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Grand Tetons

Majestic and Timeless

By Tom Dorsz

November 13^th, 2025

The Grand Tetons are a breathtaking mountain range in Grand Teton National Park, located in western Wyoming. We drove there from Yellowstone—only about an hour and a half from where we were staying at Canyon Lodge & Cabins. Leaving around 11 a.m., we took our time along US-191 South, stopping often to admire the incredible scenery, especially the reflections of the mountains on Jackson Lake.

There’s something truly mesmerizing about the rugged beauty of the Grand Tetons—a landscape that makes you pause and just take it all in. I was especially struck by the soft purple and reddish hues along the stream beds and lake shores, created by the red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea). These vibrant shrubs bring a final burst of color to the scene, painting the waterways in rich tones long after the aspens have dropped their golden leaves.

Adding to the majestic scene were the horses grazing in the meadow below — the perfect finishing touch to an already breathtaking view. If you look closely, you’ll notice small birds perched on their backs. Every so often, when a horse shifts or stands, the birds flutter into the air, only to settle back down again moments later. It’s a simple, peaceful rhythm — nature in perfect harmony.

JACKSON

I reserved a couple of cabins at the Cowboy Village Resort in Jackson, and it turned out to be the perfect spot for the three of us. Pat’s sister Mary had her own cozy cabin right next door to ours, which made it easy to spend time together while still having our own space. The cabins were clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped with a small kitchen — complete with a stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, and mini fridge with a freezer. The walk-in tiled shower was an unexpected touch of luxury in our little log retreat! I highly recommend them!!

The resort is also conveniently located within walking distance of downtown Jackson and just a short drive from Albertsons grocery store, making it easy to stock up on supplies before heading out for the day’s adventures.

Speaking of Jackson, I found myself wondering — what’s the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole? The two names are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different things.

Jackson Hole is the name of the entire valley in northwestern Wyoming — about 48 miles long and framed by the stunning Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges. Early trappers used the word “hole” to describe a high mountain valley. Within Jackson Hole, you’ll find Grand Teton National Park, ski areas, ranches, small communities, and miles of breathtaking wilderness.

Jackson, on the other hand, is the main town located at the southern end of the valley. It’s the cultural hub of the region, filled with excellent restaurants, art galleries, unique shops, and landmarks like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and the famous elk antler arches in Town Square.

Why the name “Million Dollar Cowboy Bar”?

The name has quite a story behind it. In 1953, a natural gas explosion caused significant damage to the bar. When owner Preston Parkinson rebuilt it, he spared no expense — and reportedly insured the bar for one million dollars. From then on, it became known as the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

We couldn’t visit Jackson without stopping in. True to its reputation, this isn’t your average honky-tonk — it’s a true Western institution where presidents, celebrities, cowhands, and travelers from around the world have gathered for decades.

It's also famous for its live country music and Western dancing. Over the years, legends like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, and Tanya Tucker have performed here, with more recent acts including Clint Black, Sara Evans, Kevin Costner, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

And of course, one of the most memorable touches — 🤠 Where else can you literally saddle up to the bar? 🐎🍻

Oh, if you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Jackson, it’s worth keeping the cost of living in mind. Teton County—home to Jackson—has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the country, which helps drive housing prices into the stratosphere. Median home listings often come in around $3.7 million, making the area one of the most expensive places to live in the United States.

MORMON ROW

Of course, I had to photograph the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn on Mormon Row in Grand Teton National Park. Perfectly framed by the towering Teton Range, this historic barn — along with its equally famous neighbor, the John Moulton Barn — is one of the most photographed landmarks in Wyoming. Both stand as timeless symbols of the pioneer spirit and the awe-inspiring beauty of the American West.

The road getting there is rough and full of ruts, so take it slow and drive carefully — but trust me, it’s worth every bump. The view is absolutely breathtaking, and standing there really puts the scale of these majestic mountains into perspective.

A fascinating history about Mormon Rows from the National Park Service: "Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, sent parties from the Salt Lake Valley to establish new communities and support their expanding population. Mormon homesteaders, who settled east of Blacktail Butte near the turn of the 19-century, clustered their farms to share labor and community, a stark contrast with the isolation typical of many western homesteads. These settlers first arrived in the 1890s from Idaho establishing a community (named Grovont by the U.S. Post Office) known today as “Mormon Row.”

