Map of Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Where Wilderness Meets Wonder

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, as captured in its defining geographic layout, is a sanctuary of dramatic natural beauty framed by towering peaks, vast sagebrush plains, and the serene glow of the Snake River. This map-shaped canvas reveals not just coordinates, but a living tapestry of adventure, ecology, and cultural legacy. From the jagged rim of the Teton Range to the golden river valleys that slice through the valley floor, every line and landmark tells a story of raw wilderness and human harmony.

Geographic Heart: The Teton Range and the Valley’s Bounds

At the core of Jackson Hole lies the jagged spine of the Teton Mountains, a fault-block range rising abruptly from the valley floor with vertical cliffs exceeding 7,000 feet. This defining feature, often described as “among the most spectacular mountain fronts in North America,” anchors the map like a guardian’s watch. Winding through and partially within the city’s bounds, the Snake River acts as the valley’s lifeblood—its winding meander a serpent of liquid silver that shapes both wildlife corridors and human development.

The river’s course is integral to the region’s identity, feeding fertile meadows while providing critical habitat for cutthroat trout and migrating birds. Surrounding the Tetons and Snake River, the valley stretches approximately 45 miles from north to south, with key checkpoints including Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, and the Gros Ventre drainage. This geographic footprint balances wilderness intensity with accessibility, making Jackson Hole a rare zone where wilderness feels close but reachable.

Ecology and Conservation: A Delicate Balance on Paper and Planet

The complex interplay of ecosystems crisscrossing the map reveals Jackson Hole as a biodiversity hotspot.

Alpine and Subalpine Zones dominate the higher elevations, hosting resilient species like pikas, marmots, and whitebark pine—ecological keystones under increasing climate pressure.

Meanwhile, lower valley slopes support riparian forests and grasslands, sustaining mule deer migrations and golden eagle nesting grounds. permanent wetlands and meadow complexes along the Snake River’s floodplain serve as critical carbon sinks and wildlife refuges.

Conservation efforts here are inscribed directly into the land’s map. Over 40% of Jackson Hole lies within federally protected zones, including Grand Teton National Park and Grand Teton and Bridger-Teton National Forests. These designations are not just digital annotations—they represent legal and ecological boundaries that preserve habitat connectivity and water quality.

< Staatmann

The Snake River: Lifeline and Ley Line of the Valley

The Snake River, slicing southwest across the map, defines more than geography—it structures movement, trade, and wildlife paths. As a tributary of the Columbia, it carries meltwater from the Tetons, fueling riparian zones and supporting irrigation for local ranches. Its seasonal flow patterns shape riparian ecology and influence land-use planning.

Rising from glaciers and snowfields, the Snake’s headwaters begin in Grand Teton National Park, then plunge through dramatic canyons, including Jenny Lake andлн Ввязанная часть ---

Human Settlements and Cultural Layers in Jackson Hole’s Landscape

Beneath the natural grandeur, human presence is equally mapped—spanning Indigenous roots, frontier history, and modern tourism. The map reveals historic trails, early homestead grids, and contemporary residential clusters concentrated near Jackson Town Square and along southern highway corridors. Jackson Hole’s economic pulse aligns with its geography: low-density zoning preserves vistas and protects wildlife corridors, while infrastructure development carefully navigates sensitive zones like wetland fringes and migration routes.

According to the Jackson Hole Regional Planning Commission, land-use policies emphasize “soft development”—blending residential need with conservation goals. Tourism infrastructure, concentrated near key access points on the map, includes lodges, ski resorts like Grand Targhee and Bridger, and visitor centers that frame the wilderness experience. Yet critical zones—such as calving grounds along the Snake River—are restricted, demonstrating how human activity is mapped not just by roads and buildings, but by ecological sensitivity.