It is estimated that humans have populated the area known as "Jackson Hole" for over 10,000 years, beginning after the last major ice age ended about 9000 B.C. Small groups of Paleo-Indians hunted and gathered plants for 4500 years, and later, various Native American tribes lived on lands surrounding the valley, sharing its resources during the warm months. After Lewis and Clark's Voyage of Discovery expedition passed near the area in 1806, one of the explorers, John Colter, returned and is thought to be the first white man in the area. Winters were too fierce, though, and year-around residency of Jackson Hole began only 150 years ago.
The valley lies at 6000 feet and trailheads begin at 6800 feet or higher. Tree line is about 10,000 feet. Most trails are maintained and are well marked. No poisonous snakes, ticks, or fleas inhabit the region.
The Tetons were variously known as "The Pilot Knobs," "Hoary Headed Fathers," and "The Three Paps." The term "Tetons" is actually a French word meaning "breasts" which they were said to resemble.
Jackson Hole was named in 1829 for David Jackson, who along with Jim Bridger and Jedediah Smith, was one of the earliest mountain men to trap the area. (The term "hole" refers to a valley.) The popularity of the area for tourists stems from its immense beauty, its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, and the ability to observe the magnificent mountains and majestic lakes from a level area. The eastern side of the Teton Mountains tower nearly straight up from the valley floor, providing majestic views and easy access.
The Snake River winds through the park for 27 miles, adding more beauty and providing for diverse wildlife, including moose, elk, buffalo, black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, deer, marmots, bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, trumpeter swans, beavers, geese, mallards, cinnamon teal, and a host of migratory foul.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including the Teton Range and Jackson Hole, is the largest essentially intact natural area in the lower 48 states. It first received protection in 1897 as Teton Forest Reserve. In 1929, the central peaks and some of the lakes became Grand Teton National Park. Local residents fought attempts to enlarge it, so the wealthy John D. Rockefeller, Jr., secretly bought 35,000 acres of farm and ranch land, donated it to the government, and following years of political wrangling, the park as it is today was created in 1950.
Over 200 miles of trails are available. You must obtain the free backcountry permit to camp in the backcountry. For a $15 fee, you can reserve backcountry sites in advance between January 1st and May 15th.