There is so much to see and do in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP). And if you are on the 42-mile drive there are many stops and turnouts. You may find yourself asking “should we stop here?” “Should we do Cunningham Cabin?”

Read on to help you decide.

History – Why Cunningham Cabin is Important

John and Margaret Cunningham claimed Bar Flying U Ranch in 1880s. In 1888, they built this cabin.

After previously resisting selling his homestead for federal use, and when the agricultural depression dominated the 1920s, Cunningham led the petition for ranches in the valley to be bought out to create a national recreation area for the public to enjoy.

97 ranchers signed.

In 1928 Cunningham sold to the Snake River Land Company who later donated 35,000 acres for park expansion.

Snake River Land Company was the company John D. Rockefeller established to buy up the land in the valley to donate to the US Government and have it established and preserved as a national park.

Thank you, John and Margaret Cunningham, for helping expand GTNP and giving us this unobstructed view.

Thank you, Mr. Rockefeller, for giving us GTNP.

Also, in 1973 the Cunningham Cabin area was added to the National Register of Historic Places, therefore this area and view will always be protected.

Now you know the history, here are 5 reasons to go to Cunningham Cabin:

1. The Architecture

In 1888, the Cunninghams built this three-room cabin in an Appalachian style commonly called “double-pen” or “dog-trot”. A “dog-trot” is two log cabins connected by a breezeway. The Cunninghams lived in the south side and used the north side as a blacksmith workshop.

The two rooms of the house opened into the breezeway. The breezeway provided a cooler covered area for sitting. The combination of the breezeway and open windows in the rooms of the house created air flows which pulled cooler outside air into the living quarters.

The original structure was built with local materials and no nails or other metal.

2. The Pictures

Such a little cabin, but such a big playground for photos inside and outside of the cabin such as:

• Panoramic of Teton Range, with or without the cabin
• Cabin with Grand Teton in the background
• Cabin with Mt. Moran in the background
• Cabin with any of the Teton range in the background
• Grand Teton framed by the window inside the cabin
• Mt. Moran framed by the window inside the cabin
• Teton view from the breezeway
• The buckrail fence with the Tetons in the background
• Group shots and selfies

and so many, many more…

For more ideas google “Cunningham Cabin Grand Teton National Park”. So many talented people have posted their beautiful pictures.

3. Stretching and Relaxation

Cunningham Cabin is not a very busy spot.

It can’t be seen from the road, so I think many people drive on thinking there is nothing to see.

Therefore, this place can be very quiet and peaceful.

We once spent an hour here around 8:00 am and were the only ones here. It was so quiet, and the early morning light made the place glow – giving it an even more “peaceful” and relaxing atmosphere.

It would be a great place to get out of the car and walk around without the stress of crowds. The flat grass around the cabin made it easy to walk without being scraped up by sagebrush.

And while I wouldn’t put this at the top of a “Place to Take Kids” list, it is an area where kids can run around, exploring the inside and outside of the cabin, without worry of hurting and breaking anything.  And they might find the cabin to be “cool”.

Just watch out for the animal holes and tunnels! There are many and can trip you up easily.

4. Picnicking

While there are many, many, wonderful designated picnic spots throughout the park, there is something about a picnic or snack break in an off-the-beaten-path place that is satisfying.

Following with the relaxation theme from the previous section, the flat grass is conducive for picnic blankets, and the breezeway for camp chairs. Both providing spectacular views, a breeze, and maybe even some shade (breezeway).

As with all food in the GTNP, please follow proper food rules and storage.

5. Animals

Watch for bison, they are around this area often, both on their own and in herds.

Elk sometimes come through this area.

Geese frequent area, they like the marshy areas around the snake river that is close by.

Do NOT feed the animals, including the geese, gophers, and chipmunks.

Most animals that develop a taste for human food are eventually euthanized.

Also, if you are having a picnic and/or snack, do look behind you every so often to make sure animals don’t want to join.

Stay safe. Carry and know how to use Bear Spray!!

