Traveling Expats

Many travelers visiting Yellowstone National Park miss the opportunity to explore its equally stunning neighbor, Grand Teton National Park. That’s a real shame because, whether you’re an avid hiker, photography enthusiast, or someone who simply loves nature, the Grand Tetons are guaranteed to captivate your soul.

_{Driving towards the awe-inspiring Grand Tetons with the Mount Moran Turnout coming up.}

Join me as we dive into the breathtaking beauty of Grand Teton National Park, a place that has been inspiring visitors for generations with its majestic peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and serene environments. From seeing incredible wildlife up close to enjoying peaceful moments under the towering mountains, this park offers unforgettable experiences for everyone.

Camping in Grand Teton National Park

_{Our home for two nights at Grand Teton National Park}

We booked our campsite at the Gros Ventre Campground, located near the park’s southern entrance. With less than two weeks’ notice, it was our only option, but it turned out to be a great choice. While the campground lacked shower facilities, it provided other essentials like flush toilets, fire pits, and bear-proof food storage lockers. We faced some scattered thunderstorms during our stay, but overall, it added to the sense of adventure.

Wildlife Encounters

_{Very exciting to see not one, but two giant bull moose}

One of the highlights of our trip was spotting not one, but two giant bull moose grazing near a stream. It’s a rare sight to see these massive creatures so close together, and witnessing them was an unforgettable moment. If you’re driving through the national parks, make sure to stop when you see a crowd of cars pulled over. Oftentimes, that’s a sign of nearby wildlife. In our case, it led to this incredible moose sighting, just a short walk from the highway.

Capturing Grand Tetons Sunrise

_{Sunrise view from Schwabacher Landing}

For photography enthusiasts, Grand Teton offers endless opportunities to capture the perfect shot. We headed to Schwabacher Landing early one morning to photograph the sunrise. As the light broke over the mountains and reflected on the water, the views were simply spectacular, even if we weren’t alone – this is a popular spot, after all. Getting up at 5 AM was worth it as we also encountered some elk on our drive. Seeing wildlife in the early hours adds a magical touch to any trip.

_{We were lucky to see three giant Elk on the way to Schwabacher Landing. Unfortunately we were only able to photograph two of them.}

Famous Vistas and Iconic Views

One of the most iconic viewpoints in the park is the Snake River Overlook, made famous by the legendary photographer Ansel Adams. His photographs from this very spot in the early 20th century helped put Grand Teton on the map. Standing there, with the Snake River below and the Teton range in the background, you can understand why Adams chose this place to showcase the park’s raw beauty.

_{The point where Ansel Adams made his famous photos. The trees have grown and it’s difficult to see much of the river now.}

Another must-see location is Oxbow Bend, where the river curves gracefully with the Tetons towering behind. It’s a prime spot for wildlife spotting, with geese, chipmunks, and – if you’re lucky – even bears making an appearance.

_{Oxbow Bend}

A Visit to the Historic Mormon Row

Mormon Row

No trip to Grand Teton is complete without a stop at the TA Moulton Barn, part of the historic Mormon Row. Built in the late 1800s by settlers who were members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this iconic barn with the rugged Teton peaks in the background is one of the most photographed man-made structures in the park. Unfortunately, when we returned the next morning for a sunrise photo, we were greeted by heavy clouds, but that’s nature for you – sometimes unpredictable, but always awe-inspiring.

TA Moulton Barn at Mormon row with lots of fog and a glimpse of the mountains in the background.

Wrapping Up Our Adventure

Though our two nights in Grand Teton were cut short by unpredictable weather, including thunderstorms and foggy mornings, the experience left us in awe. From the breathtaking landscapes to the abundance of wildlife, Grand Teton National Park offers something for every nature lover. We may not have had time to explore Jenny Lake or tackle some of the park’s famous hiking trails, but that only gives us a reason to return.

If you’re planning a trip to Yellowstone, don’t miss out on Grand Teton. Whether you spend two days or two weeks here, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this stunning national park.

Tip: The best times for photography in the Tetons are during sunrise and early mornings, when the mountains are beautifully lit.

_{Schwabacher Landing just a few minutes after sunrise}

If you’ve been to Grand Teton National Park, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your stories in the comments below! And if you’re planning your first trip, let us know what you’re most excited to see.

Happy travels, and don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more adventures like this one!