Watch a serene river making wide snaking turns through the valley in front of the Grand Teton Mountains from this very famous viewpoint.
Set your camera to black-and-white mode to try to reproduce the iconic sunset photograph Ansel Adams took while standing on his station wagon at the Snake River Overlook. His 1942 promotional photos for the National Park Service have made this particular viewpoint in Grand Teton National Park a huge draw for modern photographers for decades.
Come early in the morning to secure a spot at the front of the line of photographers waiting for exceptional sunrise displays, often with varying hues of pinks and purples on the western mountains and in the sky beyond.
Before you drive to the overlook, stop in one of the park’s visitor centers to plan your viewing and photo outing. Rangers will provide tips on when the best times are to view this and other areas of the park under various weather conditions throughout the day and night.
Skilled photographers often spend hours here capturing widely different images as the lighting changes from sunlight to twilight. Bring a tripod to test your skill at capturing the setting moon, with light reflecting off snowcapped mountains against a blue-black sky.
If you have strong desires to create your own striking photographs here, check for info from experienced photographers on their recommendations for camera, tripod and other equipment. Otherwise, simply come to marvel at the spectacular views, take a few casual shots and purchase an Ansel Adams black-and-white reproduction or a professional print in the visitor center gift shop.
Snake River Overlook is at the central part of Grand Teton National Park along the park’s eastern road, which is open year-round. Drive here from the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in about 15 minutes or from the town of Jackson in less than 30 minutes.
Purchase a 1-week or annual entrance pass to Grand Teton National Park. This will allow you to reenter the park throughout the day to appreciate the landscape under different lighting. Note that trees obstruct part of the view that Ansel Adams had, but the vista remains spectacular.
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