According to allcitycodes, Ashton, Idaho is a small rural town located in the Upper Snake River Valley of Fremont County, Idaho. It is situated along the banks of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River at an elevation of 5,500 feet. Ashton is surrounded by lush green rolling hills and meadows and boasts spectacular views of the Teton Range to the west and the Lemhi Range to the east. The town itself covers over 3 square miles and has a population of approximately 1,500 people.
The climate in Ashton is mild with hot summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from lows in the 40s to highs in the 80s while winter temperatures can range from lows below 0F to highs near 40F. Precipitation during all seasons is fairly low, with most rain falling between May and September.
The landscape around Ashton consists primarily of gently rolling hills covered with grasses, sagebrush, juniper trees, aspen groves and pine forests. The area also contains numerous ponds fed by springs that are home to a variety of wildlife including elk, deer, moose, beaver and bald eagles. Anglers will find plenty of opportunities for fishing on nearby rivers such as Henry’s Fork or Fall River; while hunters can take advantage of nearby public lands such as Targhee National Forest or Island Park Wildlife Management Area for big game hunting opportunities.
For outdoor recreationists looking for something more than hunting or fishing there are plenty of opportunities nearby for activities such as camping at one of several campgrounds in Ashton or along one of its many rivers; hiking on trails such as Big Springs Trailhead or Grand Targhee Resort Trail; mountain biking on trails like Upper Mesa Falls Trail System or Big Hole Mountain Bike Park; snowshoeing on trails like Teton Pass Snowshoe Trails; bird watching at places like Waterfalls Canyon Wildlife Refuge; horseback riding at places like Buffalo Valley Ranch; kayaking/canoeing on rivers like Henry’s Fork or Fall River; rock climbing at places like South Fork Wall Climbing Area; cross country skiing along groomed trails near Grand Targhee Resort; ATV/UTV riding at locations like Grand Teton National Park UTV Tour & Rentals; fly fishing on local waters including Henry’s Fork Outfitters & Guide Service or Float’n Fish Outfitters & Guides LLC.; hunting at locations like Targhee National Forest Game Preserve or Island Park Wildlife Management Area ; plus much more!
With its stunning natural beauty, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and small-town charm it’s no wonder that Ashton has become a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway in Idaho’s Upper Snake River Valley region!
History of Ashton, Idaho
Ashton, Idaho is a small community located in the Upper Snake River Valley region of the state. It was originally settled in 1883 by homesteaders and became an incorporated town in 1902. The town was named after a local rancher, William Ashton, who had a large ranch nearby.
The area around Ashton has been inhabited for centuries by indigenous people, most notably the Shoshone-Bannock and Northern Paiute tribes. These tribes relied on hunting and gathering for subsistence, as well as seasonal berry picking and fishing in the nearby rivers. In more recent times, agricultural practices such as cattle ranching have become more prominent in the area due to improved access to water sources from irrigation systems.
In the mid-1800s, gold miners began prospecting in the area and several mines were established, including the popular Red Rock Mine near Ashton. The gold rush brought new settlers to the area who sought their fortune or simply sought a better life away from their old homes. A number of these early settlers established farms or ranches which served as a mainstay of Ashton’s economy for decades until it began to transition into a tourist destination during the 20th century.
The establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929 helped put Ashton on the map as an outdoor recreation destination due to its proximity to some of Idaho’s most stunning natural scenery. This influx of tourists helped stimulate growth in local businesses such as lodges and restaurants which catered to visitors from around the world looking for respite from their bustling urban lives back home.
Today, Ashton continues to be an attractive destination for those seeking outdoor recreation opportunities or simply looking for a peaceful getaway with stunning views of Idaho’s countryside. While it still retains its small-town charm, it has also embraced modern amenities such as internet access and cell phone service that help make living here comfortable while still providing plenty of opportunities to unplug from technology and enjoy nature’s beauty all around us!
Economy of Ashton, Idaho
The economy of Ashton, Idaho is primarily driven by tourism, agriculture, and mining. The town has been a popular tourist destination since the establishment of Grand Teton National Park in 1929. Visitors come to enjoy the stunning natural scenery and the many outdoor recreation opportunities that the area has to offer such as fishing, hiking, biking, and camping.
Agriculture is also an important part of the economy in Ashton. From its early days as a settlement, ranchers have been raising livestock in the area for both meat and dairy production. Farming is also important with crops such as wheat, barley, oats, corn, soybeans and hay being grown for human consumption or animal feed. In recent years irrigation systems have allowed farmers to expand their operations by providing access to water sources for their crops and livestock.
Mining is another major industry in Ashton with several gold mines located nearby including the popular Red Rock Mine. Mining operations bring jobs to local residents and provide an economic boost to businesses in town that cater to miners such as hotels and restaurants.
In addition to these main industries there are also several small businesses located in Ashton that serve local residents or visitors from out of town such as stores selling clothing and other items or restaurants offering local cuisine. There are also a number of services available such as auto repair shops or medical facilities that help make living here comfortable while still providing plenty of opportunities to unplug from technology and enjoy nature’s beauty all around us!
Politics in Ashton, Idaho
The politics of Ashton, Idaho are largely influenced by the state of Idaho, which is a predominantly Republican state. Ashton itself is a small town with a population of just over 1,000 people and has been historically conservative in its political leanings. In recent years the town has seen an increase in Democratic voters as well, although Republicans still dominate local elections.
Ashton is governed by an elected mayor and four city council members who serve four year terms. The mayor and council are responsible for setting policy and making decisions on issues such as budgets, infrastructure projects, and other matters concerning the town. They also appoint members to various boards and commissions to help ensure that local government runs smoothly.
At the state level, Idaho sends two representatives to the US House of Representatives and two senators to the US Senate for representation in Congress. All of these officials are Republicans who generally support conservative policies such as lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses.
At the national level, Ashton residents vote in presidential elections along with other Idahoans and tend to favor Republican candidates due their conservative beliefs about issues such as abortion, gun control, taxes and government spending.
Overall, Ashton’s politics reflect those of the larger state of Idaho which leans heavily towards conservative ideals while still embracing modern amenities such as internet access and cell phone service that help make living here comfortable while still providing plenty of opportunities to unplug from technology and enjoy nature’s beauty all around us!