See Schwabacher Landing – One of Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights

Schwabacher Landing

Schwabacher Landing is famous for its water reflections of the Tetons and the pictures of these reflections.

There are multiple reflection spots here, but there is a famous reflection spot, often called the “iconic spot”.

The Iconic Spot is specifically of the Grand Teton and its fellow peaks framed on each side by the pine trees and are reflected in the small pond. (Directions will be provided).

Schwabacher Landing Iconic Spot

These reflections are what make Schwabacher Landing one of Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights.

Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights

There are four sights that are the most photographed, iconic and recognizable to Grand Teton National Park which makes them the most famous.

These Famous Four Sights are most likely the ones you have seen on Instagram, posters, calendars, and postcards, and may even be among the reasons you came to Grand Teton.

The Famous Four Sights are:

Here are some tips when visiting Schwabacher Landing.

Determine If You Should Stop Here

While this is a famous view in Grand Teton, it isn’t a “high-action” spot and the kids probably aren’t going to find it interesting. Prepare your spirit.

Schwabacher Landing is ideal for people who:

• Want to see all of Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights for themselves, check them off the bucket list
• Are photographers, any level, from pro to amateur
• Want to take their own photo of the Tetons reflection
• Have time to spend (about half an hour to an hour), and aren’t under a time crunch
• Can walk 1-mile round trip (usually less) easily

Schwabacher Landing on map

Getting Here

Look for the Schwabacher Landing Road sign on HWY 191/89/26, it’s a small one and easy to miss.

If heading north, the turn off is located four miles north of Moose Junction on HWY 191/89/26; it is the turnout after Glacier View Turnout.

If heading south, the turn of is 14 miles south of Moran Junction on HWY 191/89/26; it is the turnout after Teton Point Turnout.

Schwabacher Landing Sign on HWY 191/89/26

The actual landing is a mile off the main road.

The first 3/10 of the turn off road is smooth and paved, but it is steep and windy. There are blind corners so drive carefully.

The rest of the road is a dirt road and is bumpy.

There are Two Parking Lots

There are two parking lots at Schwabacher Landing, each has it’s own area to explore.

If you have time, visit both areas, as reflections can be found around both of them.

Pro Tip: Go to the 2nd Parking Lot first, then hit the 1st parking lot on your way out

Reflections of Tetons at Schwabacher Landing’s First Parking Lot

Getting to the “Iconic Spot”

If you are here for the iconic reflection spot only, skip the first parking lot and go straight to the second parking lot (the one with the pit toilet). You’ll know you are at the second parking lot when you see the sign “Lower Schwabacher Landing Parking Area”.

Schwabacher Landing’s Second Parking Lot Sign – keeping going to the right to get to iconic spot

Once you park, walk on the path towards the water, keep following the path to the right. You will see a few spots along the path that reflect the Tetons in the water, that look pretty enough to be “the spot”, but keep going (after you’ve taken pictures of course).

Keep going until you come upon two wooden benches side by side. And the scene looks like this: (ducks not guaranteed)

Schwabacher Landing’s Iconic View

YOU ARE HERE.

This is the spot!

The opposite shore is surprising close isn’t it? It looks farther away in pictures right?

Go ahead and take your picture, and/or sit and enjoy the view.

Pro Tip: This is a great spot for a family picture that you can use as a holiday card.

Pro Tip: As always, when exploring, be aware of animals, and always carry and know how to use bear spray!

Animals

You are very close to the water and as you can see, it is wet and marshy land. A perfect spot for moose, ducks, and beavers.

Speaking of beavers, this area exists thanks to them.

Beaver Swimming

They are responsible for the pools of water here. The pools are what make the reflections of the Tetons possible. The beavers have worked tirelessly to damn up this slow-moving offshoot of the Snake River. As you look around, you will see beaver dams.

You probably won’t see the beavers, but you might increase your chances if you come in the late afternoon or early evening when they are more likely to be out working.

If you are lucky enough to see them, stay out of their way and don’t interact with them. Any human interaction can stress them and their environment.

But do bring a chair and maybe sit awhile and watch them. They are mesmerizing and very entertaining. (Don’t forget your bug spray, you will need it!!!)

In Case You Were Wondering – Who is Schwabacher?

Not much is known about the name “Schwabacher’s Landing”, but it is believed to be named after Albert Schwabacher, a ranch owner who owned what is now today called “Lost Creek Ranch”.

Around 1929, the Rockefeller Family was buying thousands of acres of land in this area to donate to it the U.S. government to become a part of Grand Teton National Park. Albert Schwabacher didn’t sell to Rockefeller, and decided to keep his property private, running it as a dude ranch.

Lost Creek Ranch today is a guest ranch where people can stay and take part of all activities with the Tetons in the background.

Know Before You Go to Schwabacher Landing

• Not ideal for RVs, both parking lots are small and difficult to turn around in and back out of
• No dogs outside parking area
• The trails here are flat and not very long, but not wheelchair accessible
• Quiet place to enjoy the scenery
• Not a busy place (unless it’s sunrise or sunset when the photographers are out)
• If you find the dirt road too much on the car, park at the 1st parking lot and walk to the second parking lot
• BUG SPRAY! You are by the water in a wet, marshy area
• Always carry and know how to use bear spray

Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights in ONE Day Guide

To make the most of your time here and at the other three Famous Four sights in GTNP, check out our Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights in ONE Day Guide.

The guide will show you how to see all four sights in less than one day, with tips on how to get to them, where to go first, what to see first, and extra tips on how to get your own amazing picture of each sight.

In addition to the One Day guide, you also get the “Additional Animal Spots” guide that details places to go along the Famous Four Tour to try your luck at seeing more animals. Also included is our After the Tour “Restaurant Recommendations” and “Sample One Day Itineraries” for ideas on how to see the Famous Four and what to activities to do after.

Grand Teton National Park’s Famous Four Sights in ONE Day Guide

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, Explore GTNP