oxbow bend

HandsawCreek

Driving this route at the setting sun. It is absolutely breathtaking. The natural beauty is everywhere you turn. Steaming pools and streams that add to the mystique.pictures to come

duck8to

Traveling from Jackson Hole, Wy to Yellowstone National Park on Highway 89, you will see Oxbow Bend on your left. It lies between Moran Junction and Jackson Hole Junction on Highway 89. The turnout has a safe parking area with an excellent view. No scrambling through the woods is necessary. Mt. Moran is 12,605 feet tall and is the tallest mountain of the three in your view. A large fault runs at the base of the Grand Tetons and earthquakes do erupt adding to the mountain building and lowering the valley. White pelicans stop here on their spring migration. Sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans and bald eagles can be seen frequently. Blue heron nest along cottonwoods that edge Snake River so bring your binoculars, as well as, your camera. Moose can also be seen mostly in the early morning and sunset. While driving up Highway 89 and south of Oxbow Bend the Snake River lookout is also an iconic photo opportunity. You will get a map when you enter the Grand Tetons so check the location of these two lookouts so you do not miss them.

77Emma

You have to stop here early morning or late evening for the best pictures. The light is excellent and the Tetons are reflective in the river. We went in Sept 14 (fall) and the colour of the trees were beautiful.

Ducks630

Its a bit crowded to stop by the road, but the photos I took are worth the hassle! Such a beautiful spot. It was raining, but the sun came out a bit, swans in the water, mountains in the background.

636denices

Ox Bow Bend with Mount Moran reflecting in the Snake River is beautiful (especially in the fall). We watched a tranquil scene unfold as a canoeist quietly paddles around the bend in the river. This is a popular spot for photographer and artists. It only takes a minute to create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Kents16

We went there Sept. 24th & 25th. Between the early sunlight & fall colors, it was spectacular.A photographers dream.Just get there in the AM. For the best light & before the crowds.

ahott2

We did a hike that overlooked the area with the hopes of some wildlife viewing. We saw lots of birds and what a beautiful spot when you come up over the hill! Did not see any large mammals that we had hoped, but still worth the stop.

stevesU1452RJ

I suggest visiting the second to last week in September for best fall colors. The view is very special.

520rustyh

We stopped at this turnout several times. Great views of the grand Tetons and was always some kind of wild life in the area. We saw loons, cranes, ducks and pelicans in this area. Great place to get some great photos. This is a well-known area so go early or late as there is always a crowd of people.

williamc79

Two hour float to view the Tetons, Fall colors and wildlife. Wonderful views and wildlife. The River Otter family was a real treat.

Xaurtjay

We stopped here a few times! Lots of wildlife! Great views all around!!! Go early to watch sunrise and see the animals before the crowds come.

HudsonJim

Oxbow Bend was everything the photography guides suggested, but even in the cool early am we were part of the crowd. Nearby Cattleman's Bridge Road, though, while not as postcard-spectacular in its views, was really my favorite of the morning - watching the sunup right along the river while listening to the elk bugling is something I'll not soon forget!

kristinat55

Great area to view the otters, beavers, and birds. Peaceful waters to kayak and paddle-board. The flow of the river is light, easy to paddle either direction.

RetiredTravelerTN

We bypassed Oxbow Bend on days that the dense clouds hovered above, but when the sun finally shone one morning, we made the stop at Oxbow Bend for beautiful views and photos. It's definitely worth the time to stop. While there, we watched swans gracefully swim across the water. The parking area is conveniently beside the road since the river is so close to the road in that spot. Oxbow Bend is easy to find, but one can easily pass it by thinking it is just another turnout. Oxbow Bend is on Highway 287 just a little over a mile east of Teton Park Road and 2.8 miles west of the Moran entrance station of the park. Don't miss it!

RoPhl

We took some of our best photos at this quiet and scenic spot, with views of the Tetons, the wide and sedate river, the pelicans, kayakers, and willows starting to turn yellow. We watched an afternoon shower roll in over the mountains, and we talked with friendly visitors from the southeastern US and Alberta, Canada. Inspiring.