A Disappearing, Distinctive Park Feature
Until recently, buck and rail fences, or buck and pole fences, we found commonly throughout Grand Teton National Park. One of the most commonly photographed section of buck rail fences ran along the highway just west of Triangle X Ranch. The fence line traversed the rolling the terrain and provided a terrific year round subject. The majestic Teton range rose from the Snake Rive—and the fence provided a distinctive and memorable foreground subject.
This is a Harrison Crandall painted postcard showing the Old Jackson Hole Road. The caption on the back reads, “The Old Jackson Hole Road” which follows the east border of the Valley. Fences of the “buck and pole” type such as these are remnants of early days and are still a distinctive feature.” Another postcard featured a buck rail fence and included this caption, “The Tetons from Park Headquarters—Fences of the “buck and pole” type such as these, are a remnant of the early ranching days, and are still a distinctive feature of Jackson Hole scenery. (Security Lithograph Co, San Francisco, CA)
In late May of 2014, the Park Service removed the historic old buck rail fences in front of Triangle X and began installing new treated fence posts.
By June 15th, the completed fence looked like this. Since the new fence was completed, I see far fewer photographer stopping to take pictures the Triangle X location.
In earlier years, it was very common to see a dozen photographers taking advantage of the location. This photographer was shooting over the fences, but I believe most included it.
A buck rail fence consists of a “cross-buck” and three to six rails. Abundant Lodgepole pine trees supplied the raw materials.
It is always worth getting up early to capture the Tetons at first light. Throw in a little history in the foreground, and you’re set!
This panoramic image was taken a few miles north of Triangle X Ranch. This section of buck rail fences is still in place, but it is deteriorating. (click the image to see it much larger)
This section of the old fence was taken just north of Triangle X Ranch in January of 2015. By mid summer, it was gone, and the new style fence took its place.
Okay, the current fence isn’t exactly ugly, but it lacks the romantic flavor and historic significance of the previous fences. What do you think? Comments welcome!
Most of the shots I took of the old fence were probably captured in the winter. The fence stands out against the snow better and there’s often a cornice of snow in the deep crevice. In the summer, there are lots of opportunities and locations available to photographers, however in the winter, access is severely restricted. This location has a pull-out next to the highway, making it a safe place to get off the road.
This shot was taken long before sunrise during the pre-alpenglow period.
There are still buck rail fences sprinkled around the Park. Look for them at the old Shane Cabin (Luther Taylor Cabin) and the Chapel of the Transfiguration. There is a nice section near the Cunningham Cabin, and a few sections along the highway near Moose Head Ranch. There are still a few sections near the Kelly Warm Springs. The only remaining highway buck rail fences are north of Snake River Overlook. A buck rail fence lines a portion of the Inner Park Road near the Taggart Lake trail head. The boundary fences along the Gros Ventre Campground has also been removed. I am not sure if the fences along the western portion of Antelope Flats road was installed by the Park Service or by private land owners, but a few new sections have recently been replaced there. The trend definitely seems to be removal over replacement.
Your help, donations, and support could bring back a few of the historic fences! The Grand Teton National Park Foundation, along with the support of Grand Teton National could fund the replacement of sections of the old fences. I’d like to think this post could help bring this subject to their attention. I’ve included just a few of my images of the fences above, but would love to include YOUR images on the page, along with your comments. Please, take a minute and make a comment—and if you have a favorite photo of the fences, send them to me via email at info@tetonimages.com. I’ll try to post as many as I can.
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