Mt. Moran at Oxbow Bend

Over the years, certain locations at Grand Teton National Park have attracted photographers of all capabilities.

One of those most popular locations has been the oxbow bend on the Snake River with Mt. Moran as the backdrop. Any season of the year offers wonderful photographic opportunities but fall brings the most color and so we timed a trip to the park to coincide with peak fall colors near the end of September in 2024. All we needed was good or acceptable weather to go with it and no smoke from wildfires filling the Jackson Valley with haze. We were truly blessed to find our hopes and even prayers answered this day.

Departing our campsite before sunrise, we made the short drive to the location and were not surprised to find several dozen vehicles parked along the side of the highway. We found photographers of all kinds there and equipment ranging from cell phones to highly sophisticated gear, all scrambling for the best positions to shoot the iconic scene. While we favor landscapes that most people will never have a chance to visit in person, we do find a sales need for iconic scenes such as this, viewed by tourists in the thousands who want to take home a lasting memory. So, with regaling fall colors, ducks, geese, reflecting waters and towering mountains, here is our version of the famous, “Oxbow Bend”