First-Timers Can’t Miss These 12 Photogenic Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park is home to some of the tallest peaks in the continental United States. A nod to the shape of the Teton Mountain range, the park is actually named after a French word that translates to “nipple.”
Where Yellowstone has geothermal geysers, Grand Teton has iconic photogenic landscapes and roaming herds of bison everywhere.
As someone who’s extensively hiked, camped, and van-lived the American West and this area of Wyoming, I guide you through the top spots so you don’t miss anything essential. From sunrise to sunset, here are the best things to do in Grand Teton.
1. Snake River Overlook at Sunrise
Start your day early at the Snake River Overlook. Made famous by a renowned American photographer, Ansel Adam, this spot shows sunrise mountainsides with the winding river between forest canopies.
Watch as the pink hues touch the Teton range at daybreak. I woke up early for the sunrise twice to capture this shot, so know before you go, you won’t be alone, regardless of how chilly it is outside.
2. Mormon Row Historic District
Antelope Flats Road leads to Mormon Row, an area of rustic barns and historic homesteads with panoramic views of the Tetons. The iconic John Moulton Barn and T.A. Moulton Barn are among the most photographed in America and are very popular sunrise places.
These old structures set against the mountains create an unforgettable scene. Besides the awesome scenery, this place is a chill spot for bison munching nearby and pronghorns running across the plains.
Travel Tip! Due to the shadows, it’s best to visit earlier in the morning.
3. Schwabacher’s Landing
Head over to Schwabacher’s Landing to catch perfect reflections of the Tetons on the calm waters of the Snake River. Morning is ideal for capturing these reflections. You might also spot some wildlife like beavers and otters.
The landing can be reached via a brief dirt road. A 0.5-mile trail connects the parking lot to the landing, or you can take a longer 2-mile trail that follows the riverbank.
4. Hike to Bradley and Taggart Lakes
For a bit more activity, hike the 5.5-mile loop to Bradley and Taggart Lakes. If you just wanted to go to Taggart, you would go about 1.5 miles in, and then you can turn back. These glacier-carved lakes near the Moose Entrance take you through meadows until opening to amazing Teton views.
The trail was not difficult, and it’s one of the easier of the smaller alpine lakes to reach. It’s also much less crowded than anything around Jenny Lake.
5. Jenny Lake Scenic Drive
Hop onto the very scenic drive around Jenny Lake, a 3-mile one-way loop that starts at String Lake Junction and runs along the eastern shore of Jenny Lake. It’s especially nice in the early morning when the lake is super calm.
There are plenty of spots to pull over, like the Cathedral Group turnout for awesome views of Teewinot Mountain, Grand Teton, and Mount Owen, the three tallest peaks in the Teton Range. Make sure to check out the String Lake area, too!
6. Oxbow Bend
Oxbow Bend is another must-see, known for its views of Mount Moran reflected on the Snake River. This U-shaped turn is also great for wildlife viewing. Look for moose, deer, and elk.
This is another one of those spots where it’s best to get there early since the wind usually kicks up in the afternoon, ruining that perfect reflection in the water.
7. Jackson Lake
From Oxbow Bend, just cruise north on US Highway 89 to get to Jackson Lake, the biggest lake in Grand Teton National Park and a hot spot for wildlife watching. It’s perfect for boating or kayaking too! Don’t forget to check out Jackson Lake Overlook while you’re at it.
After that, you can either head up to the Colter Bay Area or chill around Signal Mountain for the rest of the day.
8. Shoot the Wildlife on Camera
It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife throughout the park, including bison, elk, moose, and even grizzly bears. Sometimes, they even block the road, causing a traffic jam. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the elusive predators like wolves and mountain lions.
Every year, there are horror stories of tourists who get too close and get gored. So remember to never get too close and never attempt to feed the animals.
9. Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point Hike
If you’re up for a popular hike, try the trail to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point. Most people begin with a boat ride across Jenny Lake to cut the distance of the hike. Once you get off, the trail leads you through lush pine forests until you encounter cascading Hidden Falls, which is just a short detour.
Continuing to Inspiration Point, the trail gains a bit more elevation until it opens up to the lake below and the Teton Range jutting into the sky. Up there, the squirrels are so used to humans that they will jump on your legs begging for food.
10. Go Boating on Jenny Lake
You can rent a kayak or canoe to paddle around Jenny Lake. I brought my own and actually kayaked to the trailhead instead of taking the guided boat tour. If you plan on bringing your own watercraft, know that there are restrictions on motorized boats and that permits are required for non-motorized boats.
Personally, I think Jenny Lake is a more beautiful lake experience than Jackson Lake, the largest in the park. It’s more secluded and has better views of the Tetons.
11. Signal Mountain Summit
Signal Mountain is a remote peak overlooking the Teton Range, Jackson Lake, and the Snake River. The trek to the summit is a popular yet lengthy adventure at 6.8 miles round trip that takes approximately 4-5 hours.
A narrow, winding road leads you up from Jackson Lake to the mountain. The hike starts at Signal Mountain Lodge. After about 2.5 miles, you’ll encounter a fork in the trail. Take the left path for a viewpoint of the Jackson Hole Valley, or head right to reach the summit.
12. Rafting on the Snake River
Get lightly splashed as you tackle chill class II and III rapids rafting the Snake River. Although you likely won’t be falling out of your raft, it’s a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day and try a new sport. The Snake River stretches approximately 1,078 miles, but you’ll only be navigating a small section of it.
Other Attractions Within Grand Teton
- Gros Ventre Wilderness: A less visited area with a plethora of hiking and camping options, as well as wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Cascade Canyon: A dramatic canyon that offers one of the park’s most popular hikes.
- Colter Bay Village: A lakeside village with amenities and recreational activities, including boat rentals for exploring Jackson Lake.
Day Trips from Grand Teton
- Yellowstone National Park: Just north of Grand Teton, Yellowstone is the oldest National Park and one of the most unique in the world.
- Jackson, Wyoming: A trendy western town with art galleries and restaurants.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: A top-rated ski resort in the country with great powder.
- Dubois, Wyoming: A small town with a cowboy culture and outdoor adventures in the Wind River Range.
- Hot Springs State Park, Thermopolis, Wyoming: Home to one of the world’s largest mineral hot springs.
Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.
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