Top 5 Must Visit Sites in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. Located in northwestern Wyoming, it’s a landscape of rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and wildlife-filled valleys—an absolute dream for photographers and outdoor lovers alike.
For me, every visit here has been an adventure, a chance to chase the perfect light, capture nature’s raw beauty, and create art that brings the spirit of this wild place home. If you’re looking for the must-visit spots to explore (and photograph!), these are my top five. Each location has inspired pieces in my Wyoming collection, allowing you to relive the adventure every day.
- TA Moulton Barn
- John Moulton Barn
- Where is Jenny Lake
- Travel to Oxbow Bend
- Timeless Beauty of the Grand Tetons
1. Mormon Row Historic District
📍 Best time to visit: Sunrise for the perfect golden-hour glow
If you’ve seen a photo of the TA Moulton Barn or the John Moulton Barn, chances are it’s from Mormon Row—one of the most photographed locations in the American West. And for good reason. This historic district, settled in the late 1800s by Mormon homesteaders, features weathered wooden barns set against the towering Tetons—a contrast of man and nature that makes for an unforgettable shot.
Interesting Facts:
- The TA Moulton Barn is often called the most photographed barn in America.
- It took TA Moulton over 30 years to complete his barn!
- The John Moulton Barn, older than TA’s, features a unique cattle chute.
- In the 1920s, settlers dug miles of irrigation ditches to bring water to the fields—an incredible feat of resilience.
Photographic Experience:
This is one of those locations where light makes all the difference. The best shots come at sunrise when the first rays of light hit the peaks and spill across the barns. It’s a scene that never gets old—a true piece of the West’s history, frozen in time.
📸 Bring the history and beauty of Mormon Row into your space with my Wyoming collection!
2. Oxbow Bend
📍 Best time to visit: Sunrise or sunset for perfect reflections
If you want mirror-like reflections of the Tetons, Oxbow Bend is where you need to be. This scenic curve along the Snake River offers a panoramic view of Mount Moran, with still waters that transform the landscape into a breathtaking natural painting.
Interesting Facts:
- One of the best wildlife-watching spots in the park—moose, beavers, bald eagles, and even grizzlies roam this area.
- Depending on the season, the water’s edge bursts with wildflowers in spring or turns golden in the fall.
- While sunrise and sunset are the most popular times, mid-morning light can still create an amazing shot (that’s when I captured mine!).
Photographic Experience:
Pro tip: Bring a tripod and wait for the water to go still—that’s when you’ll get those perfect reflections. Whether you're shooting at dawn or midday, Oxbow Bend delivers.
📸 Capture the calm of Oxbow Bend with my fine art prints!
3. Snake River Overlook
📍 Best time to visit: Sunrise for iconic, dramatic lighting
If you’ve ever seen Ansel Adams’ famous photograph of the Tetons, this is where he took it. The Snake River Overlook is a must-visit for photographers, offering a stunning, wide-angle view of the Snake River winding through the valley, with the Grand Teton Range rising dramatically behind it.
Interesting Facts:
- Ansel Adams’ 1942 photo from this spot helped push conservation efforts to protect America’s wild spaces.
- The Snake River has carved its path for millions of years, shaping the valley’s rugged terrain.
- While trees have grown taller since Adams took his shot, the overlook still provides one of the best panoramic views in the park.
Photographic Experience:
This is a sunrise spot, no question. The Tetons light up in warm tones while the river winds below, creating a truly epic composition. Don’t forget a tripod, layers (it’s cold at dawn!), and a hot cup of coffee.
As with most locations at GTNP, sunrise and sunset are the best photographic times. Bring your tripod, a jacket, a cup of coffee and prepare for a great shot!
“It was a beautiful stretch of water, either to a photographer or a fisherman, although each would have focused his equipment on a different point.” -Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It
4. Jackson Lake
📍 Best time to visit: Anytime—the reflections change with the light
Jackson Lake is the crown jewel of Grand Teton National Park. With 15 miles of open water, this massive glacial lake reflects the Teton peaks like a giant mirror. It’s a perfect spot for photographers and adventurers alike.
Interesting Facts:
- The dam was built in 1911 and then rebuilt in 1989.
- Originally a natural lake, its water level was raised by 39 feet when the Jackson Lake Dam was built.
- It’s one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the U.S. (438 feet deep!).
- There are over 15 islands throughout the lake.
- The lake is a playground for boating, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.
Photographic Experience:
The magic here lies in the interplay of water and sky. Whether it's sunrise, midday with bright blue reflections, or golden-hour glow, Jackson Lake never disappoints.
📸 Bring the serenity of Jackson Lake into your home with my fine art prints!
5. Jenny Lake
📍 Best time to visit: Anytime—it’s breathtaking from every angle
I saved the best for last—Jenny Lake. If there’s one place that truly captures the soul of Grand Teton National Park, it’s here. With crystal-clear waters, towering peaks, and accessible trails, this spot never fails to amaze.
Interesting Facts:
- Formed by glaciers over 12,000 years ago, Jenny Lake sits at the base of the Teton Range.
- It’s one of the deepest lakes in the park (423 feet!) and spans 1,191 acres.
- A popular 7.1-mile hiking loop around the lake leads to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point—two must-see stops.
- Bear Alert! Both black bears and grizzlies roam this area—be aware, make noise, and always carry bear spray!
Photographic Experience:
I’ve been here multiple times, and every shot feels like a new experience. The blue reflections, towering peaks, and pristine waters create some of my favorite images from Grand Teton.
📸 If you want a piece of this incredible landscape, check out my Jenny Lake fine art prints!
Bring Grand Teton Into Your Home
Grand Teton National Park is a place that stays with you—whether it’s the golden light on Mormon Row, the glassy reflections at Oxbow Bend, or the awe-inspiring peaks above Jenny Lake.
My Wyoming collection captures these unforgettable moments, allowing you to bring the beauty and adventure of Grand Teton into your home. Each piece is a window to the wild—a way to relive the journey, day after day.
✨ Which spot is your favorite? Let’s bring it home. Explore my collection today!
Happy Travels! ~Lisa
