Wyoming's Upper Green River Valley has long been a favorite destination for travelers. But today's adventurers come packing cameras, not beaver traps. Early fur trappers valued the pristine streams and mountains for their wealth of wildlife and breathtaking views, much as the outdoor photographer does today. With aspen slopes and rugged mountains, any time is a picture perfect time to start your photographic adventure.
Total travel time: One to three days
Start with a visit to the Museum of the Mountain Man in Pinedale for a fascinating look at the lives of Sublette County's most colorful citizens, the fur trappers and traders. Once you've absorbed all the museum has to offer continue up the hill on Fremont Lake Road toward the Wind River Range. The road continues another 14 miles to end at the Elkhart Park Trailhead and a viewpoint along the way provides huge views of the rugged Wind River Range and the upper end of Fremont Lake.
Pinedale to Elkhart Park Trailhead/Fremont Lake – 14 miles – About 20 minutes
Return to Pinedale and take Highway 191 west 5 miles to Cora and turn north onto Highway 352. The road turns to gravel at the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary 25 miles up. In about three miles, you'll reach a “Y” in the road. Stay to the right you are headed up to Green River Lakes, home to Square Top Mountain which is one of the most photographed vistas in Wyoming.
After shooting Square Top Mountain, return to the “Y” in the road. This time take a left onto Forest Road #600 and proceed over Union Pass to Dubois. The relatively gentle route up Union Pass travels through aspen groves, lodge pole pine forests, high mountain meadows and past lakes, streams and expansive vistas. At the top of the pass you will enter the Shoshone National Forest, where the road number changes but the main road is obvious and takes you down to Hwy #26/287 where you will turn right to Dubois.
Pinedale to Dubois – 75.9 miles – About 3 hours and 2 minutes
In Dubois, head to the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center for an educational look at these amazing animals and more ideas about what to photograph in the area.
Culture and Commerce: Be sure to stop in to Absaroka Western Designs while you are in Dubois. Your photographer's eye will be thrilled by the fabrics, textures and patterns that fill the gallery.
After checking out Dubois, head west on Hwy #26/287 to Jackson via Togwotee Pass.
Dubois to Togwotee Pass – 30.9 miles – About 33 minutes
You are traveling the northern portion of the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Byway; watch for signs at points of interest. Take a side trip to Brooks Lake, one of Wyoming's hidden jewels. Watch for bison and moose as you drop down to Moran Junction and enter Grand Teton National Park.
Togwotee Pass to Moran Junction – 26 miles – About 30 minutes
From Moran Junction, head west on Highway 26/287 and turn right at Highway 191/287/89. Proceed to Teton Park Road and onto Jenny Lake Road and Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park.
Moran Junction to Jenny Lake – 16 miles – About 26 minutes
Jenny Lake is renowned as a major focal point in Grand Teton National Park with excellent views of the tallest peaks in the Teton Range, surrounded by more than enough natural beauty and wildlife to keep the photographer in you smiling.
Head back on Jenny Lake Road to Teton Park Road and turn southeast on Highway 189/191/89 and head for Jackson.
Jenny Lake to Jackson – 23.5 miles – About 35 minutes
Be sure to stop and tour the National Museum of Wildlife Art just before you get to Jackson – watch for the bronze elk herd on the hill to your right across from the Elk Refuge – they mark the Museum's entrance.
Surrounded by scenic Jackson Hole and the majestic Grand Tetons – photo opportunities galore - Jackson lets you soak up genuine cowboy culture on guest ranches, at rodeos and lots of fun at a chuck-wagon cookouts or the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Don't miss the famed Elk Horn Gates that leads into the town's lovely tree-shaded town square and soak in some authentic western culture at area galleries, museums and theaters.
Culture and Commerce: As a photographer, you'll appreciate the work of many regional artists, available for viewing at Wild Exposures in downtown Jackson.