*Sunset at Signal Mountain Lodge, Grand Teton National Park*

We first visited Grand Teton National Park in 2014. I had just learned to shoot on manual and was in awe of both my camera’s capabilities and the vast mountain range rising out of the plains. Nearly 10 years later, I was filled with the same wonder as during that first visit.

Expansive and dramatic, the Tetons are incredibly majestic. Their backcountry trails offer challenging hikes, hidden lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. The Tetons are also very accessible, they are just simply… there. You don’t even have to leave your car to take in the beautiful views. But, oh I hope you do!

We spent a week wandering trails, taking in the views, and jumping into ice cold lakes.

We started the trip with a quick stay at Signal Mountain Lodge. We arrived just in time to catch a beautiful sunset over Jackson Lake. Along the way, we met a very large elk feeding on the side of the road. It’s always amazing to me how close the wildlife is in the Tetons.

Sunrise dawned warm and clear, promising blue skies and perfect mountain weather. We checked out of the lodge and set off for the hike around Taggart Lake. The clear water offered the perfect reflection of the Teton range behind it. After a quick swim, we finished the loop and set off to meet up with some friends who were joining us.

*First light hits the Grand, Sunrise from Glacier View Turnout, Grand Teton National Park*

We spent the next day watching sunrise from the Glacier View Turnout. There’s something so magical about seeing the sun kiss the tipy top of a mountain first thing in the morning.

After sunrise we enjoyed a leisurely hike to Leigh Lake where we were met with more incredible reflections and still waters. On our way out of the park, we were greeted by a beautiful pronghorn just feet from the road. We were so close we would see their beautiful eyelashes!

*Mount Moran reflected in Leigh Lake, Grand Teton National Park*

*Pronghorn in Grand Teton National Park*

Next on our list was a hike to Inspiration Point. We took the ferry boat across the water and hit the trail as early as possible to beat the crowds. You can tell how popular this hike is by the very domesticated (and chubby!) chipmunks that greet you on the trail.

We took the less popular high trail on the way back and spotted a juvenile moose and mama.

*Inspiration Point, Grand Teton National Park*

We awoke to another crystal clear day and enjoyed the sunrise from Schwabacher Landing. While the sunrise was beautiful, the real scene were the moose feeding in the grasses. This was definitely the closest moose I had seen.

*Sunrise at Schwabacher Landing, Grand Teton National Park*

We decided to book a last minute wildlife tour in hopes of seeing a few more species. Unfortunately, we had more luck on our own and mostly enjoyed the tour as a sightseeing mission. Following the tour, we packed up and moved to Jackson Lake Lodge for the last few nights of our trip.

*Stormy Sunset at Jackson Lake Lodge, Grand Teton National Park*

Our last day was spent exploring and hiking to jumping rock on Phelps Lake. We took the leisurely route through the park on our way back and we lucky enough to spot the only bear of the trip. After arriving back at the lodge, we spend the night under the stars, watching the Milky Way make its way across the sky.