The Vortex
Posted: Wed May 29, 2024 6:44 pm
The Vortex, whose name is excessively dramatic, is a deep bowl that has been carved into the slickrock by wind, rain, and geologic forces. It sits just inside the Red Mountain Wilderness area between the small town of Gunlock and the Dammeron Valley. The trail head is along Lower Sand Cove Road which is a dirt and gravel road (high clearance not required) that runs in a north-south direction between Gunlock Road and State Route 18. Approximate coordinate are 37.28001,-113.73924.
The route to the Vortex starts of a trail the departs from the west side of the parking area. Here the path is well defined as it drops into the wash and then continues in a south-westerly direction across a relatively flat area dotted with Pinyons and Junipers. Perhaps maybe a 1/2 mile in (I didn't record a track), the path descends ever so slightly into the bottom of another wash before beginning a gradual climb up a shallow redrock valley. Here the formal path disappears but it is quite easy to navigate as a zillion people have been on this route and evidence of them is everywhere. I suppose one could get off track, but you'd have to try some.
Near the head of the shallow canyon, the route veers west and then tops out at a low saddle. Views here are quite nice. Tack hard right here and climb a short distance along the broad ridge until you reach the Vortex. From this vantage, other than appreciating the geologic phenomenon that is the Vortex, you get quite outstanding view north to the Pine Mountains at 10,000+ feet.
Retrace your steps back to the car, drive north to UT 18, and then drive the short distance to Veyo Pies and pick up a Mountain Berry Pie. Then drive back to Silver Reef Brewing Company in St. George for a cold one. Pie and beer. It's a Utah thing.
Pics:
The route to the Vortex starts of a trail the departs from the west side of the parking area. Here the path is well defined as it drops into the wash and then continues in a south-westerly direction across a relatively flat area dotted with Pinyons and Junipers. Perhaps maybe a 1/2 mile in (I didn't record a track), the path descends ever so slightly into the bottom of another wash before beginning a gradual climb up a shallow redrock valley. Here the formal path disappears but it is quite easy to navigate as a zillion people have been on this route and evidence of them is everywhere. I suppose one could get off track, but you'd have to try some.
Near the head of the shallow canyon, the route veers west and then tops out at a low saddle. Views here are quite nice. Tack hard right here and climb a short distance along the broad ridge until you reach the Vortex. From this vantage, other than appreciating the geologic phenomenon that is the Vortex, you get quite outstanding view north to the Pine Mountains at 10,000+ feet.
Retrace your steps back to the car, drive north to UT 18, and then drive the short distance to Veyo Pies and pick up a Mountain Berry Pie. Then drive back to Silver Reef Brewing Company in St. George for a cold one. Pie and beer. It's a Utah thing.
Pics: