Schwabacher Landing Trail in the Grand Tetons: What To Expect
Have you seen those epic photos of a moose with the amazing Teton Range towering in the background? We bet you have, and you can’t miss this spot if you want to try for the same shot.
Head to the Schwabacher Landing Trail at Grand Teton National Park and maybe… just maybe, you’ll spot a moose here too.
This is a super short hike with some epic viewpoints of the Grand Tetons. It’s really more of a viewpoint as opposed to a hike, but it’s worth the time to check it out, especially if you love photography. Even if there are no moose, it’s still worth the trip.
If you are looking for more fun, check out our 10-Day itinerary in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
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Need to Know Info
- Stop at the Schwabacher Landing Trail in the early morning for sunrise, or the evening for sunset. Don’t forget to be weather aware.
- It’s best to visit the Grand Tetons during late June, July, or August. During these warmer months, you can hit the trails, and everything should be mostly snow-free along the trails in the higher elevations. Key word there…”should”.
- An entrance fee is required at Grand Teton National Park. We recommend getting an annual pass. The pass expires after one year, but usually pays for itself if you visit enough parks in one year.
- Visit our gear page to purchase your America the Beautiful Pass online at REI’s website. In some cases, you can purchase an annual pass at the entrance of most parks. Plus, sometimes they have designated lanes for entry if you already have your pass!
Schwabacher Landing Trail
To get to the Schwabacher Landing Trail, head north from Jackson Hole or south from Moran on Highway 191. From Jackson Hole, it’s a quick 30-minute drive just past the Glacier View Turnout (which is another epic photo spot!).
From Moran, take Highway 191 south for about 15 miles just past the Teton Point Turnout. You want to look for Schwabacher Landing Road. From here, drive to the dead end and park your car. Restrooms are available here, too.
➡️ Read next: Go for a scenic hike on the Signal Mountain Trail.
Hit the Trail!
From here, the trail follows the Snake River to the north toward a large beaver dam. If the weather is calm, the Tetons are framed by spruce and cottonwood trees with an amazing reflection, thanks to the Snake River.
Technically, this trail is only about 0.3-0.5 miles, and it’s mostly flat. You can walk as much or as little as you’d like, but the views get better as you hike on. This is a great spot for wildlife viewing, and maybe you will get lucky and see a moose here. That would make for an epic photo.
Unfortunately, we were not lucky enough to see one, but it was still a perfect photo spot. Just look at it! 👇🏽
Other wildlife you might see here include beavers, eagles, elk, and more. Additionally, this is a popular spot for weddings, so you may even see some friendly folks tying the knot.
🌲 Looking for tours and other fun things to do near Grand Teton National Park? Check out the fun options from Viator!
Animal Safety in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park has a diverse range of animals living in the park. Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, bison, squirrels, snakes (not venomous!), marmots, and eagles are just a few of the animals you might see.
Always carry bear spray while hiking in the Tetons. Purchase your bear spray near the park in Jackson, or rent it from somewhere if you don’t plan on keeping it. Make sure to review the steps to take if you encounter a bear during your adventure. Also note that bear spray is NOT allowed on aircraft in checked or carry-on luggage.
Before hiking, learn how to spot the difference between grizzly and black bears and what to do if you see one. That being said, it’s unlikely that you will have an aggressive animal encounter, but always be prepared. As always, when hiking in bear country, do NOT leave food in your car!
Safety and Weather in Grand Teton National Park
- Cell phone coverage could be spotty in certain areas of Grand Teton National Park.
- Don’t forget to bring your bug spray. Get our favorite here!
- Plan on letting a family member or friend who isn’t on the trip with you know where you’ll be each day while exploring. If you get lost, this will aid in your rescue.
- Water: Let’s get more sustainable and carry a water bladder instead of those pesky plastic bottles! It’s recommended to carry at least 1 liter of water for every 5 miles you are hiking.
- Food: There are limited food options near the Grand Tetons. However, Signal Mountain Lodge offers dining at The Trapper Grill.
- The weather can vary depending on your location in the park. Higher elevation areas will be cooler, especially in and around the forested and shady areas of the park. You may even see snow at high elevations in the summer months. Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms and the threat of lightning from July through August. Check out the current conditions on the national park website.
🌄 Check out Mormon Row during sunrise for more epic photos!
Where to Stay Near Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Hole is the perfect spot to stay while spending 4 days in Grand Teton National Park. It’s also possible to stay a bit farther away in Victor, Idaho. Here are some of the top accommodations:
- Flat Creek Inn: This roadside motel is located directly across from the National Elk Refuge. Clean and comfortable. This is one of the closest hotels to Grand Teton National Park, situated just north of Jackson Hole. We had a great stay here during part of our trip! Book it here at Expedia or Booking.com.
- Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole: Just minutes from downtown. Rooms feature private fireplaces and views of Wyoming’s surrounding wild beauty. Pet-friendly, hot tub, and a restaurant is located on site. Check it out on Expedia or Booking.com.
- The Rockwell Inn: Luxury accommodations in Jackson Hole. Begin each day with a hearty breakfast. Free parking, an on-site pool and hot tub, and fresh-baked cookies in the afternoon. Reserve your room on Expedia or Booking.com.
- Cobblestone Hotel & Suites – Victor, ID: A newer hotel offering free breakfast. However, this hotel is about 1.5 hours from Grand Teton National Park. That being said, it’s possible it could be cheaper than others in Jackson Hole during the high season. We stayed here due to this exact reason. We loved it! Book your stay on Expedia or Booking.com.
Final Thoughts
The Schwabacher Landing Trail is a can’t-miss location for photographers. We visited this spot after our morning hikes near Leigh Lake and after our Snake River Float Tour, before heading back to Jackson Hole for the evening.
A thunderstorm was rolling in from the south, so we had to cut our time here short, but it was a perfect spot for some amazing photos in Grand Teton National Park. Be sure to add this spot to your itinerary!
🛏️ You’d better book your stay at The Rockwell Inn before it sells out! Can you really say no to freshly baked cookies in the afternoon? We can’t! 🍪
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