Grand Teton National Park Again
Updated: Feb 20
The Teton Range is a side segment of the Rockies with jagged peaks and is about 40 miles long.
We drove to the Gros Ventre campground just north of Jackson.
We hadn’t planned on staying here but changed our plans. We stayed here for 5 nights in C loop which is close to the river. The campground is very secluded and it is first come first served and only 1 loop has hook-ups. For our 1st trip to Grand Teton click here
It is on the Gros Ventre River and is a favorite place for moose. There is an abundant source of willow, which is one of their favorite foods. We would wake up in the morning and find moose walking through our campsite. We would find spots just 30 or 40 feet from our trailer where they had bedded down for the night.
The moose activity happened in the morning and they would congregate by the amphitheater for some social time.
For the camera and setup I use for wildlife photos see Photo Equipment
We had plenty of time to explore Grand Teton National Park in the afternoon hours. This was our 2nd time in the park with the first time being just a 2 day stay. It is just 3 miles to The Historic Mormon District from the campground and the T.A. Moulton Barn, which is often referred to as the "most photographed barn in America". The iconic red barn, which was built in 1914, stands as a symbol of the hardworking spirit of the pioneers who settled the area. The Mormon Row Historic District is a popular destination for visitors to Grand Teton National Park and we visited there 3 times.
Both times we saw herds of pronghorn antelope moving through the meadows. Grand Teton is the northern end of their yearly migration which covers 150-200 miles from southern Wyoming.
Schwabacher Landing was 15 miles from our campsite and 16 miles from Jackson Hole. Heading north on I-89 there is a gravel road on the left that dead ends at a parking lot just a few feet from the Snake River. The reflection of the Teton Mountains in the still, flat water of the Snake River is majestic and is a prime photo location in the area. We have been there 3 times, and we think in the early morning when there is no wind is your best chance for a gorgeous photo. There is a trail that travels along the bank of the river for 4 miles with great views of the mountains so pack a lunch and make a day of it.
It was 31 miles to the Oxbow Bend Overlook from the Gros Ventre campsite. The Ox Bow Overlook is located on the eastern side of the park and can be reached by a short drive from the town of Jackson Hole. At the Overlook, you will get breathtaking views of the Teton Mountain Range and the Snake River. Sunrise is a really popular time with the early morning sun on Mt. Moran. You can explore the area by kayak which can be rented in Moose and can be easily launched around the back of the bend at Cattleman's Bridge. Lately, we have been traveling with our own inflatable kayaks just for locations like this.
Our half-day float trip down a 13-mile stretch of the Snake River with our guide was a great experience and we had a good time with just another couple on the raft with us. There were many bald eagle sightings and great views of the mountains. We went with Dave Hansen Scenic River Trips on a 13 mile float on the river. There was no white water on this trip and it was very relaxing. We have been on 3 other multiway river trips that were very exciting but this was a relaxing 4 hours.
Lorna’s Tips and Lessons
Again, I’ll remind you to talk to your neighbor campers and the rangers. It was from the camper next to us in Yellowstone, that we learned he’d come from a campground in Grand Teton with lots of Moose migrating through. Just what we had been hoping to see and our next stop. Fortunately, there was a vacancy and we were able to change our reservations. What a blessing.
We enjoy sitting outside in the evening. Who doesn’t enjoy a good campfire? At a campfire with a group of friends, one had an outdoor rocking chair. We laughed the next time we got together, as we all had gotten one. It is a favorite.