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Tony Grove - Bunchgrass, 12 October, 2025

The Bunchgrass Creek via Tony Grove and White Pine Canyon hike was both our last summer outing and first winter outing.  Snow had fallen at Tony Grove the night before and we hiked through 1-2 inches of snow on the trail.  There were lots of oohs and ahhs as we enjoyed the contrast of snow-covered meadows with the brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds of aspen trees.  Shortly after the second crossing of White Pine Creek on slippery logs, we stopped for lunch at the beaver pond.  After lunch we were treated to the sight of an eagle flying quickly up the canyon through one of the large meadows.  Unfortunately, no one was able to capture a picture of the eagle with a camera. Some wondered if it was the same eagle we’ve seen before in that meadow.  Everyone was dressed for the cooler temperatures and the snowy and muddy trail conditions, which were a welcome relief from the hot and dusty conditions on the trail earlier in the season.  As one hiker remarked at least a dozen times, “It was a perfect day.”

Trip Summary:
  • Nine Cache Hikers: Brent L., Dave P., Kamren, Ralph, Richard, Sue, Susan, Teresa, and Kathy (leader)
  • Drove 30 miles to Tony Grove Lake while leaving a "shuttle" car at Bunchgrass Creek along the way.
  • The group arrived at Tony Grove Lake at 9 am with a temperature of 29 degrees. Skies were cloudy with very occasional sun peeping through interspersed with falling graupel until the very end of the hike when we enjoyed sunshine and blue skies. 
  • We arrived at the Bunchgrass parking on US 89 at 3 pm with temperatures in the mid 40’s. 
  • After a car shuttle, the last car arrived at Smith’s parking lot at 4:20 pm following waits at two traffic lights that limited travel on the highway because of road construction.

Thanks to Kathy for the narrative and photos, Dave P, Richard, Susan and Ralph for photos, and Ralph and Teresa for GPS data.

Ready to start
Hiking north from Tony Grove Lake

The sign is still missing at the Mt Naomi Peak NRT/White Pine Lake trail junction 
This is a favorite wildflower meadow in summer

Aspen trees along the trail
 Nearing the high point of the hike
Mount Gog viewed from the start of the descent into White Pine Canyon

Mount Magog viewed from White Pine Creek


Crossing White Pine Creek
 Approaching the White Pine - Bunchgrass Canyon trail junction

Descending White Pine Canyon
 Colorful aspen trees in White Pine Canyon

Hiking down a White Pine Canyon meadow with Mount Gog in the background

Lunch in White Pine Canyon


Lower elevations on the approach to Bunchgrass Canyon meant less snow on the ground
 Goring pond in Bunchgrass Canyon
Near the end of the hike, looking toward US-89
Our GPS track shows about 10.5 miles with about 800 feet of ascent and 2500 feet of descent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.