The Vortex is a unique bowl-like formation high up on a sandstone mountain just east of the town of Gunlock, Utah.  We loved the hike to the Vortex more than the actual Vortex itself because the Vortex is basically a steep sandstone pocket and that’s it.  The trail we took to the Vortex was fun and adventurous even though it was steep!  I’ve read reviews on other outdoor adventure websites that say that people easily get lost on this hike.  We had some GPS coordinates and consider ourselves to be decent route finders so we didn’t have much of a problem finding the Vortex.  Just use our GPS coordinates, Map, and any other resources you feel you need it!

There are several trails to get to The Vortex.  We took the west trailhead (Adventurous Route Trailhead in the GPS Coordinates above) and came down a different way.  The Adventurous Route has a very narrow trail that disappears, so you will need to do some route finding.  The Easy Route Trailhead is a little bit shorter and easier to follow and still a good trail, so it really is up to you which way to take.  If you have kids then I would recommend taking the Easy Route.  If you want to try something different and fun then take the Adventurous Route.

The Adventurous Route follows a very narrow trail for a portion and then you will need to make up your own trail.  Keep in mind that this route requires some easy rock scrambling, but if you don’t have sturdy shoes with good grip then this route may not be best for you.

The Adventurous Route begins with a great overlook to where you will be going.  You will go down in two different ravines before making the steep climb on the red sandstone.  At the trailhead we found two dead cows that seemed to have been dumped a while ago.  Bones littered the ground and it was kind of gross to see.  We quickly hiked down to the ravine below and hiked south for  a little ways until we crossed over the dry wash.  There was another narrow trail that zigzagged up the hillside until we came to the top of a hill.  From the hill the trail disappears, but we then hiked to the southeast until we got to the sandstone.

From here, we didn’t know if there was a set route and we didn’t find any cairns marking the path, but we also had downloaded some satellite photo maps so we at least knew where the Vortex is located.  This part was lots of fun and seeing all the different geological surfaces made it look like we were hiking on fossilized dinosaur skin!

The higher we climbed the better the views!  We stopped many times to catch our breath (it was steep!) and check out the amazing views to the west.

There were some steep parts and nothing too dangerous but I would be mindful of everyone in your group if you are climbing up this way.

Eventually we got to the top of the sandstone and hiked along the spine of the mountain until we could see the Vortex in the distance.  It wasn’t too much farther until we came upon it.

The Vortex (AKA the Bowl) is a unique bowl formation that was carved by wind and water.  The bowl is deep, but again, if you have shoes with good grip it’s possible to climb down in it.  The Vortex isn’t the best part of this adventure.  We loved the hike up to the adventure more than the actual Vortex.     The Vortex has some unique colorful lines, spirals, and waves in the sandstone to make it look like the rock is spinning and twirling.

Don’t be deceived by the picture below.   It’s very steep!  I was using my fisheye lens to get more of the Vortex in my view.

Some previous degenerate visitors have vandalized and carved their names into the bowl so it looks trashy and disrespected.

It was very windy and cold during our hike so we came down fast.  We hiked down a different way and enjoyed doing something different and you might too!