Guide to the Top Photo Spots in Grand Teton National Park
From personal experience, these locations in Grand Teton National Park are the best for landscape photography. I also offer my thoughts on when are the best times of the year to be there to capture the best possible photographs.
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There is also the occasional wildlife with moose, elk, deer, bison, and bears roaming around. The bears seem to be most active in the Spring, the elk and deer in the fall, and the Moose in Fall and Winter. If you plan on hiking away from the roads, take that bear spray with you!
Top 4 Grand Teton Photo Locations
1. Oxbow Bend
I love all the locations in Grand Teton National Park, but I just find this one special. The view over the Snake River of Mount Moran is simply spectacular. I was fortunate enough to capture it in the Fall after two days of snow on the mountains and it was a combination that I doubt I will ever repeat. Early morning in the Spring and Summer with calm water and a good reflection is impressive in its own right.
2. Schwabacher's Landing
The view of the Tetons from the beaver pond area is the iconic image of the Tetons. Every time I get there in the pre-dawn darkness waiting for sunrise, I am excited with anticipation of the possibilities. Spring and Summer are great here with lush greens in the grass and trees that frame the mountains. There are also some other spots to shoot from the Landing, so take your time and enjoy the morning.
3. Snake River Overlook
Ansel Adams made this location famous with a photograph he took there in 1942. Since then, many of the trees have grown blocking some of the view. Nevertheless, it is still impressive, especially in the Fall. Fortunately, you don’t need to be there right at sunrise as the low light can cause some shadows in your image. It works fairly well to shoot sunrise at Oxbow Bend or Schwabacher’s Landing and then head to Snake River Overlook. I also find it one of the best locations to try at sunset.
4. Mormon Row
The old barns on Mormon Row with the Tetons in the background has a multitude of possibilities. I like the south barn for a panoramic view and the north barn for standard views. The road to them is closed in Winter, although you can snowshoe out to them. I did that once, but probably won’t again. I think I would prefer an Uber snowmobile, lol.
Other Locations In Grand Teton National Park
There are some other overlooks along the main road, US191, that can be worth photographing tight shots of the peaks from. Teton Park Road goes by several spots, like Mountain View Turnout, Cathedral Group Turnout and String Lake. Both the Teton Park Road and the Moose Wilson Road can be good for finding wildlife. Back on the main road, there are some nice views near Triangle X Ranch and Cunningham Cabin.
Best Times To Be At Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park has drawn me back again and again. When it comes to those mountains, I am like a bug drawn to a light. Every season of the year has fantastic possibilities. Winter brings mountains covered in snow, although some of the overlooks and road are closed, limiting some of your options. The Spring brings bright yellow Balsamroot flowers. The Summer brings great clouds and storms. The Fall, well it is simply gorgeous at locations like Oxbow Bend.
Almost all of the best locations are sunrise and morning shots, with the sun rising in the east the mountains to your west. I have found sunset to be quite the challenge as the tall mountains can have a silhouette effect with the sun setting behind them. Of course, it is just a matter of preference, but I personally prefer the mornings.
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