Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole
Jon Sullivan, PD Photo. · Public domain · source
Name	Jackson Hole
Settlement type	Valley
Pushpin label position	bottom
Coordinates	43.58°N 110.75°W
Elevation	6,771 ft (2,064 m)

Jackson Hole is a valley located near the Idaho border in Wyoming, surrounded by the Teton Range and the Gros Ventre Range. The valley is home to the town of Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge, which provides a habitat for elk, bison, and trumpeter swans. The area is also close to Yellowstone National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway. Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing, in the nearby Teton Science Center and the University of Wyoming's Teton Field Station.

Geography

The valley of Jackson Hole is approximately 48 miles (77 km) long and 7-13 miles (11-21 km) wide, and is situated near the Snake River, which flows through the valley and provides a source of water for the surrounding landscape. The valley is surrounded by the Teton Range to the west, the Gros Ventre Range to the east, and the Absaroka Range to the north, and is close to the Beartooth Mountains and the Big Horn Mountains. The highest peak in the Teton Range is Grand Teton, which rises to an elevation of 13,770 feet (4,200 m) above Jackson Lake. The valley floor is at an elevation of approximately 6,200 feet (1,890 m) above sea level, and is home to a variety of geological features, including glaciers, moraines, and lakes, such as String Lake and Jenny Lake, which are popular destinations for canoeing and kayaking with Old Faithful and Upper Yellowstone Falls.

Climate

The climate in Jackson Hole is characterized as a humid continental climate with significant seasonal variations, similar to the climate of Bozeman, Montana and Big Sky, Montana. The area experiences cold winters, with average temperatures ranging from 24°F (-4°C) in January, the coldest month, to 72°F (22°C) in July, the warmest month, and is influenced by the climate of nearby Salt Lake City, Utah and Casper, Wyoming. The valley receives an average of 450 inches (1,140 cm) of snowfall per year, with the majority of it falling between December and March, and is home to several ski resorts, including Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Snow King Mountain Resort, which are popular destinations for skiing and snowboarding with Aspen Mountain and Vail Ski Resort. The area is also prone to droughts and wildfires, particularly during the summer months, and is protected by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

History

The area now known as Jackson Hole has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human presence dating back to the Pinedale glaciation period, and is home to the Shoshone and Crow Native American tribes, who hunted and gathered in the area. The first European explorers to visit the area were John Colter and Jim Bridger, who arrived in the early 19th century, and were followed by Kit Carson and John Jacob Astor, who established the American Fur Company in the area. The area was later settled by ranchers and miners, who established the town of Jackson in 1897, and is now a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, with attractions such as the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, which are dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area, including the Oregon Trail and the California Trail.

Economy

The economy of Jackson Hole is primarily driven by tourism, with millions of visitors per year, and is also supported by agriculture, particularly ranching and farming, with the University of Wyoming's Agricultural Experiment Station providing research and support for local farmers and ranchers. The area is also home to a number of mining operations, including coal mining and gold mining, and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and fishing, with the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson Hole Travel and Tourism Board providing information and support for visitors. The area is also home to a number of art galleries and museums, including the National Museum of Wildlife Art and the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, which showcase the work of local artists and provide insight into the history and culture of the area, including the Western Art Association and the Cody Country Art League.

Tourism

Jackson Hole is a popular destination for tourists, with a wide range of activities and attractions available, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking in the nearby Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and is home to a number of lodges and resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole and the Jackson Lake Lodge, which offer a range of amenities and services for visitors. The area is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival and the Jackson Hole Winter Carnival, which celebrate the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage, and are supported by the Jackson Hole News and the Jackson Hole Guide. Visitors to the area can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, with the Teton Science Center and the University of Wyoming's Teton Field Station providing information and guidance for visitors.

Ecology

The ecology of Jackson Hole is characterized by a diverse range of plant and animal species, including grizzly bears, wolves, and elk, and is home to a number of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which are protected by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The area is also home to a number of rivers and lakes, including the Snake River and Jackson Lake, which provide a source of water for the surrounding landscape and support a wide range of aquatic life, including trout and whitefish. The area is also prone to natural hazards, including wildfires and floods, which can have a significant impact on the local ecosystem, and is protected by the National Park Service and the United States Geological Survey. Category:Valleys of Wyoming