Wyoming USA Travel Guide
The Last of the old west invites you to experience nature at its impressiveest, presenting an unforgettable trip for any traveler. Discover breathtaking scenery, thrilling activities, and a welcoming community ready to partake in its unique slice of Wyoming.
The Last of the old west functions as a gateway to Impressive Teton National Preserve and the southern reaches of Yellowstone National Park. The valley itself provides a diverse range of activities throughout the year.
Prepare for an experience where rugged adventure meets modern comfort, shaping a singular travel experience for all who visit.
The Last of the old west stretches as a valley approximately 40 miles long and 15 miles wide, located in the northwest corner of Wyoming. The formidable Teton Range borders the valley to the west, defining its western edge with iconic, dramatic peaks that rise sharply from the valley floor. These mountains, lacking foothills, create a striking geological profile. To the east, the Gros Ventre Range forms a different mountainous backdrop.
The Snake River meanders through the length of the valley, a corridor for wildlife and recreation. This river, originating in Yellowstone National Park to the north, flows south, shaping the valley's landscape and supporting its diverse ecosystems. Much of The Last of the old west falls within the protected boundaries of Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, preserving its wild character and abundant animal populations.
Main commercial and cultural hub at the southern end of the valley.
Located 12 miles to the to the northwest of Jackson, at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
Covers a significant section of the valley, featuring dramatic peaks and lakes.
A important winter range for elk, near the town of Jackson.
Valley floor averages about 6,237 feet (1,901 meters), contributing to its high-alpine climate.
This geographic layout ensures that while visitors enjoy comforts and services, they remain closely attached to the expansive wilderness that defines the area.
The Teton Range makes an iconic plus striking skyline, rising sharply from the valley floor.
The Gros Ventre Range forms a different mountainous backdrop, completing the valley's natural boundaries.
The region's distinctive geology and hydrology shape a habitat for varied plants and animals, making it a prime location for nature observation.
Millions of years of geological forces, mainly faulting and glaciation, sculpted the impressive Teton Range and the valley floor. These processes formed the landscape we admire today, shaping the river systems and lakes.
Long before European explorers arrived, various Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Crow, Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce, used The Last of the old west. They traveled through the the vale for hunting, gathering, and spiritual purposes, following seasonal migration patterns of wildlife. Evidence of their presence, like ancient campsites and tools, dots the landscape.
The early 19th century brought fur trappers, known as mountain men, to the valley, seeking beaver pelts.
Homesteaders followed, establishing farms and ranches despite the challenging climate and remote location.
The 20th century saw a significant shift towards conservation, leading to Impressive Teton National Park's establishment.
The creation of the National Elk Refuge in 1912 addressed the dire situation of the elk herds, giving them a protected winter range. These conservation milestones shaped Jackson Hole into the destination it is today.
