Photo of Oxbow Bend, Snake River and Mount Moran, Grand Teton National Park

By September 2, 2005December 19th, 2023Grand Teton, National Parks, Wyoming

Road Trip: Day 2

Oxbow Bend is perhaps the most convenient — and most photographed — spot in Grand Teton National Park — and for good reason. It offers a pleasing composition of Mount Moran in the distance with a sweep of the Oxbow Bend section of the Snake River in the foreground. Early morning is when photographers typically make this shot, although if the light in the sky and on Mount Moran is not dramatic a better shot may be had a little later when the sun lights the aspen trees along the waterline. I’ve had moose and white pelicans swim by me as I stood on the riverbank at Oxbow Bend. One morning before sunrise a black bear swam across the river and made a beeline to my riverside spot, got out 15 feet from where I was standing, shook himself off, looked me over for a few moments and walked off.

Mount Moran rises above the Snake River at Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Mount Moran rises above the Snake River at Oxbow Bend.
Image ID: 13027
Location: Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA

Mount Moran rises above the Snake River at Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Mount Moran rises above the Snake River at Oxbow Bend.
Image ID: 13028
Location: Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!