Grand Tetons National Park

By Bill

Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife.

The jagged Teton Range offers the photographer wonderous opportunities for landscapes as the valley to the South of the range is nearly flat, offering contrasts between sage covered fields and escarpments like none other in the United States.

The American Bison can be found wandering the open range along with Elk, Moose, Pronghorn (the American Antelope), and a variety of birds that soar near the magnificient range.  Lakes form near the base of the Teton Range and offer wonderful opportunities for photography.

Why Go?

Travel in the United States is a bargain, particularly for European tourists, as the exchange rate for currency favors the Euro or the British Pound considerably.  As well, the area is largely remote, allowing one to enjoy the splendid natural setting free of intrusion by others.

This is not to say that there aren't lots of tourists at the park, there are, but the area is so vast that one can quickly find places to walk or hike that soon remove one from all the trappings of tourist season.

The best time of year to go to the park is in September, after Amerian schools reopen, although one can expect that weather will affect travel in the area as snow storms are common then.  But, as the fall colors fall upon the range, it can be quite spectacular.

I chose to go in August, it simply worked out better for my schedule.  And while there were lots of tourists around, I still found ample opportunities for photography.

Most travelers from outside the United States should plan on flying into Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  Rental cars are available and flying into the area offers some distinct advantages over driving.  Wyoming is vast.  And one can spend many hours just getting to the area from cities like Denver, Colorado.

Jackson Hole has many fine hotels, but one should make reservations well in advance, paraticularly if travel is planned during the busy summer months.

Better hotels will charge as much as $250 per night for accommodations.  But bargains exist in the area if one searches well.  The key is to book early.

Some Places To Visit

One must visit Mormon Row.  There are three barns remaining along the Row that are among the most photographed in the United States.  Go early.  Real early.  One wants to catch the morning light as it strikes the barns and the Teton Range at the same time.

Expect to be cold.  Expect fog.  Expect other photogarphers to be at the Row when you get there.  And, watch out for the American Bison!  You may find yourself in the middle of a large herd of the animals.  And while they will offer great opportunities for wildlife photography, they are dangerous.  They will charge!

Oxbow bend is another famous place for photographers to visit.  Dozens of photographers will likely be there at sunrise, so make sure you go early and find a spot that offers a good view of the water and the range.  You may find yourself going several times, the light changes dramatically and finding that special moment requires several visits.

Schwabacher's Landing is a must as well.  Here you will find a good place to park your vehicle and there is a trail that winds it's way from the cark park to a beaver pond.

There are ample places within the park to find food, gifts, and items you may wish to purchase.  Fuel is readily available at such spots.  But plan on driving 30 minutes to an hour, depending on where you go, to find a restroom or a restaurant!  The park is vast.

And did I mention, elk, bears and moose?  Yes, there are bears in the area, although you will likely not meet one, although it is possible.  Moose and Elk populate the area as well.  Moose are very dangerous animals, much more so than bears.  Avoid close contact with moose!

Equipment

Both wide angle and telephoto lens will be needed.  Wide angle for magnificient landscapes, and a telephoto for wildlife.  I recommend at least a 24mm for landscapes and a 400mm for wildlife. A good heavy duty tripod will be necessary for landscape photography.

Explore

Maps of the area are readily available within the park, although one should acquire maps prior to the journey in order to plan your time while there best.  Remember, the park is vast!  And, getting from one spot to another in a single morning may be well impossible.

Will I go again?

Absolutely.  But next time I will go in late September to avoid the high tourist season and to take advantage of the fall colors that invade the landscape.

Resources

Official site for the park:  http://www.nps.gov/grte/