Grand Teton National Park South Entrance – Take These 3 Pictures

Welcome To Grand Teton Teton National Park – Take These Three Pictures at the South Entrance Sign

Whether you are starting Grand Teton National Park’s (GTNP) 42 Mile Drive or simply beginning your own adventure, taking these three pictures here at the GTNP South Entrance Turnout will get your trip off to a good start.

1. Get a Picture of the Grand Teton Sign

Grand Teton National Park Sign – South Entrance Turnout

You can’t miss it, it’s the big wood sign. Mark your beginning to GTNP. It makes a good cover picture to your scrapbook.

If possible get a picture of the sign on it’s own, and then with your group.

2. Get a Picture of the Grand Teton Sign From a Different Angle

Most people line up the Tetons to the left of the sign – which makes a great picture (as seen above). If you have the time, try something a little different, put the Tetons to the right of the sign, and see if they appear bigger in the shot.

A different angle with the Tetons to the right of the sign

Here again, you can get a picture of the sign on its own, and then one with your people.

3. Get a Picture of “Sleeping Indian”

Turn your back to the Tetons and look to the east to find “Sleeping Indian”.

Look along the mountain ridge until you see an outline of what looks like an Indian Chief sleeping on his back wearing a full headdress, with his arms folded across his chest.

View of “Sleeping Indian” from Grand Teton National Park South Entrance

Sheep Mountain is the official name for “Sleeping Indian” and is in the Gros Ventre (pronounced “Grow Vaunt”) Wilderness. It can be viewed from many places around Grand Teton National Park, but the distinct shape slowly disappears as you move north and get closer to Moose, WY.

The south entrance to the park provides a great view of Sleeping Indian.

Pro Tip: To get the best picture possible of Sleeping Indian, walk over to the wire fence and put your lens through it. That way your photo won’t be obstructed by the fence wire.

Pro Tip: If you happen to be at the sign when a big tour bus is there, go take pictures of Sleeping Indian while you are waiting for the sign to be free to take your pictures.

Bonus: Get a Picture of the Information Board

Granted, this isn’t a very exciting picture to get, but it may come in handy and be useful.

While this is the South Entrance turnout to Grand Teton National Park, this isn’t where you buy/show your Grand Teton park pass and receive a park map.

Info board at Grand Teton South Entrance

I know, it’s a little confusing.

Here at the south entrance sign, you are in GTNP, you just haven’t accessed the paid part yet, which can be done at Moose Entrance, or at Moran Entrance (see map).

Map of Entrances into Grand Teton National Park

So, you can drive the “outside road” (Hwy 191/89/26) and access all the overlooks and turnouts without a National Park Pass.

To access the paid part of the park and/or to get to Yellowstone and get a park map, you will need to enter at the Moose Entrance or Moran Entrance.

Take a picture of the Information Board for reference, especially if you don’t have a map yet and/or are continuing on the “outer road” (HWY 191/89/26) first.

Places to Get Maps

You can find Grand Teton Park Maps at the following places:

• Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor’s Center – If you are coming from Jackson, you can stop and get a map here. Located on the southwest corner of the National Elk Refuge at 532 N. Cache Street.
• Park Visitor Centers
• Park Entrances at Moose, WY and Moran, WY. You will get a complimentary park map at either of these places when you buy/show your park pass.
• Online

When you have taken these three plus pictures on the checklist, you are ready to move on and enjoy Grand Teton National Park!!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP