Hiking The Vortex in Southern Utah

Hiked The Vortex on our anniversary trip to southern Utah, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. If you’ve never done it, I highly recommend adding it to your list.

It’s not the most clearly marked trail out there, so you’ll want to keep an eye out for the cairns and probably have a decent hiking app handy to stay on track. But that’s part of what makes it fun. It feels a little more like an adventure and a little less like a crowded, well-worn path.

And once you get out there, the scenery makes the extra effort worth it. Southern Utah has a way of reminding you how big and wild the landscape really is.

If you go, just take your time, follow the cairns, and enjoy the experience. It’s a great hike.

The Vortex Hike Utah

The Vortex, March 2, 2026

Abel and Julie at The Vortex, March 2, 2026

The trail to The Vortex can be difficult to follow. Keep your eyes open for carins.

The mini vortex, a stone throw away from The Vortex. (March 2, 2026)

The last trail marker on the way to The Vortex.

Adventures in Central and Southern Utah

This weekend I was able to accompany some youth, including my oldest son, on a church sponsored trip to Central and Southern Utah to do some hiking. Photos from the adventure are below.

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Little Wild Horse Slot Canyon, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Little Wild Horse Canyon, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh.

Little Wild Horse Canyon, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh.

Wild Horse Butte, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Wild Horse Butte, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Goblin Valley, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Goblin Valley, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Goblin Valley, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Goblin Valley, Utah. June 14, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. June 15, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. June 15, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. June 15, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah. June 15, 2018. Photo by Abel Keogh