Reasons to Skip Cunningham Cabin

• No interest in seeing a homestead and cabin from late 1800s (no judgement!)
• Under a time crunch – if your choice is between Cunningham Cabin and Mormon Row, pick Mormon Row as it is the more famous, “bucket list” place.

Know Before You Go

• You can’t see the cabin from the highway.
• It is a very, very short walk to the cabin from the parking area.
• There is a $1 honesty box for a pamphlet. Deposit the money there, or return pamphlet to box.
• Watch out for all the animal holes and tunnels, they are everywhere, could cause you to trip and fall.
• Not a “must-do”, but a pretty place to see if you have time, for all the reasons previously listed.
• No bathrooms.
• Not busy, especially in the morning.
• As you can see, the roof is low, watch your head if going in the cabin.
• You are out in full sun, (only shade may be the breezeway and inside the cabin) remember your sun protection, water, bug spray, and bear spray!

 

Think you’ll go? Have more questions or tips to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Sometimes you don’t know that you are a geology nerd enthusiast until you get to a place like Teton Point Turnout.

While the name “Teton Point Turnout” doesn’t exactly spark excitement, there are a few things to note and learn here, and possibly, find interesting!

For instance, the view from here, of course, shows the Tetons, which are always breathtaking.

But you can also see that the landscape leading up to the Tetons has three distinct levels, or what geologists call “terraces”. (See! Geologist enthusiast language!)

View of Tetons and Landscape from Teton Point Turnout

Each terrace is very distinct and easy to see (once you know what you are looking at) and represent a different span of time where the Snake River flowed through this valley.

So, as you are standing at the info sign, you are on the oldest terrace.  Look at you, being a part of geology, standing on an “Ancient Snake River Embankment!”

As you look towards the Tetons, each level you see below you is a different terrace.

So from top to bottom, it is oldest to youngest, with the current Snake River being the youngest terrace, and see that bank over there, right before the oldest terrace? It’s 200 ft high. It’s called a scarp. Geology! Scarp!

So, if you want to impress your group, point these things out before you get to this turnout. LOL!

Photography

We haven’t forgotten about the photography shots to get here.

After wowing everyone with your knowledge, notice the contrast of colors between the blue of the mountains and green of the sagebrush plain, and the dark green of the trees at the Snake River. The contrast of colors can make for a great picture (outside of winter). With or without your group standing in front of them.

People often find this a good spot to do a panoramic picture because of the distant view of the mountains with the long flat plains and the straight on angle/view of the mountains.

Teton Point is also a good place to do timed exposures at night because there isn’t any traffic to disturb your shot.

Animals

Bison are sometimes spotted here, and the expansive plain of sagebrush is a good place for antelope.

If you look to your left, far in the distance, you’ll see a glimpse of the Snake River and a patch of wet, grassland that moose like. It will be very far away, but you’d still be able to make it out if one appeared there.

Thoughts or questions on Teton Point Turnout? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

Aptly named, this turnout is all about glaciers.

Here you can look straight on to three of them: Middle Glacier, Teepee Glacier, and Teton Glacier.

The info sign at the turnout is very weathered and warn, so it is difficult to tell exactly the size of the glaciers. The image below provides a clearer image:

While the Teton Glacier Turnout (on the inner park road) gets you closer to these glaciers, and the glaciers are viewable from many spots in the park, you’ll see more of them from this vantage point, and how they look in the overall landscape.

Glacier View Turnout is Good For:

1. If you are interested in glaciers
2. A straight on picture of the middle Tetons containing the Grand Teton and the other largest peaks: Mt. Owen and Middle Teton
3. Unobstructed view of Tetons, nothing in front of them
4. Good selfies or group shots of sitting on the rock by info sign with Tetons in the background

Your Checklist for Glacier View Turnout

• Read the info sign about the status of the three glaciers you can see from here
• Take a selfie or picture on the rock by the sign to get the Tetons in the background
• Notice the vast, flat plain of sagebrush that leads to the tall trees bordering the snake river, followed by another plain of sagebrush. The landscape looks like there are stair steps up to the Tetons.

