Snake River Overlook
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming · 6,906 ft
This is the pullout where Ansel Adams made The Tetons and the Snake River in 1942, with the river curving through cottonwood flats under the range. Conifers have grown up since then, so a longer lens on the bend and the peaks beats copying the wide original.
Typical peak
Sep 12 – Sep 20
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Best at sunrise
Classic view faces W (265°)
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Paved pullout on US 26/89/191 between Deadmans Bar Road and Moran Junction, a few steps from the car.
What turns here
- narrowleaf cottonwood
- quaking aspen
Color progression
Typical peak Sep 16Typical color progression for Snake River Overlook. No change from Aug 9 to Aug 26. First color from Aug 26 to Sep 4. Approaching peak from Sep 4 to Sep 12. Peak from Sep 12 to Sep 20. Past peak from Sep 20 to Sep 30. Bare from Sep 30 to Oct 14.
Color starts around Aug 26.
Light at peak
Snake River Overlook on September 16, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:33 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 85° | 7:02 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 7:40 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:17 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 6:53 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 274° | 7:31 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 8:00 PM |
Times in America/Denver · day length 12h 29m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sunrise: front-lit
Sun behind you. Flat, even light — accurate color, little drama. Good for wide valley scenes, weak for single trees.
Sunset: backlit
Sun behind the canopy — leaves glow translucent. The shot most people are after. Expect flare; a hood or a hand helps.
Based on the classic composition here facing W (265°).
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.