Majestic Views at Glacier View Turnout

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Glacier View Turnout is one of the more underappreciated stops along the highway in Grand Teton National Park. There’s a massive parking area, plenty of room to get out and enjoy the view, and a nice concrete viewing area with large boulders and interpretive signs explaining some of the landscape and history around you. As the author of 50 Jackson Hole Photography Hotspots, I really like this turnout because it gives photographers a broad, unobstructed view of the Teton Range. As the name suggests, you can identify and photograph several of the range’s prominent glaciers from here, making it a particularly interesting place when visibility is good. The large viewing area also gives you room to move around and experiment with different compositions rather than being locked into a single viewpoint. I’ve even seen a wedding taking place here, which says something about how impressive the mountain backdrop can be. As the author of the Jackson Hole Hiking Guide, I also appreciate how accessible this stop is. You don’t need to hike anywhere or fight for a tiny roadside parking space. Pull in, park, walk out to the viewing area, read the interpretive signs, and spend some time studying the mountains. There’s plenty of parking, excellent access, and a fantastic panoramic view of the Tetons. It’s easy to drive past on the way to the park’s more famous destinations, but Glacier View Turnout is absolutely worth stopping for.