Know Before You Go

• Easy turnout from the main road
• Because it is so easy to get to, it is often busy
• Plenty of parking, and easy for large motorhomes to park and to pull through
• Not known for animals, with all the sagebrush, the animal most likely to be seen is antelope
• No shady areas. You will be out in the open sun.
• No bathrooms

Bonus

• The rocks may be a good place to have a picnic and look at the view. The one drawback is, in summer, you may have to have it early or late in the day as there is black material under the rocks that radiates heat on sunny days
• Kids may enjoy climbing and playing on the rocks

Have any questions about Glacier View Turnout? Let us know in the comments section!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

There is no guarantee that you will see wildlife in the park.

And that is a bummer.

We all like guarantees.

But there are places in the Grand Teton National Park that can increase your chances of seeing wildlife.

Blacktail Ponds Overlook is one of them.

Don’t Be Fooled

Blacktail Ponds turnout doesn’t look like much from the road, or where the turnout sign is. On first glance, it doesn’t look like anything is there worth seeing. You may be tempted to skip it.

Don’t.

(Do skip Blacktail Ponds if you are short on time and/or wildlife isn’t a priority – no judgement, we understand!)

After turning in, drive down a little way (paved road less than 1/2 a mile) to get to the overlook. Park your car (chances are there won’t be many cars here) and walk over to the overlook.

Read the Information Sign

When you arrive, read the information sign first!

Information signs are always helpful but this one is really helpful!

It lists the five different biological communities found in the park.

Did you know there were five different ones?

No worries, nobody else did either.

And while that is interesting, the most important take away from this is the different wildlife specific to each community.

At Blacktail Ponds Overlook, you can see every one of the five communities.

Well, almost all, the Alpine one may be a stretch – read on.

Five Biological Communities at Blacktails Pond Overlook

The sign lists each of the five communities, and shows you where to look from exactly where you are standing. This just gets better and easier all the time…

• Alpine – Look to the Tetons, above the treeline. Pikas and Marmots frequent here. And while you probably can’t see them from this far away, you can see what is meant by the Alpine Community.
• Forest – Look to the groups of tall trees. These are good places for elk, deer and black bears.
• Meadows – The grasslands found in front of the forests here. Good for elk and bison.
• Wetlands – Aquatic plants and shrubs, look for the ponds and streams. Good for beaver and moose.
• Sagebrush – Those rough looking shrubs and grasses that look like they’d scratch you to pieces if you walked through them (they would). You see a lot of it by the side of the road and trails. Good for sage grouse and antelope.

Please note that you can see any animal, anywhere.

Animals don’t stick strictly to one area or community. They are free to roam anywhere in the park and do. This sign just tells you which animals are more frequent in these areas. So always be aware of your surroundings and always carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Seeing Wildlife

The following tips may improve your luck:

Go early morning or evening

In the summer, animals are a little more active in the cooler parts of the day, which are early morning and evening.

Now, with that being said, these two times usually increase your chances, BUT the last time I went to Blacktail Ponds Overlook, I came here at 1:00 pm and saw three moose. It was 83 degrees, which is warm for GTNP. The moose stayed close to the shrubs for shade, and ventured out to the north pond to eat and drink.

So feel free to stop here any time of day.

Stay awhile

As much as we’d like animals to appear right when we get there, they don’t. If they do for you, then you are lucky and probably don’t need any tips to see wildlife.

If you have time, plan to hang out for a while. Bring some chairs and set up by the information sign. Kill two birds with one stone by eating a meal here (bring your own) and watching for animals. That way you are saving time by skipping the restaurant and giving more time to see wildlife.

If you are looking for a way to spend an evening, come set up here and watch for animals and the sunset. BRING BUG SPRAY!!

Bring Binoculars

Not only are binoculars good for seeing animals at a distance up close, but they are good for scanning the thick brush and grasses for animals. Also, bring a telephoto lens if you want close up pictures. As you can see from the photo below, I wish I had had mine with me.

