Tony Grove

Located just off US Highway 89 within Logan Canyon (Cache County) Utah, Tony Grove is known for its pristine alpine lake. The nature trail that circles the lake is easy enough for the most novice hikers and provides beautiful vistas of the lake and towering mountains. The surrounding Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provides splendid backcountry hiking and cross-country skiing for those seeking more adventure.

Tony Grove was a favorite hiking and cross-country skiing location when my husband and I were first married and lived in Utah. We visited Tony Grove in 2018 when we returned to the area for the Grand Teton Half Marathon and again this summer during our Utah State University grad school reunion. Four of our friends with whom we’d nordic skied in these very mountains were with us again, this time for a hike around the lake. 

We arrived at Tony Grove, named for the “tony” socialites who summered at the lake in the 1800’s, decked out very differently than the original visitors. For the women, huge skirts, blouses with stand-up collars, corsets, and petty coats were replaced with casual hiking shorts and t-shirts, and tight pointy-toed shoes were replaced with sturdy hiking boots. Bug spray and sunscreen was applied liberally, two items not available in the 1800’s.

 

Boomers Doing What Boomers Do

There were no envelopes at the pay station and we had no change for the $15 fee so we wrapped a $20 bill in a piece of paper with our license plate state and number written on it. Additionally, we placed a note inside our windshield stating that the money could be found in the payment tube. Of course, none of the younger hikers seemed worried that there wasn’t a convenient way to pay and it wasn’t until later that we realized that the park honors national park passes so we didn’t need to pay at all.

 

Hike Overview
  • • Location: Tony Grove Nature Trail in Logan Canyon, Utah
    • Start/Finish: trailhead parking lot
    • Course Type: loop
    • Course Surface: dirt and rocks
    • Distance: 2.12 miles
    • Moving Time: 44:42
    • Average Pace: 21:04 minute/mile
    • Elevation Gain: 62 feet
    • Elevation Range: 8,047 to 8,112 feet
    • Weather: 84° and partly cloudy
    • Date of Hike: July 1, 2025
    • Start time: 12:03 PM

 

Making Our Way Around Tony Grove Lake

It was another picture perfect low-humidity Utah day, perfect for hiking with our friends around Tony Grove Lake where I first fell in love with quaking aspen way back in 1981. The flowers around the lake were absolutely stunning, bringing back fond memories of lupine and Indian paintbrush from our days of living in Utah.

My first stop was at the restroom where it had all of the amenities of a porta potty, including hand sanitizer instead of running water.

 

The scent of fresh mountain air and the initial scene of the crystal-clear glacial lake brought me back to my early 20’s when this was just a quick ride up into the mountains, a much under-appreciated trip at the time.

 

Our group of ten walked counter clockwise on the gravel nature trail that circles the lake, spread out at first until we regrouped. We continued the hike much the same, staying at our own paces and regrouping occasionally.

 

I mostly stayed in front to get pictures of the trail and surrounding landscape without humans in the frame.

 

As we made our way north along the trail we got a little closer to the lake before moving into meadows. In a short while we would be hugging the lake on the far side where the trail butts up to the shore.

 

Peak bloom of the flowers in the meadows along the trail is mid-July to mid-August and even though we were on the early side of the season, the flowers were stunning.

 

Now heading south, sweeping views of the lake and mountains were unbelievably beautiful and we couldn’t help but to stop often for pictures.

Photo credit: Callene

A section of the trail has rocks and roots so despite the magnificent views, hikers need to watch their step.

 

What’s a hike without a group picture, especially when these friends don’t get to see each other very often!

 

A few benches are scattered along the trail for weary hikers.

 

The trail hugs the lake as it makes its way south toward the beach and picnic area. I didn’t check, but I bet the water is cold!

 

Four of the five Utah State University grad school buddies at the end of our hike.

 

Flowers of Tony Grove

The meadows surrounding Tony Grove Lake were absolutely stunning showing off their variety of color. Known for vibrant wildflowers during the short summer season, they didn’t disappoint during our trip. Some of the flowers we saw included lupine, Indian paintbrush, columbine, elephants head, and glacier lilies.

 

Animals of Tony Grove

Not pictures are the elusive moose, weasels, beavers, porcupine, and coyotes that call Tony Grove home. According to a sign at the trailhead, about two hundred years ago grizzlies, mountain lions, wolves, and mountain sheep all lived in the area until early settlers moved in and hunted these animals to prevent them from killing their livestock. Additionally, those pelts were used for warmth and trade. These animals were unable to survive or moved on to safer grounds.

 

Garmin Stats

Garmin map and elevation graph…

 

Final Thoughts on Hiking  Around Tony Grove

As I mentioned earlier, Tony Grove was a favorite hiking location when we lived in the area. My husband and I were both very much looking forward to our hike with our friends and the scenery didn’t disappoint. In fact, it seemed far more beautiful than we remembered. Anytime we’re visiting Cache County, Utah a hike around Tony Grove Lake would be at the top of our agenda. 

 

Questions
  • • Do you use hiking poles? ~ We have them, but never remember to get them out of our car.
  • • Would you have gone out of your way to pay $15 even if there were no payment envelopes available? ~ absolutely
  • • Where do you prefer to hike, barren deserts, mountains, or lush forests? ~ all three