Ashlyn HayesGrand Teton National Park is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. I absolutely love visiting this park because the scenery is just incredible. From the towering Tetons to the sparkling lakes, this National Park is a little slice of paradise.
I’m completely guilty of being one of those people that doesn’t relax on vacation. I need to make sure I make the most out of my time. And this includes catching incredible sunrises. Is there a better way to experience the beauty of nature than by watching the sunrise over the mountains?
In this article I’m going to share some of the best spots to watch the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park. I’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your sunrise experience.
The first two destinations for an amazing Grand Teton National Park sunrise are the best-known areas where you will get iconic sunrise photos. If you’re an early bird and plan to catch sunrise more than once, I’ve included a few honorable mentions for more beautiful scenic places in the park to watch the day begin.
Table of Contents
Schwabacher Landing
Schwabacher Landing is my top pick for the best place to watch the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park. This spot offers stunning reflections of the Teton Range in the still water. It’s truly a photographer’s dream. The abundant wildlife makes it even more special. You have a solid chance to see grizzly bears, elk, moose, or other wildlife gathering around the river while here.
To get to Schwabacher Landing, you’ll need to drive down a dirt road. The road is usually well-maintained, but it can be a bit bumpy in spots. Since the parking lot at Schwabacher Landing is relatively small and this is a popular sunrise spot, arrive early, especially during peak season, to ensure you get a space.
There is a short trail you can walk down from the parking lot if you’d like to distance yourself from other visitors. The views are just as good from the start of the trail as they are at the end, but plan to bring walking shoes if you’d like to find some space from the crowd.
If you’re serious about getting the best photos, you’ll want to be there before the sun rises. The golden light just after sunrise is perfect for capturing the vibrant hues of the mountains.
Snake River Overlook
The Snake River Overlook is another fantastic spot to watch the sunrise. This is the spot where Ansel Adams took his famous photograph, “The Tetons and the Snake River.” The overlook offers a unique perspective of the Teton Range. You can see the entire range of the Tetons from this one spot.
The Snake River Overlook is easy to get to. It’s located right off of Teton Park Road. However, it can get crowded, especially during peak season. This is another area known for potential wildlife sightings early in the morning (but let’s be real, the whole park is great for spotting wildlife).
Grand Teton National Park Sunrise Honorable Mentions
Jenny Lake
Jenny Lake is the most popular lake in Grand Teton National Park, and for good reason. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise. The Jenny Lake parking lot is guaranteed to fill up later in the afternoon, so if you catch sunrise here and do your hikes early in the morning, you can enjoy your time without the swarm of people that is guaranteed to follow.
Oxbow Bend Turnout
This turnout offers a great view of the Snake River and the Tetons. It’s also a good place to spot bald eagles.
Signal Mountain
If you’re looking for a panoramic view, head to the summit of Signal Mountain.
Blacktail Ponds Overlook
This easily-accessible overlook offers a beautiful view of the Tetons and the surrounding valley.
Willow Flats Overlook
This is one of the most popular overlooks in the park and it offers a unique perspective. You will have fields of sagebrush and prairie in foreground with the towering Tetons and magnificent sunrise in the background. You are also likely to have herds of elk in the shot. It makes for really interesting, unique sunrise photos.
Coffee is Necessary After a Grand Teton National Park Sunrise
After witnessing a breathtaking sunrise in Grand Teton National Park, there’s nothing quite like a warm cup of coffee and a delicious pastry (or two if you’re like me) to complete the experience. Luckily, the town of Jackson Hole boasts a vibrant coffee scene with plenty of options to satisfy your morning cravings. Here are three of the best coffee shops in Jackson:
Persephone Bakery
This beloved bakery is a Jackson Hole staple, known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and expertly crafted coffee. Their croissants are legendary, and their seasonal breakfast sandwiches are the perfect fuel for a day of exploring the park. Seriously, their pastry display is to die for. Be prepared to wait- every time I have been here the line has gone out the door. Shop Online or Visit Persephone Bakery Café & Coffee| Jackson, Wyoming
Cowboy Coffee
If you’re looking for a classic coffee shop experience with a Western twist, Cowboy Coffee is the place to be. They roast their own beans, resulting in rich, flavorful coffee that will warm you up from the inside out. Pair your brew with a homemade muffin or any of their daily revolving bakery items for a blissful breakfast. Jackson Hole Coffee Shop – Cowboy Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee
Snake River Roasting Co.
I’m always on the lookout for coffee shops that care about more than just making a profit, and Snake River Roasting Co. fits the bill. They’re all about sustainability and doing right by the planet, which I admire. And the coffee’s good, too. They have a huge variety of beans, so you can find the perfect cup no matter what your taste is. Plus, the atmosphere is super chill and inviting. It’s the kind of place where you can relax with a good book and just soak in the good vibes after an early morning. Snake River Roasting Company | Jackson Hole Coffee
Planning For a Grand Teton National Park Sunrise
If you’re planning to watch the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park, there are a few things to consider.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best season to see the sunrise in Grand Teton National Park is during the winter months. It is a scientific fact that the most vibrant sunrises happen in the winter, for complex reasons I won’t attempt to explain (but you can read more about here if you’d like). The sun also rises later and the crowds are smaller.
That said, there is no “bad” time to catch a sunrise at Grand Teton National Park. I have a full guide to the best time to visit Grand Teton National Park if you are planning a trip around other factors.
Best Time of Day
I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the listed sunrise time for the day. 45 minutes early is even better. The sky will start turning colors 15-30 minutes before sunrise, so you want to make sure you have time to park, find your spot, and make sure everything is working properly. You don’t want to get up that early and then miss your chance because you didn’t give yourself enough time.
Check Sunrise and Cloud Cover Ahead of Time
Some people like to download apps for everything. I am not one of those people. Just a quick Google search will tell you what time sunrise is, and what the predicted cloud cover will be. I think a bit of cloud cover helps create even more dramatic sunrises. Too much cloud cover will ruin your visibility, though.
Dress Warmly
Learn from my mistake on this one. When my friend and I did a girl’s trip in July to Grand Teton National Park we got up for sunrise every morning. The first morning I only brought a sweatshirt thinking, “it’s summer, I’ll be fine.” I was not fine. It was really cold. Bring a jacket and a hat to catch sunrise, even in the summer.
Minimize Your Morning Drive
To make it easier to get up early for the sunrise, consider staying in the park or nearby so you don’t have to drive too far to your sunrise location.
Stay Inside The Park
For the ultimate convenience, consider staying within Grand Teton National Park itself. Options include:
- Jackson Lake Lodge: A historic lodge with stunning views, offering a range of accommodations.
- Jenny Lake Lodge: A more intimate and luxurious option nestled near Jenny Lake.
- Signal Mountain Lodge: Located near the shores of Jackson Lake, offering comfortable lodging and convenient access to Signal Mountain.
- Colter Bay Village: A variety of cabins and lodging options with a more rustic feel.
Options just outside the park
If you prefer more variety or different price points, look for lodging in nearby towns:
- The Lodge at Jackson Hole: A great mid range budget hotel in the town of Jackson. I love staying at this hotel when I visit Grand Teton National Park.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: For a truly immersive mountain experience, consider staying at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village. This renowned resort offers ski-in/ski-out access in the winter, along with a variety of lodging options, from cozy rooms to spacious suites.
If you’re planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park you should absolutely add “catching a sunrise over the Tetons” to your itinerary.
Want to know the best places for sunset in Grand Teton National Park? Subscribe to my email list and I’ll send you the list of my favorite must-see places for a bucket list sunset in one of the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges!
