Best Sunset Photo Spots at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is one of the most picturesque places in North America, and it’s no wonder why – its stunning mountain vistas, lush forests, and pristine alpine lakes make for some truly breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for the best sunset photo spots at Grand Teton National Park, then look no further! This Grand Teton National Park guide includes a list of sunset locations and recommended camera gear to take amazing sunset photos!

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the park is by watching the sun set over its majestic peaks. Here are some of the best places to get your sunset shot while visiting Grand Teton National Park.

Download and print our free Grand Teton Photo Spots checklist to download, print, and take with you to the park!

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Camera Gear for Landscape Photography

• Tripod: take a look at these compact and lightweight travel tripods!
• Camera Bag: protect your camera from sand and water → We use Lowepro camera backpacks for outdoor photography.
• Neutral density filter: to compensate for variance of light you’ll need to use a neutral density filter. → Check out the Kase magnetic filters we use!
• Camera cleaning kit: remove dust or water that WILL get on your lens. NOTE: this is not for cleaning the sensor.  
• Memory cards: purchase name brand memory cards since you’re trusting your images to the card! → We use Lexar and Sandisk!
• External hard drive: copy photos to a portable external hard drive ‘just in case’. 
• Headlamp: use when taking sunrise and sunset photos!

Camera Gear at B&H Photo

A Photo Tour of Grand Teton National Park

Take a visual tour through Grand Teton National Park to see the stunning landscape and wildlife you’ll find in the park!

Grand Teton Seasonal Photography

Keep in mind the various Grand Teton National Park weather and seasonal elements can enhance photos.

• Grand Teton National Park in the Spring: late spring the foliage is a vibrant green, the mountains are snow-capped and the wildlife is abundant.
• Grand Teton National Park in Summer: early summer is a great time for wildflowers!
• Grand Teton in the Fall: colorful fall foliage on the trees and more wildlife sightings as they are getting ready for winter.
• Grand Teton National Park in the Winter: the landscape and mountains covered with snow are breathtaking.

Time of year is important when deciding the Best Time to Visit Grand Teton National Park for landscape photography.

Be sure you’ve looked up the right time for sunset and the weather forecast for Grand Teton each day.

Grand Teton Photo Spots Map

Here’s a Grand Teton photo spots map to help you navigate through the park.

Sunset Photo Spots at Grand Teton National Park

As you research the best photo spots at Grand Teton for sunset, it helps to ‘see’ the general layout of each location. You can search the internet, social media and Google Earth to help plan your photography time before you arrive.

Oxbow Bend at Sunset

The goal at Oxbow Bend is to photograph the reflection of the Teton mountains in the bend of the Snake River.

There are many vantage points to capture different views and perspectives. If the water isn’t too high, follow the trails to the water’s edge and take photos along the bank of the river.

Don’t just focus on the view toward the Teton mountains. Always be aware of the scene in front of you AND behind you. The sky lit up with color to create this amazing reflection in the river at Oxbow Bend looking the opposite way from the mountains.

Schwabacher Landing at Sunset

At Schwabacher Landing the goal is to photograph the reflection of the Tetons in the water.

This is one of our favorite sunrise photo spots at Grand Teton. At sunset, you’ll capture the setting sun going behind the Teton Mountains.

We really like the section of the river accessed from the smaller parking area before you reach the larger parking lot with the pit toilet. You’ll find a variety of spots all along the river where beaver dams have created sections of calm water.

Gros Ventre at Sunset

The late afternoon and evening is a terrific time to see and photograph moose. We always have good luck seeing moose along the Gros Ventre Road. Keep your eyes open along the river in the area!

Be extra careful around moose if there’s a baby moose in the area (in the spring) and during rutting season (in the fall).

Watch for these warning signs that a moose is stressed and may attack:

• Stops normal behavior and makes eye contact with you 
• Ears are laid back and hair on the back of neck, back or hips is raised 
• Head is lowered
• Smacks lips or teeth
• Urination 
• Whipping of head back and forth or stomping on the ground

Pilgrim Creek at Sunset

We’ve had good success seeing and photographing bears in the Pilgrim Creek and Colter Bay area. The most important thing to keep in mind when photographing wildlife: you CANNOT get a photo on your cell phone or tablet of a bear that fills the frame image at the designated 100 yard rule set by the National Park Service.

Images you see like the one above are taken with telephoto lenses, typically 400-600mm. When you encounter wildlife and don’t have a telephoto lens, simply enjoy the experience.

We really like this affordable 500mm lens for photographing wildlife! We also recommend renting a large lens for wildlife outings. We rented an 800mm lens for our Yellowstone and Grand Teton trip!

We’ve put together some good resources for Photographing Wildlife:

• Best cameras for wildlife photography
• Best tripods for wildlife photography
• Best tripod head for wildlife photography
• Best lenses for wildlife photography

Before you head out to take photos of the wildlife, be aware of the guidelines for viewing wildlife at Grand Teton and always listen to the rangers. Bears have varied personalities and tolerance levels around their cubs and prey so be sure to give them space.

• When stopping to view wildlife, pull over in a designated turnout – do not stop on the roadway.
• Be aware of, and keep, the recommended distance from wildlife.
• Help keep bears wild and humans safe – never feed or approach bears!
• Carry bear spray! You can easily buy a can in Jackson Hole.

AMAZON: Yellowstone and Grand Teton Guides and Maps

Grand Teton Packing List

Use our Grand Teton National Park packing list to make sure you have the right clothing and gear for visiting any time of year! Grab your free printable packing checklist by clicking the image below!