Homesteaders established 27 homesteads in the Grovont area because of relatively fertile soil, shelter from winds by Blacktail Butte and access to the Gros Ventre River. Despite the harsh conditions of Jackson Hole, Mormon settlers grew crops by using irrigation. These hardy settlers dug ditches by hand and with teams of horses, building an intricate network of levees and dikes to funnel water from central ditches to their fields between 1896 and 1937. Water still flows in some of these ditches."

Mormon Row Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

The first photo below shows one of the original buildings — along with its outhouse (definitely not a place you’d want to visit in winter 🥶) — on the historic Andy Chambers Homestead. The second captures the iconic T.A. Moulton Barn on Mormon Row, one of the most photographed spots in the Tetons. And finally, the last image features the elusive magpie, a beautiful bird that always seemed to stay just out of perfect camera range.

GROS VENTRE RIVER

It was a perfect morning to photograph “Bullwinkle” and his harem. As is often the case, I noticed a line of vehicles pulled over and a cluster of tripods set up along the US-191 bridge crossing the Gros Ventre River — and of course, it just happened to be near Moose Junction (how fitting!). Naturally, I had to stop and see what the excitement was about.

Finally, after several tries on this trip, I had the chance to photograph a bull moose and a cow moving quietly along the stream below. I caught the bull early in the morning, his dark coat still dusted with frost — a striking reminder of the crisp mountain air at sunrise. Later that afternoon, I found the cows contentedly feeding on willow bushes by the water’s edge.

Moments like these are why photographers get up before dawn and wait for hours — for me, absolutely worth every second.

GRAND TETON SCENIC DRIVE

Driving through Grand Teton National Park is an unforgettable experience — every bend in the road reveals new, breathtaking views of the Teton Range and endless opportunities to spot wildlife. The park has numerous turnouts with interpretive exhibits on geology, plants, and animals, plus plenty of safe spots to pause, admire the scenery, and take photos.

We followed Teton Park Road off US-191 toward Jenny Lake, where a short trail from the parking lot leads to Cottonwood Creek — a peaceful, scenic spot that’s also a favorite among fly fishers. The creek offers excellent opportunities for both nymphing and dry-fly fishing and is one of three areas in the park that opens for fishing on August 1st, along with Schwacher’s Landing and Blacktail Ponds.

Because parts of Cottonwood Creek flow from Jenny Lake, the lake and its headwaters are closed to fishing from December 1 to July 31, so be sure to check current regulations before heading out. You can confirm details through the Wyoming Game & Fish Department or by visiting one of several fly-fishing shops in Jackson, such as Snake River Angler, Westbank Anglers, or Fish the Fly.

Fishing here is with artificial lures or flies only, and there’s a two-trout limit. The creek is home to several trout species, including the native fine-spotted cutthroat trout, which is prized by anglers.

Grand Teton National Park as a whole is renowned for its pristine fly-fishing waters, offering diverse habitats and crystal-clear streams that support healthy trout populations. Anglers 14 years and older must have a Wyoming fishing license, valid for public waters inside and outside the park (except Yellowstone and the Wind River Reservation).

While fishing is available year-round, keep in mind that Teton Park Road is closed from November through May, so access is limited in winter. Whether you’re casting a line or simply taking in the views, Cottonwood Creek and its surroundings capture the quiet beauty of the Tetons perfectly.

Cottonwood Creek just south of Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons National Park, Wyoming.

For the Aspiring Mountaineers

As we explored Grand Teton National Park, I couldn’t help but think of all the incredible adventures this landscape inspires. For those who feel the pull of the mountains a little more strongly, there’s Exum Mountain Guides and Climbing School— one of the most historic and respected climbing schools in the country.

Based in Jackson Hole, within Grand Teton National Park, Exum has been helping climbers reach new heights for more than 90 years. It all began in the early 1930s when legendary climbers Glenn Exum and Paul Petzoldt pioneered routes on the Grand Teton. Their philosophy was simple yet revolutionary — climbers should be active participants in the ascent, not just passengers on a rope. That spirit of independence and discovery became the foundation of Exum Mountain Guides.

