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Grand Teton NP next week: suggestions?

Discussion

6 replies
Posted by Brett Deacon on December 12, 2008 at 4:06 PM
I'm spending three nights in Jackson next week and plan to do as much photography and snowshoeing in the park as I can. I've been there a handful of times in the summer and know some of the standard photographic locations. This will be my first winter trip and I'd be grateful for any suggestions on spots to photograph and/or snowshoe. I'm already planning on doing the Snake River overlook and Antelope Flats/Mormon Row. I wouldn't mind something in the woods with an opportunity to do some wildlife photography. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Posted by John Klotz on December 12, 2008 at 10:30 PM
You might think about Schawbachers Landing. Popular sunrise spot but I like it for sunsets too! I have only been there in summer but the trail goes along the Snake River. Up near the beaver dams you can get some classic shots of the Tetons. It would be nice snowshoe but not challanging. You might see some moose and other critters along the river. Try around Jenny lake for more challenging and wooded terrain. I don't know about access though during winter they close a lot of the roads.
John
Posted by Ken Wyatt on December 12, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Oxbow Bend is usually great for wildlife.
Posted by Brent Murphy on December 13, 2008 at 9:10 AM
All of the Snake River bottom from Moose to Moran Junction is closed during the winter to protect wildlife, so Schwabacher's Landing won't be an option.

I'm not sure how much snow they have there right now, but keep in mind you may not be able to drive Mormon Row. I've shot there once in winter (February, I believe), and had to ski in from the east. The east/west road that travels from the main road to Gros Ventre road was not plowed, but at Gros Ventre Rd, they had plowed a small parking area. It's a pretty quick ski/snowshoe from there to the barns.

I would also recommend trying the sleigh ride on the National Elk Refuge. I've done it twice, and it's been pretty cool. I had a 300mm f4 with me, which seemed to be just about the right length.
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on December 13, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Brett,
I live on the Idaho side right now, lived in Jackson's hole for 20 years. I have been photographing almost three times a week for the past two months. My suggestions:
Trumpeter Swans and small waterfowl, National Elk Refuge pond near town.
Elk, Elk Refuge, plus small herds all over the valley, best seen in at daybreak, sundown.
Moose, yesterday I saw 7 big bulls, many cows, in the park East of Morman Row, always there in the winter. Moose can be found all over the valley
Buffalo, are in the refuge and at Morman Row, hard to get to them because the road is closed.
I saw a Gray Wolf and a Grizz. at the Oxbow bend in the past month, It has iced over for now.
Tetons are snow covered, morning light and evening light is good. Great clouds around them.
Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep, Yesterday I photographed 3 rams and 5 ewes and lambs, in the refuge. Rams were competing for ewes. Pretty wild stuff.
Inside road in the park is closed. Hunting has ended which is good.
There you go. Email me if you want more information.
Posted by Brett Deacon on December 14, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Thanks for the great advice! I will definitely check out the Elk Refuge. Rohn, your comments are extremely helpful. I can't believe you saw a Grizzly at Oxbow Bend - very cool! I'll have my 100-300 f4 with me for wildlife and plan to do some landscape shooting as well. I'll post a pic or two next week if I take any pictures worth posting. Thanks again to those who responded!
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on December 15, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Brett
The Grizz was feeding in the big meadow East of Oxbow. Hibernated by now. I saw the Gray Wolf two weeks later.