Blacktail Ponds Turnout is Ideal for:

• If you are hoping to see wildlife (see all info above)
• You are seeking a quieter, less busy area
• Having a picnic and/or snack – you’ll have to bring your own food, but if you are here in hopes to see wildlife, staying a while will increase your chances, might as well have a snack
• You are coming from or going to Mormon row, it is right across the street from the north end of antelope flats road

Know Before You Go

• No bathrooms (no worries, you are close to Moose, Dornan’s Village)
• Plenty of parking, easy for big motorhomes to maneuver in and out
• You may hear airplanes, often. They are high up, but you can still hear them as they fly into Jackson
• Cell service is spotty in GTNP, but I got a good signal here with AT&T, four bars
• If coming from Mormon Row, you’ll be amazed at the different landscape. Mormon Row with the flat, barren prairie land with the Tetons jutting up behind barns, to overlooking a green, lush, marshy pond area perfect for moose. These two vastly different environments are within 5 miles of each other!

Good Luck! If you can, comment below after going and tell us if you saw wildlife. We are rooting for you!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP

The Gros Ventre (pronounced “Grow Vaunt”) River Road & Turnout is not on the 42-Mile Drive, but it is an alternate route to the Moulton Barns on Mormon Row. It’s a detour worth taking for three reasons: the possibility of seeing wildlife, viewing Sleeping Indian, and stopping for coffee at a cafe (not to mention the dramatic scenery).

Getting to the Gros Ventre Turnout

First, let’s make sure you get to the right spot.

From HWY 191/89/26, at the Gros Ventre Junction turn east (away from the Tetons) on to Gros Ventre Road.

The turnout is 2.3 miles from where you turned on the road.

This is important to know because there is a “pull-through” at 2.0 miles after turning on the road.

You don’t want the pull-through.

It is very rough and rocky and can be hard on cars. I believe this is where people park their cars to fish on the river.

So, set your odometer and turn into the turnout at 2.3 miles, there is a “Speed Limit 45” sign there to help you spot it.

1. Look for Moose at the Gros Ventre Turnout

Ok! Now that you are here at the right place, with the bottom of your car intact, look for moose. This is a good place to try and see moose.

Note: it’s a good place, but it isn’t guaranteed.

This is a known popular spot for them. The proof? Many of the guided tours bring their customers here in hopes to see a moose.

To increase your chances of seeing one, come here early in the morning or in the evening (think around sunrise and sunset). These are times the moose (and most animals) are active.

2. Take a Picture of Sleeping Indian

Two birds, one stone – as you are at the overlook keeping your eye peeled for a moose, look across the river to the east to the mountains and see “Sleeping Indian”. Look along the top of the mountain ridge until you see an outline of what looks like an Indian sleeping on his back wearing a full headdress, with his arms folded across his chest.

3. Stop at Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe

After stopping at the turnout, continue east on Gros Ventre Road to Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe. Depending on what time of day you are here, you can stop here and get coffee, sandwiches and/or beer. Sit outside at the coffee bar or on the deck and enjoy the view.

Pro Tip: Be sure to get a picture of the sign warning you to stay inside if bison are in the parking lot. (It’s a funny sign, but it is serious in it’s message – bison often come through here, don’t go outside if they are near by.)

Bonus Tip: The View and Bison on the Way to Moulton Barns

Whether you have stopped at Kelly on the Gros Ventre Cafe or not, keep following Gros Ventre Road around and turn left on Antelope Flats Road to head to the Moulton Barns on Mormon Row. While in route, make sure to keep an eye out for Bison as they frequent this area. Also, take in the view of the vast plains with the Tetons jutting up out of nowhere. Stop and take pictures if the scene strikes you.

I hope you take this scenic route and get to see wildlife, specifically bison and moose; get to enjoy the views of the river, Sleeping Indian and the Tetons and maybe even get some coffee.

But most of all, I hope you see a moose! Good luck!!

If you have any questions or comments concerning the Gros Ventre turnout and/or road, let us know in the comments section. We’d love to hear from you!!

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP