Bridge Trailhead
Go south out of Hanksville on highway 95 about 26 miles to its junction with 276 to Bullfrog. Go on 276 toward Bullfrog/Ticaboo for 4.5 miles to the bridge over Trachyte Creek. There is a spur road right before the bridge on the left that provides a good parking spot.

For all other trailheads, continue on highway 276. The trailheads are at the following mile markers:

• Maidenwater - Mile Marker 9.6
• Trail Canyon - Mile Marker 10.1, with a large parking area and gravel pile next to the highway on the right.
• Woodruff Canyon - Mile Marker 12, with a small spur road and decent camping
• Swett Canyon - Mile Marker 13.4, limited parking on the highway shoulder.

Bridge to Witch's Cauldron (~ 4.6 miles / 2-3 hours)
From the bridge, head down the now wide and rocky Trachyte. A small falls is encountered as the stream cuts through a layer of sandstone. This first section is not particularly interesting. A major side fork comes in on the right after about an 1.5-2 hours (3.2 miles). Continuing down, the side canyon of Munchin comes in on the left. It is not particularly noteworthy from below, and is followed shortly by Witch's Cauldron. About 1.3 miles up Witch's is a dryfall and stunning cathedral area. Though visiting the Cauldron is a long side trip (2.6 miles round trip), it is worth the effort.

Witch's Cauldron To Maidenwater (~ 1.7 miles / 1 hours)
Below Witch's, the canyon becomes deeper and more interesting. A major side canyon comes in on the left 1.2 miles downstream from Witch's Cauldron. This is the lower end of YBR. It is over 2 miles up canyon one way to any obstacle. Along the way are several good springs and camp areas.

0.5 miles downstream from YBR, the lovely Maidenwater Canyon comes in on the right. It is easy to spot. MOST of the time you can easily exit it up to the highway though some years floods scour out a small pool 1/2 way up to the highway that is difficult to climb. Either way, there are springs not for up from Trachyte if water is needed. There is good camping at the mouth, and a hike up the first mile or so from Trachyte is a lovely side trip.

Maidenwater to Woodruff (3.6 miles / 2+ hours)
Below Maidenwater, Trail Canyon comes in on the right in just a few minutes. Trail provides the easiest access back to the highway, though is not very pretty. Beginners may want to use Trail as the exit. There is good camping near the mouth of Trail, and springs in the area.

From Trail down, the canyon becomes much more entrenched, with towering walls. Water is plentiful and running most of the time now. Side canyons come in on the left. These can make great camping areas, or wandered up and used as access to the slickrock benches above.

Woodruff Canyon comes in abruptly on the right after a stunning section of springs seeping out of the canyon walls. Going up Woodruff is the recommended exit, though has one short relatively easy fifth class climbing section. Beginners will want a rope. See the Woodruff write-up for details.

Woodruff to Lake Powell (~ 2+ miles / 1+ hours)
1.75 miles down canyon from Woodruff is the high water mark of Lake Powell, and Swett canyon coming in on the right. Up Swett is a good loop for experienced desert rats. There are a few pools and chockstones that can be problematic for beginners.

Lake Powell is just down from Swett, and can take a few minutes to 20 minutes or so to reach depending on current lake level. There is pretty good camping near the lake.