Grand Teton National Park was originally a +1 on our list, but after three beautiful mornings watching the sunrise over these majestic mountains, it quickly became one of our favourite places.

We were fortunate enough to have a break from the wind and rain that had been following us for a week! This meant three days of serene reflections and incredible sunrises. So, we've put together a list of our favourite places to spend an early morning in Grand Teton National Park.

One of the best things about these viewpoints is how easy they are to access. All of these photos were taken just a few steps away from the parking lot.

1. Oxbow Bend

This is one of the most popular places in the park. We arrived 30 minutes before sunrise but were certainly not the first ones there. Thankfully though, there is enough space for everyone and the riverside is long enough to find a spot to yourself.

Despite the crowds, it was still a beautifully peaceful morning and a great introduction to the Park. As well as the stunning reflections, this is home to countless birds and other wildlife that add an extra layer to your photos. We were also fortunate enough to see the first signs of autumn, which only added to the beauty of Oxbow Bend.

2. Schwabacher Landing

Down a slightly bumpy and bendy road, you find Schwabacher Landing, a boat landing located along the east shore of the Snake River. This spot gives you an even wider view of the Teton mountain range, compared to Oxbow Bend. It’s also another great place to capture the reflections of these rugged peaks.

We spent our second morning watching the light creep down the mountains. The colours changed from bright pink to orange and yellow. A fine mist hovered over the cold waters and the frozen grass glistened in the early morning light.

It’s worth continuing down the path to find some more great reflection spots further along the river!

3. Snake River Overlook

We spent our final morning at the Snake River Overlook. As the name suggests, it looks over the Snake River with a panoramic view of the mountains behind. Because of the higher point of view, it's not a reflection location, but with the colours of the trees, herds of elk calling in the distant fields, and the great view of Grand Teton, it's also certainly worth your time.

All in all, Grand Teton National Park serves up some of the best sunrise locations of any national park.

THANK YOU FOR READING!

I hope this helps you plan your trip to the Grand Tetons! This was our tenth National Park on The Big Trip. Follow us to see the rest of our journey as we spend 3 months exploring America’s most beautiful National Parks.

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