Today, Exum continues to train and guide climbers of all levels, offering everything from first-time climbing experiences to challenging alpine summits. Some of their most popular programs include:

Discover Climbing – A half-day introduction to outdoor rock climbing near Jenny Lake for participants aged 14 and older.
Family Climbing Days – A fun and safe way for families (kids ages 7 +) to experience climbing and rappelling together.
Custom & Private Instruction – Personalized sessions for beginners or seasoned climbers focusing on specific techniques or goals.
Classic Summit Climbs – Multi-day guided expeditions to peaks like the Grand Teton, complete with full mountaineering instruction.

Exum’s climbing programs generally run through the warmer months, though specific dates depend on the course and weather conditions. For anyone looking to experience the Tetons in a whole new way, this is the ultimate adventure.

From there, we continued our journey along Teton Park Road toward Jenny Lake — one of the park’s most beautiful and popular destinations.

JENNY LAKE

The Heart of Grand Teton National Park

Jenny Lake is one of the crown jewels of Grand Teton National Park — and one of its most visited destinations. Nestled at the base of the rugged Teton Range, the lake perfectly captures the park’s breathtaking beauty.

Formed by glaciers more than 12,000 years ago, Jenny Lake is a classic glacial lake — known for its strikingly clear, cold water and mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. A shuttle boat operates during the warmer months, ferrying hikers across the lake to reach popular trailheads like Hidden Falls and the entrance to Cascade Canyon. You might even run into a bull elk.

From the east shore, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Teewinot Mountain, Mount St. John, and deep into Cascade Canyon. Standing on the west shore, the panorama reverses — you can gaze back across the lake toward the broad valley of Jackson Hole, framed by endless sky and forest.

We decided to hike around the lake, a trail that offers endless photo opportunities and peaceful moments along the shoreline. From this area, you can also visit Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, or venture deeper into the backcountry through Cascade Canyon. For those seeking longer treks, trails to Lake Solitude or Hurricane Pass begin here as well.

Whether you come to hike, photograph, paddle, or simply sit and take in the view, Jenny Lake is a place that captures the very essence of the Tetons. Just be aware: the road to the lake is closed from November through May, so plan your visit accordingly.

CATHEDRAL GROUP

The Cathedral Group forms the dramatic centerpiece of Grand Teton National Park, a cluster of towering, jagged peaks that includes Grand Teton, Mount Owen, Teewinot Mountain, Middle Teton, and South Teton. These mountains rise sharply from the Jackson Hole Valley, creating one of the most striking skylines in North America.

The group earned its name because the spired, soaring peaks resemble the architecture of a grand cathedral — majestic, symmetrical, and awe-inspiring. Standing before them, it’s easy to understand why this part of the range has captivated mountaineers, artists, and travelers for generations.

The Story Behind the Name “Teton”

The name Teton has colorful origins dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. French-Canadian fur trappers, approaching from the west, reportedly named the range “Les Trois Tétons,” meaning “the three breasts,” inspired by the shape of the three most prominent peaks — Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton.

Long before the trappers arrived, however, the Shoshone people had their own name for the range — “Teewinot,” meaning “many pinnacles.” That name endures today, most notably in Teewinot Mountain, one of the principal summits of the Cathedral Group.

Best Viewpoints for the Cathedral Group

If you want to take in the grandeur of the Cathedral Group, there are several must-see viewpoints throughout the park:

Schwabacher Landing – Offers a picture-perfect reflection of the Tetons in the calm Snake River, especially at sunrise.
Oxbow Bend – A classic Grand Teton scene where Mount Moran often steals the show, framed by winding river and fall colors.
Jenny Lake – Provides stunning up-close views of Teewinot and the Cathedral Group rising directly from the lake’s western shore.
Teton Point Turnout (on U.S. 26/89/191) – A sweeping overlook perfect for photographing the full range against an open sky.

No matter where you stop, the Cathedral Group commands attention — a reminder of nature’s artistry carved in stone.

