Labor Day weekend. We spent three fabulous days in Wyoming at Grand Teton National Park. Here I was able to capture absolutely the best best images I have of this location to date!
We left the Salt Lake area Friday evening and drove most of the way up to the park. Finding a spot on the Snake River a bit south of Jackson to catch a few hours of rest. We were up at 4:30 AM in order to make the rest of the drive in time to catch the sunrise from Jackson Lake.
The mist floating on the water added to the dramatic scene as the sun rose bathing the mountains that tower above the lake in the morning light. Once the sun was up we made our way back to the truck, when we noticed the mist rising from the spillway on the dam. Upon closer investigation we found the newly risen sunlight was filtering through the trees creating these fantastic light rays. I spent some time chasing them through the forest capturing the otherworldly phenomenon.
We then found a great spot on the shore of Jackson Lake to set up our home for the weekend. After camp was set up, we made our way through the park hitting all the main viewpoints and then hiking around String and Leigh Lakes. After the hike we returned to camp to fill our bellies and head to the southern end of the park. Here there is a small road that I have had good luck with wildlife viewing in the past. And this evening was no exception. We found a female Moose and her calf foraging right next to the road!
The following morning we were up before dawn to catch an absolutely gorgeous sunrise from Oxbow Bend. At this classic location we observed the morning light as it morphed from purple to pinks and blues. With Mt. Moran reflecting in the mist covered water. A scene that will be etched in my mind for all time!
After the sunrise at Oxbow Bend, we returned to camp where SuzAnn prepared a Dutch Oven breakfast of eggs, bacon and hash browned potatoes. Makes me salivate just thinking about it! Then we organized gear for the days hike.
We made our way to Jenny Lake where we took the boat ferry across the lake and were dropped at the mouth of Cataract Canyon. I highly recommend this to all who visit the park, as it provides unique views of the Teton Range. We spent several hours hiking the canyon and then returned to camp for dinner and to watch the sunset over Mt. Moran as it reflected in the waters of Jackson Lake.
On our final morning in the park, we were up before dawn once again, to catch the morning sun as it hit the Tetons from Schwabsachers Landing. Another classic spot among photographers. As was the case on this morning with people lined up shoulder to shoulder to capture the spectacle. It would have been nice to have a few clouds in the sky to catch the beautiful light, but I got some fantastic images anyway.
All in all another great visit to one of my favorite locations. The Tetons have not let me down yet!
