Photograph a Sunrise at Oxbow Bend

A trip to Grand Teton National Park would not be complete without a visit to the iconic Oxbow Bend at sunrise. It is simply one of the most beautiful scenes on Earth, no matter what the conditions.

Prime time for photographing this spot is usually the last week in September and first week of October, when the golden glow of the aspens reaches it's peak, although it can vary from year to year. On any given day during peak Fall season, you could be sharing this place with hundreds of photographers, so a sense of humor and patience is definitely a requirement. My experience here was good however, with most people being extremely considerate of others.

Getting there early is a must, not only for parking and a prime spot to set up, but you will want to capture the alpenglow that occurs just before first light. For us, that meant arriving around 5:30 am and the place was already packed. There are several options for locations to set up your equipment. Many people will line the edge of the parking lot, and some will make the short hike down to the water's edge. There is also a hill you can climb, which is directly across from the parking lot.

There are so many weather factors that can influence your shot (clouds, fog, wind, snow, etc.) and that is what makes each image here a little different, despite the fact that it's been photographed millions of times. Conditions can change in minutes! A wide-angle lens will help you to capture more of the scene, but it's also nice to zoom in and get a close-up of Mt. Moran and it's beautiful reflection in the Snake River. Make sure you bring your tripod!

Wildlife sightings are common here including moose, elk, black bear, Osprey, and the playful otter. The morning we were there, we heard a bull elk bugling in the distance, which made it even more special.

Oxbow Bend is easy to find and you will know it right away when you see it. It's about one mile East of the Jackson Lake Junction.