Jackson Hole is a valley encompassed by mountains. The
valley is 48 miles long and 8 to 15 miles wide, and the valley floor
slopes from 6,779 feet above sea level in the north to about 6,069 feet
at the southern end. The Snake River, originating in the high country
of Yellowstone, makes its meandering way through the valley, fed by
streams and rivers, such as the Gros Ventre River and Flat Creek. Along
the western side of the valley, the famous Teton Mountains rise into
the sky, a sharp soaring of rock without the preamble of foothills to
separate the massive mountains from the valley floor. Several lakes lie
along the base of the range; among them is large Jackson Lake. Grand
Teton, the tallest mountain in the range, is 13,772 feet above sea
level, towering over Jenny Lake at its base. In the valley to the east,
the Gros Ventre (Big Belly) Mountains roll up a little more gently from
the valley floor.
Grand Teton National Park occupies most of
the valley of Jackson Hole, preserving the towering peaks of the Teton
Mountains and the beautiful glacial lakes. The native wildlife includes
moose, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, elk, grizzly and black bear,
bison, and trumpeter swans. To the delight of the park's visitors, many
of the large animals roam undisturbed across the valley floor, and
numerous trails lead into the mountains to satisfy adventurers. Today
the park includes 485 square miles or 310,000 acres.
The town
of Jackson is located near the southern end of the valley, nestled
between the Hoback Range, which contributes Snow King Mountain to the
southern boundary of the valley, and East Gros Ventre Butte. The butte
is one of several that punctuate the valley, varying the flatness of
the Snake River plain with the rocky humps of ancient landforms.
Jackson
is the seat of Teton County, which was created in 1921, over thirty
years after Wyoming became a state in 1890. As of 2000, Teton County
had a year-round population of about 18,251, and Jackson had a
population of 8,647. A number of temporary residents swell the
population totals during the tourist seasons – in the summer months by
52,000 and by 5,000 in the winter months. The county has a large land
area – 2,697,000 acres or 4,214 square miles. Nearly 97% of the county
is public land.
With a great expanse of public land, including two national parks, tourism is the most important industry in the area.
Grand Teton National Park
lies in the heart of Jackson Hole, and Yellowstone National Park is
only a few miles to the north. The town of Jackson serves as a gateway
to both parks. Grand Teton National Park typically hosts between
3,000,000 and 4,000,000 visitors each year. The total indicates the
popularity of the area and the health of the industry. A few ranches
remain in operation in the valley, reminding the residents of the
area's original economic base. Many of the ranch operations, however,
supplement their income with tourism, as guest ranches and headquarters
for outfitting hunters and fishermen.
Rarely
will you find a place where the land remains as wide open and untouched
as it was when America's settlers first came through. Where
honest-to-goodness cowboys still rope cattle and ride the land as a way
of life. Where wildlife like moose and bison still roam freely,
and a tip of the hat and friendly hello hasn't been lost to fast-paced
city living...Rarely will you find a place like Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 
