zones along Jackson Lake and the Snake River.

Climate at this elevation follows a high-alpine pattern marked by short, cool summers and long, bitterly cold winters. Average annual snowfall exceeds 400 inches, yet the valley’s elevation limits extreme cold to a few frigid months, with April temperatures averaging 32°F and January lows dipping to -10°F. This seasonal rhythm drives a dynamic ecology: as snow melts in late spring, runoff feeds the Snake River, sustaining entire watersheds that support migratory elk, grizzlies, and bald eagles.

The elevation-driven climate also fuels strong, localized wind systems—downslope "windiness" from the Tetons generates powerful katabatic winds, affecting everything from wildfire spread to backcountry skiing conditions.

Elevation profoundly influences both human settlement and outdoor recreation in Jackson Hole. The moderate altitude—far higher than Jackson’s nearby 5,000-foot valley floor but below harsh alpine extremes—supports year-round habitation, with residents and visitors attuned to altitude’s subtle effects. For skiers, the elevation enhances snow quality: temperatures hover near freezing at the base, fostering crisp, powdery snow crucial to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s world-class skiing.

Climbers and mountaineers recognize the valley as a gateway: base camps here serve expeditions scaling Grand Teton, Mount Owen, and other Tetons exceeding 12,000 feet. Meanwhile, the elevation contributes to exceptional atmospheric clarity—forty-five days of snow-free days annually and visibility exceeding 60 miles—making the region a mecca for stargazing, with the Grand Teton National Park earning recognition as an International Dark Sky Park.

Economically, elevation plays an underappreciated but critical role in shaping Jackson Hole’s identity as a globally sought-after destination. The interplay of “high mountain, deep valley, and alpine clarity” drives tourism that exceeds $1 billion annually, fueled by outdoor tourism, luxury retreats, and cultural events.

Yet this elevation also presents environmental challenges: increased wildfire risk due to wind-spurred draws and prolonged dry seasons, compounded by rising temperatures shifting treeline and altering wildlife corridors. Conservation efforts, including their emphasis on elevation-sensitive land use and watershed protection, aim to balance human presence with ecological integrity at this pivotal altitude.

At 6,200 feet, Jackson Hole emerges not merely as a valley, but as a high-altitude epicenter where geology, climate, and human aspiration converge. Its elevation defines the rhythm of life in one of America’s most iconic wilderness enclaves—shaping weather patterns, Sporting ecosystems, and the cultural pulse of a place where earth’s grandeur unfolds viscerally.

As climate change reshapes mountain environments worldwide, Jackson Hole stands as both a sentinel and a canvas, reminding us how elevation profoundly shapes landscapes, livelihoods, and the human experience beneath vast, blue skies.