Reaching the trailhead has about 2 miles on a two-track dirt road. I would recommend medium clearance, though in most conditions you don't need high clearance or four wheel drive. This could be walked if needed, adding about 4 miles round-trip.

From Mexican Hat, drive east on US-163 North for about 4 miles. Turn left onto UT-261 North and continue for just under 1 mile.

Turn left onto UT-316 West toward Goosenecks State Park and drive for half a mile to where a good dirt road leaves on the right. This is the Johns Canyon Road.

Turn right onto Johns Canyon Road and follow it for about 2.6 miles to where a side road leaves on the left. Turn onto this rougher two-track road. Folllow it for 1.9 miles to where a short spur road leaves on the right and descends down to the Honaker Trailhead.

From the trailhead, the trail begins its descent immediately, with several switchbacks in short order. After a few quick switchbacks, it begins a long traversing descent to The Horn, about a mile from the trailhead.

The Horn is a flat rock outcropping. To walk out on it requires an easy step across a gap with immense exposure. Not for the timid! It is a dramatic spot and a frequent turnaround spot for rafters hiking up from the river.

From The Horn, the trail gets more dramatic and a bit more difficult. The trail drops through a cut, then begins a few short, steep switchbacks before making a long traverse downstream to a few more switchbacks through the cliff bands. The trail then traverses upstream and down to the San Juan River proper.

Even though I have hiked the trail a couple of times, I always marvel when looking up at the cliffs from the river. What a route to engineer! It looks improbably even after hiking it.

Return the same way.