Grand Teton Sunrise Scenic Tour: Best Sunrise Viewpoints & Photography Tips
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — mostly seated driving with short, flat walks at stops
Overview
Wake before dawn and watch the Tetons ignite. This private sunrise tour times the light and the wildlife, taking you to iconic overlooks like Oxbow Bend and Mormon Row for polished sunrise photographs and peaceful, early-morning views.
Grand Teton Sunrise Scenic Tour: Best Sunrise Viewpoints & Photography Tips
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Before the sun lifts itself above the jagged teeth of the Teton Range, a hush settles across Jackson Hole. You feel the valley breathe in the cold — breath visible, headlights cutting through pre-dawn blue — and then the first strips of light begin to sketch the peaks. On the Grand Teton Sunrise Scenic Tour, that slow reveal is the point: the mountains wake, the lakes answer, and even the ripples on the Snake River seem to hurry toward the light.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer aggressively for early-morning cold
Temperatures often sit below freezing at first light even in summer; bring insulating layers and a windproof shell.
Bring a tripod and remote shutter
Long exposures at low light require a stable tripod and remote to capture sharp reflections on lakes and rivers.
Keep distance from wildlife
Animals are most active at dawn — stay in the vehicle if requested and follow your guide’s distancing rules.
Arrive 15–20 minutes early for pickup
Tours start before dawn; confirm pickup and have your headlamp ready to move safely to the vehicle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Elk
- Bald eagle
History
The valley was used for generations by the Shoshone and later settled by Mormon homesteaders; the iconic barns on Mormon Row date to early 20th-century ranching life.
Conservation
Grand Teton enforces strict wildlife-vehicle separation and leave-no-trace practices; staying on established paths and following guide instructions reduces human impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Insulating layers (fleece, down jacket)
Early mornings are cold; warm layers let you stay outside longer for changing light.
spring specific
Sturdy tripod
Necessary for low-light sunrise exposures and mirror-sharp reflections.
summer specific
Telephoto lens (200–300mm)
Useful for distant wildlife and compressed landscape shots from pullouts.
fall specific
Waterproof hiking shoes
Paths can be wet, icy or muddy in shoulder seasons; good traction matters.
winter specific