The trailhead is reached off of highway 261, which runs from near Natural Bridges south to near Mexican Hat. From the north (highway 95/261 junction) go south about 8.5 miles to mile post 24.1 and 24.1 miles north of the junction with highway 163 if coming from the south.

Walk the old road 0.3 miles to where it ends. From the end of the old road, follow the social/cow trail as it follows the south (left) side of the drainage. In 5 minutes, it crosses over to the right to avoid a dryfall. The Yellow House Ruin is at the bottom of this dryfall and can't be missed from the trail. It is a good ruin, complete with grass lashings.

Continuing down, follow the social trail. A small wall is visible on the right, but not worth the side trip. Not far below Yellow House, the trail passes a good granary just above the stream level. Continue down, keeping an eye on the right for a couple of walls of a poor granary far on the right.

That is it for ruins until near the junction with Grand Gulch. Follow the stream bed down. As it begins quickly dropping and deepening, the first section is an easy downclimb where seeps often start on the left. Just below that, the canyon has a couple of major drops. The most common route here is a slightly intimidating traverse on the left (looking down canyon) around the first. For the second, the social trail goes down to slickrock, then angles down to a 2-ish foot step down off a ledge that gets you to the base and at some house-sized boulders.

From here, look for the best social trails, generally on the right side of the canyon. As of 2025, these seem to be coalescing into a pretty good trail. It is relatively easygoing for a stretch. When you see a notch on the right, a minute or two from the trail, there is also a granary visible straight ahead on a ledge.

Soon after the notch side trip, the canyon starts to drop quickly. This section used to be quite difficult route finding. These days it is still challenging in spots, but a social trail is developing that is helpful. Once near boulders, keep an eye on the trail. It generally stays high on the right to avoid boulder sections but does come down to the canyon floor in spots. This section requires intermediate skills. If you are backpacking, it is strenuous, and I would recommend advanced skills and good fitness!

Once through the boulders, the canyon levels out with a good spring. Green Mask Ruin is easily visible here on the right, a few minutes up from Grand Gulch. (about 2 hours to here.) If you're struggling to find the Green Mask, look up! It is high on the east side, near the spring with a large panel. There is a lot to see at the site. I've visited in the morning and afternoons and prefer midday/afternoon light.

If not doing the loop with Bullet, wandering up or down Grand Gulch before returning is recommended. Down, in particular, has some good ruins within a mile or so. The Thumb, which you may have seen from the Notch Side Trip, is less than a mile upstream and also has a great ruin and rock art.