42-mile scenic loop drive

42-mile scenic loop drive印象

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  duck8to

  Ansel Adams made the Grand Teton's iconic features famous but then it is truly difficult to get a bad photo of the Tetons. There are a number of well placed pull-outs along the 42 mile loop which render you a terrific photo. You do not have to pull of the side of the road and be creative.The park choose the best pull-out scenic shots for you. They are in order: Teton Point Overlook, Snake River Overlook, Cathedral Group Overlook, Teton Glacier Overlook and Oxbow Overlook.If you just drive around the loop and do not stop, it will take you about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Stopping at each lookout and taking pictures for 10 minutes about 2 hours and 1/2 hours. For a different and great view of Jackson Hole and Teton Valley take the Signal Mountain Road. I recommend the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor's Center for exhibits and interpretative displays on the geology of the area, glacial activity, animal migration and the history of people who settled here. Words of caution: dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife but dawn in the Tetons can be a blinding fog bank, speed limits are enforced, drivers suddenly stop when wildlife can be seen and you are driving the speed limit of 45 MPH, some roads are not paved so the proper vehicle is required. The best places to spot wildlife are: Snake river (elk ,bison, bald headed eagles), Mormon run (pronghorn antelope), Cascade Canyon (moose), and Black tail pond (elk). Jenny Lake Lodge has a great photographic shot of the Tetons. Maps with scenic pull-out information are distributed at the entrances and visitor's centers.

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  ChrisMary825

  Although one section was closed for construction, we were able to double back and see most of the loop over three days. Most all the highlights are on the loop from geysers, lakes, mountains, wildlife, mudpots, steam vents, etc.

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  ScribeLynn59

  So many photo opportunities ... breathtaking beauty. The fall colors had not begun, and the temperature was perfect for the drive.

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  MikeB64

  Wake up early to get a Sunrise start to your wonder filled day. Even before the sun creeps over the hills to the East, the Grand Teton to the West is painted in early morning color. Meanwhile, drive slow & keep always alert for the big game animals which are most active in the early hours. After you complete the circle, be sure to go East along the Gros Ventre for more river bottoms and sage flats. On a good day, which I had in October, I photographed it all...the Sunrise, the Bull Elk bugling his cows, Bull Moose with 2 cows, Black Bear, nice 4X4 Muledeer Buck with a few does, Buck Antelope with a large herd of does. The conclusion was a fiery sky Sunset over the Tetons. How Exhilirating!!

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  RyanPatrick_UK

  Absolutely loved it and the beautiful landscapes I got to see while taking this scenic drive. Can only highly recommend to go there and take the drive yourself.

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  CollinsVancouver

  Although it snowed for part of our drive, the scenic drive should definitely be on your list. It is not the Grand Canyon or Yosemite or Yellowstone but it is a beautiful combination of rugged blue mountains which crown meadows dotted with trees and wildlife. We just went through in September and were already treated to yellow and orange foliage. An eagle swooped down to fish at one of our stops. Would love to see the scenes when clouds did not cover the mountain tops but it was still worth the trip. Stop first at either the jackson Visitor's Center or the Craig Thomas Discovery Center to get info and an overall view of the loop area. Plan to spend the whole day enjoying the many vistas.

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  ljtraveler_11

  Just a lovely drive around the park - breathtaking views everywhere. Nature doesn't get much better than this. Take time to really enjoy this beautiful area.

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  Brian_GO7484JF

  Easy half day trip if you are pressed for time. You can stretch it out much longer depending on outdoor activities, hikes, houseback riding, boat ride in Lake Jenny etc. A beautiful drive and if you go, take the road up to Signal Mountain and look at the vast valley below.

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  Mon55

  The speed limits are slow, but you expect that in a park and if you went faster there is so much you would miss. Depending on the time of day you do it expect to held up by wandering wildlife. Also prepare for the car in front to just pull over to see something.

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  Loucardsfan

  We spent a full day on the loop. Starting in Jackson around 7am, we made our way thru and stopped at every overlook, cabin, church or lodge. There is a bit of road construction on the east side of the loop that held us up for about 20 minutes or so (Sept 15, 2014) but nothing that should deter you from making this part of your trip. We stopped at dusk just north of Windy Point to listen to the elks bugle. It is the most amazing thing to hear these beasts calling for their mates.