The Most Magical Photo Spots In Grand Teton National Park
I believe that Grand Teton National Park might be the most magical place in the world. Each time I visit my eternal struggle is trying to actually capture that magic in my photos. I don’t think I’ve quite managed yet, but I’ve definitely got close with photos in a few of these spots. So, I wanted to share my favourite photo spots in Grand Teton National Park to spread the joy! For the most part these recommendations are easily driveable and require little to no work to get to.
Mormon Row
This area fascinates me and for it brings a whole new element to taking photos of the Tetons. One of my favourite things about travelling around the US is learning about the human history of the areas I visit. In the 1890s a group of Mormons from Salt Lake City settled here in a series of 27 homesteads, hence the name Mormon Row. The buildings in Mormon Row allow a window into the history of American homesteading that I found so interesting. This area will give you Little House on the Prairie vibes and your imagination will run wild. You can learn more about the history of this area on the National Parks Service website.
The most iconic and popular structure at Mormon row is the T.A. Moulton Barn. This is apparently the most photographed barn in America, and that fact doesn’t surprise me one bit. The photos below didn’t get the iconic Teton silhouette in the background as both times I visited this spot snowstorms were smattering the park. However, both times the light was incredible so I didn’t mind too much about the lack of mountains. If you google T.A Moulton Barn you’ll find photos of this fascinating structure with a background of the Tetons.
Getting There:
Drive north on Highway 89 in the park away from the visitor center in Moose. Cross ditch creek (peek into the trees to look for moose, I once saw three bulls with incredible antlers here). Turn right onto Antelope Flats road. Mormon Row is a short drive up this well maintained dirt road, you’ll know it when you see it. T.A. Moulton Barn is on the right once you hit the intersecting road. NOTE: The road is closed due to snow November- April. You are still able to walk up it when it’s closed.
Schwabacher’s Landing
This gorgeous spot along the Snake River is a favourite among people looking to photograph the iconic teton range and its reflection. Also for people looking for moose (I am always a person looking for moose). I visited first thing in the morning, driving there down the short dirt road in the pitch black. Hopping out of the car at the trailhead I was ready for a cold morning. I had layered up in my jacket, gloves, and hat and packed a plain bagel in my pocket for “breakfast”.
While snacking on my bagel, I watched the sun rise just expecting a moose to appear in front of me any second, but no such luck. The sun had cast light over the entirety of the mountains and I had all but given up as I walked to a last view point for a photo. I raised the viewfinder to my eye, positioned the peaks, and snapped two photos. When I lowered the camera, a moose had appeared right in the clearing on the other side of the river. I have since checked those two photos and they have a moose running into the shot in them. This spot is great for a magical whole range reflection shot, and you might just get lucky with a wildlife encounter.
You can walk a short ways along the river each direction getting different views of the peaks and their reflections. Remember to stick to the paths! Please don’t be the dick that ignores the signs and steps on sensitive ecosystems just to get your reflection pics. I will be sad and I’ll stop letting you read my blogs!
Getting There:
To reach this iconic Grand Teton photo spot, drive north on Highway 89 in the park away from the visitor center in Moose. The unassuming turn off is to the left shortly after the Glacier View lookout. This road is a well maintained dirt road.
Jenny Lake
First of all, the one way Jenny Lake loop road will give you the most stunning and impactful views of approaching the Grand Teton peak herself. I cannot give this road enough hype, it takes my breath away every time.
This lake is notorious for its easy access and stunning reflections; all I had to do was park up and walk maybe 5 steps from my car at the Jenny Lake Overlook for beautiful reflections of the mountains. The view is different from Schwabacher Landing as the mountains are much closer and the water meets the base of the mountains creating mind bending reflections.
If you park up at Jenny Lake parking near the campground a short paved trail takes you to points where you can access the lake shore and get yet another perspective. I visited this area just after a small snowstorm and took some of my favourite ever self portraits with this mountain backdrop proving Jenny Lake doesn’t have to have the reflections to exude teton magic.
Getting There:
You can access the Jenny Lake Road and Jenny Lake Visitor Center off Teton Park Road, the main road you join when you drive through Moose towards the mountains. NOTE: The Teton Park Road is closed November-April.
Go behind the scenes of this self-portrait here: My Secrets To Stunning Solo-Travel Self Portraits
On Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake is the main massive lake in Grand Teton National Park and is the only lake that allows boating, which is key for this photo spot- ON the lake. I’ve seen these mountains from a few angles and one of the most awe inspiring views of the Tetons is seeing them from the waters of Jackson Lake. At Colter Bay Marina there’s a boat rental so head over there, rent a kayak, pack some snacks (or in my case your camp stove and coffee), and take to the water.
As you’re on the water there’s nothing blocking your view of the mountains and they all seem to splay out in front of you. It’s a great place to get different angles with a dynamic foreground (waves) and especially get photos of Mt Moran (the wide peak that is said to look like a bison head). I guess this does take a certain amount of confidence to take your camera out while on the water. Hmm, maybe I don’t recommend this if you’re worried about tipping in and waterlogging your camera. Alternatively, pop it in a waterproof sack and get the camera out when on land/ feeling stable. I kayaked out to an island and made coffee on the beach as I sunbathed and stared at peaks. It was a great photography excursion and little adventure.
Getting There:
Colter Bay Village is well-signposted off John D Rockefeller Jr Parkway. Drive the Colter Bay Village Road to the end and turn left in the parking lot for the marina.
I also wrote this: Why You Should Visit Rocky Mountain National Park in Fall
Summary
Actually, everywhere in the Tetons is magical, I took this from the side of the road because the lighting was looking just perfect. You can follow this guide, or go literally anywhere in or near Grand Teton National Park, and you’re guaranteed to find epic photo spots because this part of the world is just (how many times can I use this word?) magical.
