Home to a place that’s literally called Moose, Grand Teton is one of the best national parks to see these large ungulates in the wild. And this post will tell you exactly where to see moose within Grand Teton National Park.
Numerous beautiful lakes, small and large, dot the Grand Teton landscape, while streams and rivers meander through Jackson Hole, lined with leafy shrubs, willows and other vegetation.
These areas are prime moose habitat, offering both sustenance and shelter, and make it relatively easy to spot these magnificent mammals in their natural habitat.
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5 Excellent Places to See Moose in Grand Teton National Park
There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of moose in Grand Teton National Park and the southern part of neighboring Yellowstone National Park.
Browsing greens along lakeshores, foraging on riverbanks, exploring slopes and canyons, moose can be encountered virtually anywhere in the park’s lower-elevation areas.
Below are a handful of great places to watch moose at Grand Teton, most of which are either along the Snake River or around popular Jenny Lake.
Oxbow Bend
A large bend in the Snake River, this is perhaps the most famous viewpoint in the national park, a phenomenal place to watch the sunrise in Grand Teton.
“Slow-moving water provides a habitat for fish such as suckers and trout that become food for river otters, osprey, bald eagles, American white pelicans and common mergansers,” the National Park Service says, indicating the overlook’s popularity among bird watchers.
Beavers and muskrats are often seen here as well, while moose love the abundance of willows on the riverbank.
If I had to pick the number one best place to see moose in Grand Teton National Park, I’d probably say Oxbow Bend. Try to go there around sunrise for sensational mountain views and the best chance of actually seeing a moose.
Blacktail Ponds
One of my personal favorite overlooks in Grand Teton National Park, Blacktail Ponds is about half a mile north of Moose on U.S. Highway 26/89/191.
Easy to miss, this at-first-sight-unassuming parking area is just north and on the other side of the road from the Antelope Flats Road to Mormon Row.
The viewpoint provides a great panoramic view of Blacktail Ponds backed by the majestic Teton Range.
Just up the east bank of the Snake River, this area is home to old beaver ponds that are now filled with sediment and have become grassy meadows. It’s absolutely perfect moose habitat and you can often see them browsing on willows here.
Willow Flats
As its name suggests, Willow Flats is a large expanse of willows and other shrubs. Both elk and moose are frequently seen in this area, particularly in the early morning.
Park at the Willow Flats Overlook, which also offers spectacular views of the Teton Range, and scan the flats with a pair of binoculars.
Alternatively, you can also hike through Willow Flats on a trail connecting the overlook and the Jackson Lake Lodge. Note, however, that the trail is usually closed in spring due to grizzly bear activity in the area.
When out and about in Grand Teton National Park, it’s essential that you know what to do when encountering a grizzly bear and how to use bear spray correctly.
Jenny Lake
Popular among both people and animals alike, beautiful Jenny Lake is another wonderful area to see moose in the wild.
Hikers on the amazing Jenny Lake Loop Trail, one of the greatest hikes in Grand Teton National Park, might see a moose on the lake’s less-crowded west side.
You can hike all the way around the lake, a 7.1-mile loop, or combine your hike with a return trip on the Jenny Lake Boat Shuttle.
Additionally, near the southern tip of Jenny Lake and also bypassed by the Jenny Lake Trail, the appropriately named Moose Ponds are also a great place to see them.
Cascade Canyon
Carved by Cascade Creek above Jenny Lake’s west shore, Cascade Canyon is a Grand Teton wildlife haven.
High above the lake, Inspiration Point is a popular viewpoint reached via a series of switchbacks from the lakeshore. This area is home to numerous golden-mantled ground squirrels, yellow-bellied marmots and American pikas.
Moose also frequently venture up the rocky slopes above Jenny Lake toward the mouth of Cascade Canyon. I saw one while walking back down from Inspiration Point to the Jenny Lake Trail.
Other Places Where You Can See Moose in Grand Teton National Park
As I mentioned above, you may encounter a moose anywhere in Grand Teton National Park’s lower-elevation areas.
They’re especially common near ponds and lakes, as well as along the park’s rivers. In fall and winter, you might also see them grazing in the flats on the east side of the national park.
If you’re unlucky and can’t find any moose at the aforementioned places, you can always try the following areas, too.
- Moose-Wilson Road
- Christian Pond
- Schwabacher Landing
- Gros Ventre River
Moose Safety
Although they appear aloof and even clumsy, moose are, in fact, quite fast and can easily outrun humans. They’re also enormous, with long legs they can use to kick, and severely injure, perceived attackers or threats.
Moose can be surprisingly aggressive, especially during the spring calving season and fall mating season.
This is all to say that you should be careful when observing moose and hiking in moose country.
Park rules say all visitors must stay at least 25 yards from large animals like moose, elk and bison, and more than 100 yards from bears and wolves.
Check out this blog post for a bunch of information on how to act when encountering a moose.
Map of Best Places to See Moose in Grand Teton National Park
More About Grand Teton National Park
- Park Website
- Travel Guide
- Topographic Map
- Best Grand Teton Hikes
- Top Things To Do in Grand Teton National Park
- Where to See Wildlife in Grand Teton National Park
- Best Views of the Tetons
- Names of Major Teton Range Peaks (With Photos)
- Accommodation