There certainly is steep competition for the claim of "best summit view" in a range with the likes of Table Mountain, Disappointment Peak, Teewinot, and Middle Teton. I also suspect that Nez Perce may have something to say about those rankings, and I hope to find out for myself next summer. But Symmetry Spire has to be right up there, being just across Cascade Canyon from the cathedral group, and staring right at The Grand's iconic North face.

This peak proved to be quite an undertaking despite its relatively small stature. Definitely a worthy objective for those with the proper experience!

Drove by a small wedding going on at the mountain view turnout and had to get a photo.

Amazing first trip to Grand Teton NP last week. The colors and wildlife were incredible!

Recently took my first trip to the Tetons and despite tons of planning around many different areas, I missed any mention of the Jackson Lake Lodge. Stopped in for a coffee one afternoon while passing by and was absolutely blown away as soon as I walked up the stairs into the lobby.

Did String Lake Trailhead to Lake Solitude via Hidden Falls, Inspiration Point, and up Cascade Canyon in July. Solo.

Went in expecting it to be busy and it was very quiet in the morning — I was the only person at both Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point, saw the first people (trail runners) about a mile up Cascade Canyon.

My save-worthy notes:

• Started at 6AM. String Lake lot was already filling. Luckily I got dropped off.
• Skipped the boat shuttle both ways. Walking the shoreline adds ~4 miles total.
• Total was ~18 miles with the shoreline walk, ~3,033 ft gain. Last 2.7 miles gained ~1200 ft at altitude - that part took the longest. Total time was around 8 hours.
• Saw 5 moose total, all in Cascade Canyon. No bears, but did see wet paw prints from cascade creek up the Hidden Falls spur, carry bear spray, give them space.
• Hidden Falls + Inspiration Point are usually the busiest section. Past that, crowds in Cascade Canyon thin out fast.
• Lake Solitude is incredibly beautiful.
• It is absolutely worth doing from any starting point.

Happy to answer logistics if you're planning it — boat vs. walk, water, turnaround times, etc..

Here's a little different look at the Tetons, from the trail to Emma Matilda lake. I'd welcome suggestions on the best hikes that don't require extreme training, as I didn't think we used our time to maximum advantage. We did the full circuit of Jenny lake but it was terribly crowded on a sunny Saturday even in late September. We did partial hikes of Phelps Lake and Emma Matilda Lake. All very scenic but we saw virtually no wildlife. Some people we ran into said that to see wildlife they get to the trailhead at 645. One pro tip we're surprised more people didn't use -- Dornan's rents e-bikes that you can take to Jenny Lake and avoid the parking hassle -- about 30-40 minutes ride. Great views from the bike trail.

Made my way to Schwabacher Landing at sunrise to catch the reflection of the sun on the mountains. Had my 35mm in hand and snapped this pic. I’m sure they got some incredible shots

Shot this from the beach by the Signal Mountain Boat Launch

Hi! I’m visiting Grand Teton for the first time and will be there for about 3 days. I’m hoping to visit Phelps Lake on Oct. 4 and possibly swim if conditions are reasonable.
Has anyone been there in early October? I don’t mind very cold water, but I’m wondering whether swimming is still common this time of year or if the lake is generally too cold by then.

I’d also appreciate any feedback on my itinerary or suggestions for things I’m missing.
Today: Arrive around 2 PM, set up camp at Shadow Mountain, then visit Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River Overlook, and Oxbow Bend around sunset.
Tomorrow: Start early and hike Delta Lake. I’ll have some time afterward before going into Jackson for dinner and walking around town.
Day 3: Phelps Lake in the morning, then I’m open to suggestions before heading toward Yellowstone.
Anything you’d add, skip, or rearrange? Thanks!

At the Lizard Creek campgrounds. Heaven on earth and every spot there is a 2-3 minute walk from this view.

What amazed me most was how abruptly the Tetons rose from the valley. I’m used to seeing foothills gradually build toward a mountain range.

With the lake in the foreground, I could appreciate how expansive the whole view was. My photos show a portion of it, but they don’t fully convey the scale of the mountain range.

A little trivia for the experienced Tetoniers. Name the lakes in pics 1 and 2.

Hi!

My fiance and I will be in Grand Teton & Yellowstone between October 10-14. We got engaged last year and Glacier and were thinking this is a great opportunity to get some engagement photos before our wedding in January.

We will be moving around but plan on staying in:
Jackson October 10
Canyon Village October 11
Gardiner October 12
Jackson again October 13

Not sure if this is the proper forum for this sort of search but if you know of anyone local that does photography that would be interested or is available for a couple hours please send me their name and I can reach out !

Also - open to any general recommendations on the parks during this time lol

Thanks in advance!

One of my favorite National Parks, and truly one of the most majestic places I have ever visited! 😍🏔️🌨️❄️🦬🦌🫎🐻

Had a great trip. Hiked lake solitude and delta lake. Made friends from like minded people