See Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights
See Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights
There are four specific sights here in Grand Teton National Park that are the most photographed, iconic, and recognizable.
These Famous Four Sights are most likely the ones you have seen in posters, calendars, and maybe one of the reasons you came to Grand Teton.
The Famous Four Sights are:
The Moulton Barns on the Mormon Row Historic District
Chances are you are not an expert or historian on barns, but you have seen pictures of the famous Moulton Barns on Mormon Row. These barns aren’t necessarily famous just for being barns themselves, but rather they are famous because of the scenery they are a part of – the flat, barren land they sit on with the Tetons shooting up in the background.
John Moulton Barn
The barns and some of the homesteads have been preserved for historical and cultural display, and mainly to remind us of the harsh realities of frontier living in the mid to late 1800s.
While you are here, be sure to go to both of the famous barns – The John Moulton Barn (4 sided peak barn) and the T.A. Moulton Barn (2 sided peak barn). If you have extra time, walk the northern part of Mormon row to see a pink stucco house, the Thomas Murphy Homestead (less famous, but imposing barn), and the long stretching plains.
Pro Tip: When taking pictures make sure to get the Tetons in the background of the barn. Experiment with different angles and distances from the barns.
Pro Tip: Look around for bison, they frequent this area.
More Moulton Barns Info and Tips: See the Moulton Barns on Mormon Row – One of Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights
Schwabacher’s Landing
Schwabacher Landing is famous for its water reflections of the Tetons and the pictures of these reflections. The Grand Teton and its fellow peaks are framed on each side by the pine trees and are reflected in the small ponds.
Schwabacher Landing’s Iconic Spot
There are many places at Schwabacher’s Landing that reflect the Tetons in the water. If you have time, walk around and look for other reflection shots, in addition to the iconic, famous shot.
Schwabacher Landing
Pro Tip: Come by or back in the evening to see if the beavers are active. If so, set up a chair and spend the evening, they are great entertainment.
More Schwabacher Landing Info and Tips: Schwabacher Landing – One of GTNP’s Famous Four Sights
Snake River Overlook
The Snake River Overlook is famous because of Ansel Adams.
In 1942 he took the iconic picture of the Snake River and its meandering curves with the Tetons in the background. Not only did he capture the beauty of this area, he did it with black and white film!
Ansel Adams’s famous picture of the Snake River Overlook 1942
Many people flock to this overlook to see the view and to attempt to recreate the photo for themselves, only to find that they can’t due to nature’s interference. Even with the grown trees blocking the curve, the Snake River Overlook is still a sight to see.
Pro Tip: Do not climb over the wall in hopes of a better picture. It’s steep and dangerous and there won’t be a better angle over there.
More Snake River Info and Tips: Snake River Overlook – One of GTNP’s Famous Four Sights
Oxbow Bend
At Oxbow Bend, you see Mt. Moran straight on with the Snake River in the foreground, as it appears to be meandering to (or from) the Tetons. It’s easy to see why this is a Famous Four spot and an iconic image for Grand Teton National Park.
Oxbow Bend
If you’ve been traveling north from Jackson, the Teton views have mostly focused on the Grand Teton and its buddies.
Here at Oxbow Bend – it’s all about Mt. Moran. And as you may have noticed, Mt. Moran becomes more and more impressive and less “squatty” as you head north. Here, Mt. Moran is center stage and majestic.
More Oxbow Bend Info and Tips: Oxbow Bend – Quick and Easy GTNP Famous Four Sight
Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights in ONE Day Guide
If you are interested in the Famous Four Sights, we have a guide that will show you how to see all four in one day and have time left over to do other activities.
Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights in ONE DAY Guide also includes: Additional Animal Sights, Sample One Day Itineraries, and Restaurant Recommendations.
Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!
Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP
Hi, I'm Jenn, pictured here on Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park. I am a Wyoming native and have vacationed every year of my 40+ years in Grand Teton National Park. I know this park inside and out, so use my years of experience and knowledge to plan, go, and do your perfect Grand Teton National Park vacation!