SKIING

Even though we visited in October, Jackson Hole transforms into a true winter wonderland once the snow arrives. Renowned for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, the region offers some of the best powder and vertical drops in North America. From mountain lodges to challenging slopes, Jackson Hole has something for everyone—from first-time skiers to expert thrill-seekers. Just remember to book early—once winter hits, this place fills up fast!

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Teton Village)—Located about 12 miles from downtown Jackson, this resort is legendary for its steep terrain, deep snow, and challenging runs like Corbet’s Couloir. It also offers plenty of groomed trails, ski schools, and après-ski options in Teton Village.

Snow King Mountain—Known as the “Town Hill,” Snow King sits right in Jackson and is perfect for quick runs or night skiing. It’s a great spot for families, with tubing, a mountain coaster, and scenic gondola rides.

Grand Targhee Resort—Located about an hour away on the western side of the Tetons, Grand Targhee gets tons of snow and offers a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere. It’s a favorite for powder hounds and those seeking a true mountain getaway.

Whether you’re carving down expert slopes or enjoying a scenic lift ride, Jackson Hole’s ski resorts deliver breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and unforgettable winter adventure.

Jan Schuler/Skigondeln in Jackson Hole/Adobe Stock

Our two days in Grand Teton National Park went by in a blur — but what an unforgettable blur it was. Between the early morning wildlife sightings, exploring Jackson and Jackson Hole, and soaking in the incredible mountain views, every minute was filled with awe. I truly wish we could have stayed longer; there’s just so much beauty packed into this corner of Wyoming. Still, for only two days, we managed to see and do a lot — and the memories of those majestic peaks and peaceful valleys will stay with me for a long time.

🧭 Travel Tips

🍽️ 🛍️ 🎣 Restaurants and Stores

Jackson is a true tourist hub, filled with great restaurants, charming gift shops, and impressive art galleries. Below are a few of the places we stopped by, even though we were only there for a couple of days.

Snake River Angler is a full-service fly fishing shop and guide service in Jackson Hole, perfect for anyone planning a fishing adventure on the Snake River or nearby streams. Whether you’re looking to book a guided fly-fishing trip, pick up top-notch gear, rent equipment, or learn new skills like fly casting and fly tying, they have everything you need.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a legendary saloon and live-music hotspot that’s been a Jackson Hole icon since 1937. Inside, you’ll find saddle bar stools, a long wooden bar inlaid with silver dollars, knobbled pine walls, and an array of Old West memorabilia
Persephone is a charming French-inspired bakery and café, serving up delightful lattes alongside a tempting array of freshly baked pastries and treats.
The Bunnery Bakery is a great place to have a nice, hearty breakfast before hitting the trails or slopes.
Albertsons is an excellent place to stock up on food and supplies. We shopped in Jackson at 105 Buffalo Way, and it had everything we needed.
Healthy Being Cafe serves up organic coffee, superfood lattes, fresh juices, smoothies, and a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and desserts, this café has something to satisfy every craving. Their menu caters to all kinds of dietary preferences—including plant-based, vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, and dairy-free options—so everyone can find something delicious to enjoy.
Bin22 is a cozy, inviting spot in Jackson Hole, perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. The restaurant specializes in shareable small plates and pairs them with an impressive selection of wines, spirits, and craft beers. Whether you’re looking for something a step above casual pub fare or a leisurely wine tasting, Bin22 delivers a welcoming, flavorful experience.
Wild West Designs if you’re on the hunt for authentic Western charm, this store is a must-visit. From striking furniture and unique jewelry to an endless array of home décor, every corner is packed with treasures that let you bring a little rustic Western magic home.
Mangy Moose Souvenir Shop in Jackson Hole is an eclectic treasure trove, offering everything from art and antiques to rugs, apparel, toys, and unique Western décor—perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items.

Footnotes

Hey there! Just a little note: all the photos and videos you see here are my own, unless I mention otherwise in the caption. I love sharing my travel stories, photographs, and tips with you. I hope you find some new places to explore! You’ll also find some of my watercolor art sprinkled in, and if you’re interested, there are links to purchase my prints, as well as equipment recommendations. Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.