See the Snake River Overlook – One of Grand Teton’s Famous Four Sights

Snake River Overlook – Grand Teton

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 Snake River Overlook Photo

Many people flock to this overlook to see the view and to attempt to recreate the photo for themselves.

This makes the Snake River Overlook one of the Famous Four Sights in Grand Teton National Park.

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.

Ansel Adams’s Snake River Overlook

Ansel Adams was commissioned by the National Park Service in 1941 to capture in photographs the nature found in our National Parks. The goal was to help promote and protect the wild, western landscapes from development. He stood here in 1942 and took this picture: (I know, same picture as above, but such a good picture!!)

Ansel Adams Snake River Overlook

As you can see, Adams was extremely successful and effective as this picture is famous, and you are able to stand here today and see the Tetons, unobstructed by commercialism.

But, unfortunately, today you can not see the same exact view he did.

Prepare Your Spirit

Prepare your spirit, today’s view is not the same as it was for Ansel Adams, and you will not be able to replicate his famous picture.

Ripped off the band-aid fast, didn’t we?

But it still hurts, we know.

Ansel Adams took the picture over 75 years ago. Things change, and this time, humans are not to blame. (Yea!)

Blame the trees. They have grown over the years and obstruct the “S” curves in the river.

That feels awful and anti-environmental, doesn’t it?  To be mad at trees?

On the other hand, we have to forgive, as the trees only did what the national parks intended. National Parks not only exist for our enjoyment and learning, but for nature to continue on living and dying without human interference.

Snake River Overlook today

It is still a beautiful spot and worth seeing – it’s just not the exact view you were expecting.

We just want to tell you going in to prepare you and help set accurate expectations. Many people arrive with their cameras without this knowledge and feel disillusioned and/or tricked.

No matter how much time has changed the view here, it is still one of the iconic views of the Tetons.

Snake River Overlook Photo Tips

The best times to photograph the Snake River Overlook, like most places in the park, are sunrise and sunset – a tripod is helpful for lowlight times.

Pro Tip: If you have to choose one time, choose sunrise.

Sunrise

With the Tetons in the west, facing east, the rising sun starts lighting up the Tetons from the top down. If you’re lucky, there may be some pink clouds to add texture. Look for the moon to set behind the Tetons when viewable. That makes a great picture!

When shooting at sunrise, the wall you are standing at will cast a shadow over the foreground. You will not have to wait long for the shadow to fall below the trees.

Pro Tip: Mornings can be chilly, even on the warmest day of summer. Dress warm!

Pro Tip: If you are coming from Jackson for sunrise, allow at least 30 minutes of travel time. 40 minutes would be better to drive safely for the animals’ and your sake.

Grand Teton Snake River Overlook at Sunrise

Afternoon and Sunset

Afternoon and sunset are a little tougher shots, as from mid afternoon on, the Tetons usually are washed out by the haze of the sun.

Usually for a good photo at these times, it helps if there are clouds. If you look at all the pictures on this page, the afternoon shots have a lot of clouds in them, some of them storm clouds. Ansel Adams’s picture is in the afternoon with many clouds.

Clouds at sunset may increase the possibility of those orange colors behind the Tetons.

Sunset

Photo Tip Recap: Sunrise and early morning are good bets for clear pictures. Afternoon and sunset, you run the risk of the Tetons being washed out and hazy. Clouds at sunset and afternoon can be extremely helpful for more dramatic and/or colorful photos. Of course a little bit of luck is always helpful, anytime. 🙂

Bonus Photo Info

Chances are, you are most likely here in Grand Teton between the months of May and October. If you find yourself here in winter, know the Snake River Overlook is one of two of Grand Teton’s Famous Four spots accessible in winter (Oxbow Bend being the other). You can get some fantastic photos of snow blanketing the valley, river banks, and the Tetons.

Snake River Overlook in Winter – photo courtesy of nps.gov

Getting to the Snake River Overlook

Now that you know what to expect, know that it is one of the Grand Teton’s famous sights, and have your pictures planned, let’s get you to the Snake River Overlook.

It is one of the easier of the Grand Teton Famous Four Sights to get to.

No dirt roads or hard to find areas. Just enter off of HWY 191/89/26.

And while it is easy to get to, that doesn’t mean you can see the view from the road. You will have to park and go over to the viewing area.

Snake River Overlook Location – large map

Directions to Snake River Overlook

Viewing Area Accessibility

On a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most difficult to access, I would rate the overlook’s viewing area as a 1. It is about 30 yards from the parking lot and is wheelchair accessible.

Location of Accessibility Ramp at Snake River Overlook

Know Before You Go

• The Snake River Overlook is one of the few places in Grand Teton you can access year round – winter photos can be breathtaking…
• While this is a famous spot in Grand Teton, it isn’t a “high-action” spot and the kids probably are not going to find it interesting.
• Some clouds are fine, and good for enhancing pictures, but skip the Snake River Overlook if it is a socked-in, rainy day that conceals the Tetons (these days happen!). Seeing the Tetons in the background is a major element to this view. Come back when the Tetons are visible.
• Notice that the viewing area is in an “S” shape like a flowing river.
• There are not any hiking trails at the overlook.
• There is ample parking and parking is easy, even for large RVs.
• Sunrise and sunset may be the best times for pictures, but stopping here any time of day is worth it.
• No Restrooms.
• Dogs can come here, as long as they stay on the paved areas and on a leash.
• Is a good picnic spot, the wall makes a nice table (there are not any picnic tables here, make good use of the wall, maybe bring fold out chairs and a table cloth).
• Binoculars are helpful in spotting animals. Look below you for bald eagles.
• You can see this area from a different view by taking a guided scenic river rafting trip on the Snake River. There are many rafting companies in Grand Teton (make sure you request the float trip that starts at Deadman’s Bar and ends in Moose) you can use. Our favorite is Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips (not an affiliate).

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 Grand Teton, 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 famous 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.

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

In addition to the One Day Guide you also get:

• Additional Animal Spots Guide –  that details places to go along the Famous Four Tour to try your luck at seeing more animals
• Restaurant Recommendations –  for after the tour, and
• Sample One Day Itineraries – for ideas on how to see the Famous Four and what activities to do after

Keep Your Eye Peeled for a Moose!

Jenn Cunningham
Founder, exploreGTNP