Grand Teton National Park- Wyoming
Sunrise on The Grand Tetons
My first trip to Grand Teton National Park was different from others. We got a late start leaving and would not arrive until after it was dark. Driving into the park was intimidating. It was pitch black outside but then all of the sudden you would see a bunch of eyes shining at you. After a long drive, we got to our lodging and crashed. The next morning was truly magical and breathtaking. I opened up the curtains and was blessed with one of the most impressive views I have ever seen. A calm, almost mirror like Jackson Lake in front of me with the impressive Teton Range jutting up behind it. The Teton Range extends approximately 40 miles in a north-south direction through Wyoming, just east of the Idaho state line. The weather in the Tetons is unpredictable and often harsh. Summers are generally warm, but winters are long and cold. Snow is a possibility at any time of year, and it's almost a certainty from October to April. Grand Teton National Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and although some hardy souls do visit in winter for skiing, snowboarding and even winter camping, be aware that many services are not available in winter, and roads may be impassable due to snow. We were there the first week of June and many roads and trails were still snow covered and closed
Another thing to keep in mind when visiting Grand Teton is the abundance of wildlife you will see. A wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, inhabit Grand Teton National Park. While interactions between humans and wildlife are rare, it's important to always maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. If you're planning to hike, climb, camp or stay overnight in the backcountry, be sure to familiarize yourself with essential bear safety and food storage procedures. Don’t forget the bear spray.
Top 5 Places to Photograph
Jackson Lake
#1 Jackson Lake
What more could a photographer want. Beautiful and epic mountain range as a backdrop. A gorgeous lake that is still a majority of the time. This gives you great shots with the reflection of the mountain peaks in the water. This lake is very large and there are many vantage points that any photographer would love. Stop at an overlook and explore the area. Take a walk along the shoreline and find the best composition. Go by the marina at Signal Mountain Lodge and you will be able to capture the boats and kayaks in the water looking like little toys with the huge mountains towering behind them. The possibilities are endless at Jackson Lake
Oxbow Bend
#2 Oxbow Bend
The Oxbow Bend Turnout by the Snake River in Grand Teton is one of the most popular spots in the park for photography and wildlife watching. Sunrise allows photographers to capture the reflection of Mt. Moran in the still waters of the oxbow bend which is formed by the backwaters of the Snake River. This is also a prime spot for viewing wildlife in Grand Teton National Park. The area attracts moose, elk, waterfowl, wading birds, bald eagles and osprey, among other creatures. The best time to see a moose in the area is dawn or dusk. Bears are also known to frequent this area.
Mormon Row-T.A. Moulton Barn
#3 Mormon Row
No trip to Grand Teton National Park is complete unless you make a trip to Mormon Row. A lot of photographers frown on the “classic shot” of a famous place, but they still take the picture to add to their portfolio. Located about 15 miles to the north of Jackson on Antelopes Flats Road you will find Mormon Row. It was an early homesteading settlement in Jackson Hole before Grand Teton National Park was ever formed. Mormon Row is home to several historic homes and barns, including the famous T.A. Moulton Barn (pointed roof) and the John Moulton Barn (rounded roof). These historic buildings make for great subjects in front of the towering Tetons. The two iconic barns at Mormon Row are the T.A. Moulton barn and the John Moulton barn.
Bears at Pilgrim Creek Road
#4 Pilgrim Creek Road
The Pilgrim Creek Road is a good place to look for bears and wolves because it is good elk territory. It is best to arrive pre-dawn. Patience is the key in this area. I waited for hours in this area and almost gave up, and then out moseyed the most famous of the Grand Teton bears, 399. Accompanying her were 2 very playful cubs. If/when a bear arrives to this area, do not plan on leaving until the bear is out of sight. You will be stuck in a “Bear Jam”. So be patient, and enjoy the moment of seeing these magnificent creatures.
Moose Wilson Road
#5 Moose Wilson Road
The Moose Wilson Road is a road that runs from Moose, WY to Wilson WY, and is about 14.6 miles long from end to end. It can get bumpy at times.
The part of the Moose-Wilson Road you are most likely interested in is the narrow, windy, 8-mile scenic section located between Teton Village and Moose, WY. This is the scenic drive section and the section to drive in hopes to see wildlife. Spoiler Alert! Good chance to see Moose along this road.
Essential Gear
Take It With You
Top 5 items to bring with you
Bear Spray- My dad, a retired Philadelphia Police Officer, always had a saying when it came to his gun. “It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.” This is very true when it comes to bear spray. Pack it and pray you do not need to use it.
Telephoto Lens- Similar to Rocky Mountain National Park, wildlife is abundant in Grand Teton National Park. Distance is vital for your safety and the safety of the animals. The longer the lens, the better. 400mm + would be ideal.
Creativity- I know this is not something that you can purchase, but it is very valuable. There are so many iconic shots at GTNP. Oxbow Bend, Mormon Row, Snake River… There is an endless list. Get your iconic shots, but also be creative. Try to get something different and unique.
Tripod- This is a very important piece of gear when shooting landscapes, but can be equally as important when shooting wildlife. As I mentioned above, long telephoto lenses are a must. Do not try to handhold these beasts. Besides lens shake, your arms may fall off.
Binoculars- Instead of pulling out the camera with the big lens to scope out the land in front of you, invest in a decent set of binoculars.