2 Days In Grand Teton National Park - Our Favorite Photo Spots
Grand Teton National Park is a photographer's paradise, where towering peaks, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife offer endless opportunities for stunning shots. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, try the following photo spots in Grand Teton and capture the diverse landscape of this magnificent place.
My husband and I spent 72 days on a national park road trip before we got married and had kids. Grand Teton was one of our top favorites. I also celebrated my 40th birthday here, and miraculously witnessed 5 rainbows in different locations of the park on that day. My Teton experience was certainly special and unforgettable. To certain extent, it also heralded a new beginning on my photography journey, for landscape in particular.
Our summer northwest road trip led us to Grand Teton after the Independence Day. Perhaps due to the long weekend, crowd was over the top.
Since we had limited time for this trip but a long distance to cover (more than twice the distance of our latest Iceland ring road trip in June), we only had two days at our disposal in Grand Teton National Park.
That meant we had to prioritize our sightseeing at more accessible areas, ideally somewhere we hadn’t seen before. Not all the following 5 photo spots were well-known, but they were all new photo locations for me.
1. Schwabacher Landing
A favorite among photographers, Schwabacher Landing offers a serene setting with reflections of the Teton Range mirrored in the Snake River. The tranquil scene is perfect for both landscape and wildlife photography, with chances to spot moose and beavers.
I don’t mind photographing an iconic scene already photographed by millions. I don’t mind seeing the crowd during the day either. The moments I photograph a place, often during the golden or blue hours, typically are pretty quiet. More often than not, I am either by myself, or with the company of my family.
This was not the case in Grand Teton, especially Schwabacher Landing. I scouted out my photo spots during the day, but when we arrived in the evening, it was taken, by half a dozen of tourists. Along the short trail of less than a mile, there were dozens if not over a hundred of photo hobbyists and tourists trying to witness or photograph sunset.
I brought two cameras and two tripods, expecting to photograph at two spots for different compositions. Apparently that plan fell apart miserably.
I had to move to a suboptimal spot and settle one of my tripods in the bush. Heavy clouds in vibrant colors floated over the Teton peaks in the golden hours. It was simply gorgeous! I decided to do timelapse to capture more than just a few shots, so I could walk around and take pictures for my kids at the same time.
During the middle of my photo shooting, it started to drizzle. Crowd gradually dwindled. With some luck and patience, I finally got my version of Teton sunset. It was not the classic shot, nor my best shot, but certainly the shot I'll treasure and remember.
2. Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake offers a mix of landscape and adventure photography. The crystal-clear waters, surrounded by towering peaks, create a breathtaking scene.
In our last trip, my husband and I took a walk along Jenny Lake without seeing anyone. This time, we couldn’t find parking.
It took us several attempts to finally park next to the lake. There were swimmers, kayakers as well as boaters. It was a bit challenging to get a clean shot.
Nevertheless, our 6 yo had a blast dipping his feet in the lake and splashing around.
3. Phelps Lake
Phelps Lake is a pristine alpine lake nestled at the base of the Teton Range, offering stunning views and crystal-clear waters.
The hike to Phelps Lake Overlook was an easy 1 mile distance, but accessing to the trailhead took much more effort.
First, you need a four wheel drive. Expect a bumpy ride through the woods before squeezing yourself in the parking gaps. Surprisingly and unsurprisingly, there were at least 100 vehicles already parked along the narrow path before we arrived.
That being said, the 1-mile hike to Phelps Lake Overlook was totally worthwhile, even in the heat wave. The overlook was a peaceful spot perfect for photography, picnicking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty. You can continue onwards for a much longer hike down to the lake. With the protest from our kids, we simply turned around.
4. Chapel of the Transfiguration
The Chapel of the Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park is a historic wooden chapel built in 1925. Similar to the famous Mormon Row barn photographed by millions, the chapel stands against the dramatic backdrop of the Tetons, and can be an interesting structure to photograph during sunrise.
I checked it out two days in a row to assess its potential for my sunset photo shoot. Unfortunately, I didn’t find the muse.
Timing wasn’t perfect for photos, but our 9 yo certainly enjoyed the sight of a cute prairie dog in the bush. Perhaps one day in the future, I’ll try my photo luck in different hours.
5. Blacktail Ponds Overlook
Blacktail Ponds Overlook in Grand Teton National Park offers a unique vantage point where you can capture both the stunning Teton Range and the lush wetlands below. This overlook is particularly special for wildlife photography, as the ponds attract a variety of animals, including moose, elk, and birds.
I came here by myself on the second evening, while my husband and kids just wanted to rest in the hotel after the full day heat. Compared to other photo spots along highway 191 and Moose Wilson Road, this overlook was not that popular. But it offered similar unblocked view of the Teton ranges.
What’s more, it was’t crowded at all. As the last one to leave the spot during blue hours, I had no one but birds chirping around me. Once again, I found the peace in Grand Teton.
6. Honorable Mention
We drove along highway 191 and Moose Wilson Road and made many stops, including Oxbow Bend, Snake River Overlook and Jackson Lake, some of the most well known photo spots in Grand Teton. Many of these spots face west to the Teton ranges and work better during sunrise than sunset.
Sunrise was before 6am during our visit. Given the logistics and distance to drive in darkness, it wasn’t a good option for us this time.
Grand Teton National Park is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. Whether you're capturing the golden hues of sunrise, the dramatic peaks against a stormy sky, or the quiet reflections in a calm lake, each spot offers something unique. Grab your camera, explore these locations, and create images that will inspire and awe for years to come.
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