Winter in Grand Teton National Park can be brutally cold. These cold temperatures create thick layers of ice on Colter Bay. This layer offers unique winter recreation, including ice fishing, hiking, and snowmobiling.

I set out hiking across Colter Bay one morning. It was unusually warm, and the sun was shining bright. I wanted to capture a picture of the far side of this peninsula. I had never seen the peaks from that angle and was quite determined to do so.

I got about halfway out when I crunched through the top layer of ice. Slush covered my boot. A wave of panic rushed over me. The sunny, warm conditions could have easily melted enough ice, and I could now be in trouble. Luckily, I hadn’t broken through the ice. I turned back to shore, but not before I snapped this photo.