The Vortex

After leaving the parking lot, follow the trail and rock cairns down a steep hill composed of basalt lava rock. The well-defined trail tapers off once you reach the bottom of the hill and into a sandy wash, a few junipers provide shade.After crossing the wash the trail disappears, but a series of cairns lead you southwest to a slickrock slab. Begin ascending the slickrock, following rock cairns and natural pools along the way. As you near the summit, the west ridgeline will be on your right. Nearing the summit, a light scramble will lead you to the top of the ridgeline where once on top you'll see the Vortex below and right.Cairns mark the way haphazardly but are helpful in guiding you up to the actual Vortex site. The formation is of course a highlight, but the whole hike is worth it, even if you don't make it all the way to the Vortex bowl. Whenever you feel satisfied, turn around keep an eye out for the cairns that lead back the way you came.