During my visits to Facebook last week, I noticed a friend was posting iPhone self portraits from a series of small towns across the Southwest. Considering that she's a travel writer and contributor for the Lonely Planet travel publications, I asked if she was "working." She replied that she wasn't, actually. She was simply on a cross-country road trip, documenting the tiny towns and quirky details along the way.
Inspired, I did the same thing on a recent trip returning to Jackson from a long weekend in Montana. Although the small towns and hidden valleys that exist just beyond Jackson's borders are oft forgotten, they offer up some pretty astonishing views. Below are a few suggestions for memorable vantage points and panoramic material in and around Jackson Hole. But I encourage you to go exploring and find some additional quirky photo ops of your own. In Jackson, they exist around every corner.
Obvious:
1. Antler Arches in Town Square: A little bit cheesy and a lot iconic, these arches provide the perfect framing opportunity.
2. Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park: An obvious must on any trip to the area.
3. Inspiration Point in Grand Teton National Park: The name says it all.
4. The Elk Refuge: Located just beyond the town of Jackson, the Elk Refuge and its thousands of elk residents give you a backdrop that people back home will find hard to believe.
Not-so Obvious:
1. The Top of Rendezvous Mountain via the Aerial Tram: Between the ride up in Jackson Hole Mountain Resort's new aerial tram and the view you'll enjoy at the top, this is one of Jackson's treasured vantage points.
2. Soaking in the Boiling River near Mammoth Hot Springs in YNP: This surreal venue dumps therapeutic hot spring mineral water into the refreshing Yellowstone River. Give your photo album a fantastical effect by having someone grab your picture amidst the steamy soaking spot.
3. Teton Backdrop from the New Multi-use Bike Path: We encourage you to rent a bike in the Town of Jackson or Moose and wheel your way through GTNP on the new bike path. Don't forget to grab a shot of of the towering Tetons in the background.
4. The Deck at Dornan's: A favorite summer stop, swing into Dornan's after a day in Grand Teton National Park and take a picture of your bottle of chilling wine (the wine store at Moose offers one of the best selections in the Valley) with the Snake River winding through the foreground and the Tetons staring straight back at you.
If You Have Some Time and Some Luck:
1. The View from the Top of Teton Pass: If you're driving into Jackson from "The Other Side", a.k.a. Idaho, pull over at the top and peer down. You'll soon understand how Jackson Hole got its name by taking a look at the valley floor surrounded by towering peaks.
2. A Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone National Park: Spotting some sort of wildlife in YNP is pretty much a guarantee, although the elusive Grizzly bear might be harder to see. Take your time and keep your eyes peeled when passing boggy, marshy areas... or anywhere there might be berries. If you do get out of your car to snap a shot, make sure there's ample space between you and the Griz.
3. The Ultimate Jackson Hole Photo Op: Probably one of the most coveted views in the area is that from the top of Grand Teton. If you're looking for an adventure, a challenge and some summit exposure to commemorate both, a guided trip up the Grand Teton is for you. Contact EXUM Guides for more information.