Final Fall Days in the Tetons

Grand Teton Photography Day 3, 4, and 5

Over the final few days in the Grand Teton National park area, I spent a little more time doing some photography. I revisited a few locations and also captured a couple new.

My first venture to Oxbow Bend was productive, but from what the weather predictions indicated, there was a likelihood I would have clouds in the sky should I drive back there on day 3.

So that’s what I did. In the shot you see here, I bracketed, meaning I shot 5 photos of the exact same scene each with varying degrees of exposure to pull them all together in the final photo. The reason behind this is because the sky will show as much brighter in such a scene while the foreground will be much darker. One can achieve the same effect using graduated filters, which I have, but do not have the proper step down ring (the part which screws to the lens) for my favored lens in the landscape process; the Sigma 18-35mm Art.

Oxobow Bend in the Warm Glow of the Morning Sun in the Fall

The remainder of my day was spent doing catch up posting and video production, however, I did decide I would drive down to the Gros Venture area inside the park that evening to try to see if there would be some photography opportunity.

The drive to the Gros Venture campground runs along the Gros Venture river and it is a good spot to find some color for fall photography inside the Grand Teton Park. In my case, the smoke which had developed hindered the photographic opportunity on top of the fact the colors had peaked and were starting to fade. Had I been in this area about a week earlier, it would have been a better subject.

You will find this drive at the southern most end of the Grand Teton National Park.

Autumn Sunset Shot on the Gros Venture River in the Grand Teton National Park

Day 4 brought me back to Schwabacher Landing to attempt to gather some Blue Hour photography over the river. It was a very cold morning, but the weather cooperated.

After shooting the blue hour over the Landing, I cut a few videos (which will release soon) and then spent the remainder or my morning driving the Teton Park Road all the way toward Signal Mountain.

I drove to the Signal Mountain Lodge for water, and on the way captured a beautiful reflection shot along Jenny Lake.

I had read the drive to the top of Signal Mountain would be a great photo opportunity in the fall. I did the drive and was very disappointed in doing so. The drive is in pine forest to the very top of the mountain. The top does sport a grand view of various park angles, however, for fall photography this was a total waste of time.

On my way back to camp from the Lodge, I noted the horses were again in place, only much, much closer to the fence line at Elk Ranch Flats. I took the opportunity to get in close and do a few more photos.

One Final Hike

Joelle was feeling well enough that on our last day inside the park we would attempt to hike the Cascade Canyon. This is one of my favorite hikes into the mountains of the park.

This hike trail starts in the Lupine Meadows area. It traverses the rim of Jenny Lake working it’s way up to the Hidden Falls. From there a steep, short, climb up to the top of Inspiration Point.

The trail to Cascade Canyon begins at the top of Inspiration Point.

If you are able, this hike is a wonderful trek through all things Grand Teton.

We met a few friends along the way, near the start of the trail who kept us company.

Originally, their plan was to only walk the lake trail, but I talked them into joining us for the hike up into the canyon and they were not disappointed in doing so. While it was not in their plan, and they weren’t totally prepared for the hike, they never the less, were glad to have done so.

Panorama of Cascade Canyon in the Grand Teton National Park

The Cascade Canyon hike marked our final day in the park and we headed out toward Idaho the following morning.

I hope these few days of blog posts have piqued your interest in visiting the Grand Teton National Park. The spring and fall seasons are my favorites, although I hope to get there in the winter for a few days.

If you ever have any questions related to photography or hiking and travel, please be sure to reach out to me here. I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

rob out