Grand Teton - Mormon Row

Introduction:

What? :

There is no doubt that Mormon Row in the Grand Teton National Park is one of the most iconic and photographed locations in the American West.

The picturesque views of the rustic unique homesteads, located in wide open meadows, with the majestic Teton Range towering in the background.

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Where? :

Mormon Row is located in the southeastern part of Grand Teton National Park, near the town of Moose, Wyoming, and just a short detour off Highway 191, the main north-south route through the park.

Head north on US-191 N / US-89 N / US-26 W for about 15 miles north. After entering the park boundary, look for Antelope Flats Road on your right.

Turn right onto Antelope Flats Road and drive east for about 1.5 miles until you see the Mormon Row Historic District signs. There is one farm area on your left and the main farms buildings are located to the right.

The area is accessible by regular vehicles in spring, summer, and fall, but the road is typically closed to vehicles in the winter due to snow.

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There is another way to access this location, via an unpaved road that starts from Gros Ventre road, less than half a mile east from the campground entrance. This road may be challenging to drive when it rains.

When? :

Grand Teton National Park is open year-round, but most roads are not open to vehicles in the winter due to heavy snow.

The park tourist season is from late May through September.

Park service are open
High elevation trails are mostly snow-free
Wildflowers are blooming
Waterfalls are flowing
Wildlife is active
Shuttle boat across Jenny Lake is running

My personal recommendations are to visit Grand Teton National Park during the month of September.

The park is not as crowded as the peak tourist season of the summer months, the weather is ideal for hiking, it is not so hot or cold, all the roads are still open and the animals are in their active months.

Another option is during June when the snow is mainly cleared, all is green and the animals are getting out and active after the long winter.

Summer:

This is the peak Season (Mid-June to Mid-September)

All park roads are open to personal vehicles, making it easy to drive up to all attractions.

It is very crowded here during the summer months. The crowds exist in all park roads and tourist destinations.

Days are usually warm days (70-80f), but nights can still be cool. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.

All lodges, hotels and campgrounds are open, high price and reservations need many months in advance.

Fall:

Fall season is short (Mid-September to end October) offering pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than summer.

All roads are still open (most interior roads close to vehicles by early November), usually there is no heavy snow but you should expect a mix of sunny and rainy days and cold temperatures.

Daytime highs can range from the 40-70F, with nights dropping below freezing.

Winter:

US Highway 89/191/26 (the outer road) is open year-round and plowed for traffic. This is the main north-south highway that runs from the town of Jackson through the park and continues toward Yellowstone. The park inner roads are typically closed to wheeled vehicles from November 1 through April 30 (dates can vary based on weather).

From approximately November through May, most visitor facilities, including visitor centers, campgrounds, and lodges, are closed or operate on very limited schedules.

Avoid visiting in early spring or late fall if you’re aiming for a hike, snow and ice may make higher elevations impassable.

The weather is cold with daytime temperatures between 0-20f.

You need proper, layered, waterproof and warm winter clothing is essential.

Spring:

Spring is a very short season, practically in May and early June.

Crowds are minimal, especially in April and May, making for a quiet visit.

Weather is unpredictable, with the potential for warm, pleasant days mixed with snow, rain, and freezing temperatures.

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Tips and inputs:

Due note 1:

This is a very popular location for sunrise viewing and taking pictures. Many are coming for the first light and the parking lot and the road is packed with many cars.

The evening is also beautiful, often with soft pastel skies and fewer visitors.

Due note 2:

No other tourist facilities here.

Due note 3:

Dress in Layers: Grand Teton weather can change quickly even during the summer months. Be prepared for sun, rain, and cool temperatures. This area is exposed to the sun so bring a hat, use sunscreen and sunglasses.

Due note 4:

This is also a prime location for animal viewing.

Bring with you a good binocular, or even better, a viewing telescope. Many of the most animals are often viewed at a distance. Animals may be far and hard to spot. If you have a viewing telescope a cellphone camera magnetic mount is highly recommended.

Due note 5:

Photography Tip: Sunrise is magical here. The sun lights up the Tetons, creating a perfect backdrop for the rustic barns. Expect many other photographers during peak times.

Due note 6:

Limited Cell Service – Don't rely on GPS or mobile maps; download offline maps before you go.

Due note 7:

Winter Access: Antelope Flats Road is closed to cars in winter, but you can hike or cross-country ski in.

Due note 8:

This is a prime wildlife viewing location. Bring with you a good binocular, or even better, a viewing telescope. Many of the most animals are often viewed at a distance. Animals may be far and hard to spot. If you have a viewing telescope a cellphone camera magnetic mount is highly recommended.

My thoughts:

I visit here a few mornings to catch different views of the landscape.

I do recommend coming here before sunrise to find the best picture taking location.

The visit:

Mormon Row was settled in the late 1890s by Mormon homesteaders from Idaho.

The area was chosen for its rich soil and access to water. The settlers built homes, barns, corrals, and irrigation ditches, many of which still stand today.

You can find here many buildings but the most iconic structures to see are:

T.A. Moulton Barn – Perhaps the most photographed barn in America.