Where Is Jackson Hole, Wyoming? Unveiling America’s Mountain Epicenter

Nestled in the rugged embrace of the Rocky Mountains, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, stands as one of the most iconic and geographically striking destinations in the United States. Though often mistaken for part of a single state, this remote valley lies straddled between Wyoming’s grandeur and a border that feels like a portal between wilderness and civilization. Measuring roughly 40 miles long and up to 15 miles wide, Jackson Hole stretches across subbasin terrain bordered by the Teton Range to the west, Grand Teton National Park to the south, and the Wind River Range in the backcountry.

Its precise coordinates—approximately 43.6424° N, 110.9186° W—place it just south of Yellowstone National Park, making it a linchpin of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. But Jackson Hole’s significance stretches far beyond its geographic coordinates: it is a gateway to some of the Most Breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures in North America.

Jackson Hole’s location is often misunderstood by casual travelers, yet its position near Grand Teton National Park and adjacent federal lands places it at the heart of one of the most ecologically intact regions in the lower 48 states.

While Wyoming borders Idaho to the west and Utah to the south, Jackson Hole resides squarely within the state’s mountainous western quadrant, approximately 50 miles south of Yellowstone’s entrances. This proximity transforms the town of Jackson—situated at the entrance—into a critical nexus for adventurers, hunters, skiers, and nature enthusiasts alike. The valley’s high elevation, hovering between 6,200 and 7,500 feet, creates a continental climate marked by crisp, snowy winters and warm, golden summers, further enhancing its allure.

Geographic Context: A Valley Sandwiched Between Giants

Jackson Hole is not a city or a county’s isolated enclave but rather a defining valley shaped by tectonic forces and glacial sculpting.

Bounded by the jagged Eastern and Western Teton Range—peaks rising over 13,000 feet—its topography forms a dramatic bowl carved over millions of years. The Snake River cuts a serpentine path through the basin, feeding meadows and rivers that sustain its distinctive ecosystems. This relief supports a diversity of habitats: alpine tundra above treeline, dense conifer forests in lower elevations, and riparian zones along waterways.

The valley’s isolation—surrounded by mountain peaks with few roads—preserves its wildness and limits urban sprawl, a rare quality in the American West. Paleoenvironmental studies reveal that Jackson Hole’s landscape has been shaped by repeated glaciation, with retreating ice glaciers depositing fertile soils and shaping modern drainage patterns. The hydrogeology, driven by seasonal snowmelt, feeds groundwater systems critical to both wildlife and human use.

This geographic uniqueness has nurtured a self-reliant, reclusive character—one where ranchers, guides, and conservationists coexist amid sweeping vistas. The interplay of geology, climate, and isolation makes this part of Wyoming not just a place, but a living testament to Earth’s dynamic processes.

Adjacent to Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park covers over 1,000 square miles, offering protected trails from Jackson to the Narrows and beyond, while the Bridger-Teton National Forest surrounds the valley’s flanks.

Together, these protected lands form a contiguous wilderness corridor that stretches from the Tetons to Yellowstone, enabling wildlife migration and preserving biodiversity. For visitors, this seamless stretch of protected terrain makes Jackson Hole both an entry point and a destination unto itself.

Cultural and Economic Hub: A Rosin’ Heart of the West

Though sparsely populated—Jackson town proper hosts fewer than 10,000 year-round residents—Jackson Hole pulses with cultural energy and economic significance. Since the mid-