Jackson Hole’s Elevation: Where High Altitude Meets World-Class Terrain

Perched at 6,195 feet above sea level and cradled by the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, elevation at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, shapes not just the skyline—but an unparalleled alpine experience. This high-desert valley sits stage right on the continental divide, offering gravity-defying vertical drop, crisp alpine air, and dramatic weather patterns all influenced by its precise elevation. Standing at this unique altitude, travelers receive breath after breath of thin,清新 mountain air while gazing across sweeping valleys, pine-clad slopes, and snow-draped domes that glitter under intense sunlight.

The terrain’s elevation isn’t just a number—it’s a defining force behind Jackson Hole’s reputation as one of the most dramatic and visually commanding landscapes in North America.

Elevation plays a crucial role in shaping Jackson Hole’s climate, ecosystem, and outdoor activities. Positioned just below the 7,000-foot threshold, this valley balances the arid character of the Greater Jackson Hole basin with the high-altitude intensity of the Tetons to the east.

At this altitude, average daytime summer temperatures hover near 75°F (24°C), while winter lows plunge below 0°F (-18°C), creating a sharp thermal contrast that sustains dynamic weather systems. These atmospheric shifts fuel frequent snowfall, rapid weather changes, and intense sunshine—conditions that make elevation central to both safety and visitor experience in one of the nation’s premier mountain destinations.

Vertical Dominance: The Tetons Rise Defying the Skies

Jackson Hole’s defining geographic feature is the Tetons, a rugged mountain front rising abruptly from the valley floor.

The range’s dramatic vertical rise—from roughly 6,000 feet at the valley floor to over 13,770 feet at Grand Teton’s summit—creates an elevation gradient unmatched in many regions. This steep ascent dramatically influences local conditions: temperature drops with altitude, precipitation patterns shift, and ecosystems transition rapidly from sagebrush steppe to alpine tundra within just a few miles.

The Teton Range’s proximity to human settlements—most notably Jackson—means elevation effects are felt deeply.

Visitors ascending into the high country encounter rapidly thinning air, intensified UV exposure, and sudden weather changes. At 8,000 feet, oxygen levels drop roughly 25% compared to sea level; by 10,000 feet, tired hikers may begin feeling symptoms of altitude strain. These physiological effects underscore why proper acclimatization is essential for safe exploration of trails like Cascade Canyon orEMENTURE Peak—a climb where elevation gain accelerates with each step upward.

Seasonal elevation shifts also transform Jackson Hole’s recreational offerings. In summer, high-altitude trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers, where cooler air and abundant wildflowers welcome travelers seeking adventure at moderate elevation. By winter, elevations above 7,000 feet become prime ski terrain as snow accumulates rapidly on exposed ridges, transforming the valley floor into a world-class powder playground at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort—where elite skiers ascend through dramatic vertical relief from valley to summit.

Elevation and Biodiversity: A High-Altitude Ecosystem Narrative

Beyond human recreation, elevation at Jackson Hole structures a layered mosaic of plant and animal life. The valley floor supports a semi-arid climate dominated by sagebrush, cottonwood groves, and juniper woodlands—an ecosystem adapted to lower altitudes and warmer, drier conditions. As elevation increases, vegetation transitions into subalpine forests of Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, and argali shrublands, where hardiness and cold tolerance define survival.

Higher up, alpine tundra emerges above treeline, typically starting around 9,800 feet in Jackson Hole. Here, hardy wildflowers—including fsimeq, alpine forget-me-nots, and glacier lilies—bloom for just weeks each year, thriving in thin soil and intense solar radiation. Wildlife adjusts accordingly: pronghorn graze in lower valleys, while bighorn sheep and mountain goats navigate steep, high-altitude terrain below ridges exceeding 12,000 feet.

Eagles and ravens soar thermals above the trees, capitalizing on thermal updrafts shaped by elevation-driven topography.

These vertical ecological zones illustrate how elevation interconnects geography, climate, and biodiversity. From valley floors teeming with mule deer and elk to alpine meadows pulsing with seasonal wildflowers, every rise in altitude crafts a new chapter in Jackson Hole’s natural story.

Human Adaptation and the Elevation Challenge

Surviving and thriving at elevation around Jackson Hole demands both preparation and awareness. Poet and mountaineer David Roberts observes, “The air doesn’t just feel thinner