15 Places in Grand Teton That Look Straight Out of a Painting
Grand Teton National Park will blow your mind. It is the kind of stunning that makes you do a double take like you just stepped into a masterpiece. Get ready to explore a few spots that are so breathtaking they could be hanging in an art gallery—except, here, you get to walk right into the frame!
Jenny Lake
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Jenny Lake is formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. This stunning alpine lake sits at the base of the Teton Range and reflects the rugged peaks like a perfect mirror. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise when the water glows with soft pinks and purples.
Cascade Canyon
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If nature had an artist, Cascade Canyon would be one of its masterpieces. This canyon is an absolute showstopper because of its tower cliffs, glacial streams, and wildflower-filled meadows. Wildlife, like moose and black bears, roams freely here and further gives visitors the feeling that they’ve stepped into a wilderness painting.
Hidden Falls
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This waterfall may be called “Hidden,” but it’s one of the most popular spots in Grand Teton National Park. And for good reason. The 100-foot cascade tumbles down jagged rocks, framed by thick pines and the ever-present backdrop of towering peaks. The sound alone is mesmerizing, a steady roar that drowns out everything else.
Inspiration Point
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If ever a place deserved its name, this is it. Inspiration Point delivers jaw-dropping views of Jenny Lake and the Jackson Hole valley below. As the sun rises, the mountains light up in hues of gold and orange, so it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo.
Lake Solitude
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The name alone sets the mood—this is where you go when you want peace, quiet, and unreal scenery. Lake Solitude is a hidden gem that may be difficult to reach, but the payoff is unbeatable. The water is an icy blue, and in late summer, wildflowers explode along the shoreline.
Mormon Row Historic District
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Grand Teton National Park has history too. Mormon Row is famous for its rustic barns set against the Teton Range. The most photographed is the T.A. Moulton Barn that stands proudly despite over a century of Wyoming’s brutal winters. Early settlers built these structures in the late 1800s, drawn by the promise of fertile land.
Oxbow Bend
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You’ve probably seen a photo of this place without realizing it. Oxbow Bend is one of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton. The Snake River curves ideally in the foreground and reflects Mount Moran in a way that makes it look almost too perfect. In the fall, the cottonwoods along the river turn a brilliant gold.
Jackson Lake
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As one of the country’s largest high-altitude lakes, Jackson Lake has over 15 miles of sparkling blue water. Boaters, kayakers, and anglers flock here in the summer, while winter transforms into a frozen wonderland. The sunsets over Jackson Lake are something else—watch as the sky turns pink and orange.
Schwabacher Landing
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The still waters of the Snake River create a near-perfect image of the Tetons and is one of the best spots for sunrise photography. It’s also one of the best places to see wildlife. Moose often wade through the shallows, bald eagles soar overhead, and beavers quietly go about their business.
Teton Crest Trail
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If you want the ultimate Teton adventure, this is it. The Teton Crest Trail stretches over 40 miles, winding through alpine meadows, ridgelines, and valleys. Backpackers consider it one of the best hikes in America, and it’s easy to see why. The best time to hike is during late summer, when the snow has melted, and the flowers are still in bloom.
Death Canyon
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Despite its ominous name, Death Canyon is nothing short of spectacular. This deep, dramatic gorge was carved by glaciers that left behind towering views. Wildlife is abundant here—black bears, marmots, and even wolverines have been spotted.
Phelps Lake
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If a mountain lake could win beauty contests, Phelps Lake would take home the crown. Located at the edge of Death Canyon, its crystal-clear waters are surrounded by dense forest and sheer cliffs. On a hot day, brave souls take the plunge from “Jumping Rock,” a popular spot for cliff diving.
Schoolroom Glacier
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Few places let you get this close to an actual glacier. Schoolroom Glacier is a reminder of the forces that shaped the Tetons, with its icy blue crevasses and the constant sound of melting snow trickling down the mountainside. It’s found along the Teton Crest Trail near Hurricane Pass and is a favorite stop for hikers looking for something truly unique.
Hurricane Pass
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Hurricane Pass delivers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the entire park. From here, you can see the Grand, Middle, and South Tetons in all their glory, standing tall against the sky. The wind howls and makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
Forget-me-not Lakes
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The Forget-me-not Lakes live up to their name. These tiny alpine lakes shimmer in unreal shades of blue, and their color is intensified by glacial silt. In summer, they’re surrounded by a sea of wildflowers. It’s a picture-perfect contrast between the soft petals and the rugged peaks above.