Oxbow Bend
No trip to the Grand Teton National Park is complete without a visit to Oxbow Bend. Located near the Moran Entrance Station of the Grand Teton National Park, this famous picturesque spot is worthy of a stop.
The oxbow bend is a crescent shaped change in the Snake River that is formed by years of erosion where the river changed its course.
Reflecting on the Oxbow Bend of Snake River is Mount Moran, trees, sky, and some swans.
Where is OXBOW BEND?
Oxbow Bend is located just past the Moran Entrance Station of the Grand Teton National Park. Follow Hwy 191 for several miles, and Oxbow Bend will be on your left.
Open Oxbow Bend on Google Maps
Best Time to Visit (and Why)
You need to visit knowing there will be lots of people - especially at the top tourist spots like Oxbow Bend. Just enjoy the experience and don’t stress. You’ll get to see it from any angle you pick - and it’s stunning from all angles. (I’ve noticed when traveling to national parks if I go with the expectation that it will be busy - and sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised that its not busy. :)
- Morning (calmest water): For the best reflection of Mount Moran, aim for morning when winds are typically light. My sweet spot is often around 9–10 AM—late enough for light on the ridge, early enough to beat the big crowds.
- Sunrise glow: On clear mornings, you can catch warm light on the Tetons and soft mist on the river. Arrive early; the main pullout fills fast in peak season.
- Fall color (late Sept–early Oct): Cottonwoods and willows along the bend turn gold, making this the most popular window of the year. Go weekday mornings if you can.
- Cloudy/rainy days: You’ll get mood but not the mirror. If the water’s rippled, try tighter compositions (trees, river curves, wildlife).
Parking, Viewpoints & Crowd Tips
- Main turnout: The classic, wide view with Moran centered. Great for groups and tripods.
- Side pullouts: If the main lot is packed, continue a bit farther and use smaller pullouts for alternate angles (often with fewer people).
- Angle variation: Stepping a bit downriver can reduce foreground clutter and place the river curve more gracefully in frame.
Photo Tips
- Calm water first: Shoot the reflection before wind picks up; then switch to tighter scenes.
- Polarizer with care: A CPL can kill the reflection—dial it gently to keep the sheen you want.
- Tripod & bracket: High dynamic range between bright sky and darker water—exposure bracketing helps.
- Wildlife bonus: Watch for swans, elk, and occasionally moose along the willows—keep distance and follow park guidelines.
My Favorite Angle
We actually drove past the main area, turned around, and parked at a smaller side pullout. From there, the river’s curve lined up just right, and the reflection of Moran felt cleaner. Skipping the biggest crowd also let us slow down—always part of the magic here.
Psalm 121:1–2 “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
FAQs
- Is Oxbow Bend good at sunset? It can be, but winds are typically higher in the afternoon—morning is best for mirror reflections.
- Do I need a permit to stop? No permit for the pullouts, but a park pass is required to enter Grand Teton.
- Tripod friendly? Yes—lots of space, but be mindful of pathways and other visitors.
Related Grand Teton Reading
Lisa Blount is an experience-driven photographer who translates travel and nature into museum-grade fine art for modern spaces.
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