Like a Movie Scene
Schwabacher Landing is a photographer’s favorite. It’s one of the most popular locations in Grand Tetons National Park near Jackson, Wyoming.
The Landing offers a full, unobstructed view of the jagged, snow-capped Tetons framed by spruce and cottonwood trees. If you arrive before dawn, you can marvel at the glorious sunrise colors playing onto the glowing majestic peaks mirrored in the placid waters of the Snake River at your feet.
The location is named after a family of German immigrant settlers. The Schwabachers arrived in the late 1800s and established a homestead in the area. Beaver dams altered the course of the nearby Snake River creating a tranquil landing.
This boat landing provided vital river access. It allowed fur trappers and traders a means of entry to the remote wilderness and abundant wildlife of the Teton Range.
Over time, the fur trade waned, and Schwabacher Landing transitioned into a homestead and ranching area. Today, it is celebrated for its natural beauty, attracting photographers, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife observers.
It remains one of only four locations in the park where the Snake River can be easily accessed by fishermen, canoeists and rafters. Moose, pronghorn, mule deer, and bald eagles are commonly seen in the immediate vicinity of the landing.
Privately owned tour companies provide guided fishing and rafting trips commencing from the landing. The immediate area is also a popular spot for wedding parties. Above the landing, along the main highway, there are additional vistas of the Teton Range.
The 2010 Shot
I was privileged to first witness a sunrise at Schwabacher Landing back in 2010. I had never heard of it, but the workshop leader said it was a remarkable, hidden gem.
Out of the ten photographers on that 2010 workshop, only friend and fellow photographer Jon Christofersen and I joined our leader for a last morning of photography at Schwabacher. The rest were too exhausted and slept in.
After a short walk, we arrived to find a non-photographer sitting in a folding chair waiting to enjoy the sunrise. Jon and I set up our tripods in the tiny landing space and composed our shots. A little later, another photographer arrived, and we weaved our tripod legs together to make room for him.
The sky was severely clear (boring) that morning, so my favorite image was taken in the blue hour and featured star trails.
The Shot from September 23, 2024
When I returned to Schwabacher Landing with friends Jon Christofersen and Mike Loebach last month, we were again the first to arrive. After that, we noticed some differences.
The Landing had been cleared with room for dozens of photographers. And as dawn approached, the space was filled with camera buffs.
After taking this Friday’s Photo, we packed up and walked back to the parking lot. There must have been a hundred photographers lined up along the Snake with an equal number of tourists with camera phones enjoying the show. How times have changed.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus