At mile marker 141.6 on highway 24, take the side road on the west side of the highway through the gate. This is about 26 miles north of Hanksville, or 18 miles south of I-70 if coming from Green River.

Pictograph Side Trip (30 minutes)
If you are interested in visiting rock art, there is an excellent small pictograph panel just east (downstream) from the trailhead. From the trailhead, head east down Iron Wash, this is away from the reef. It is wide, sandy, and open.

In less than 1,000 feet, just before the wash bends to the right, look for a small overhang on the left at the base of the cliff. There is a small rock art panel under the overhang. Though small, I think it is fascinating and a unique spot to find rock art.

To Lone Man Draw (3.6 miles / 1-1.5 hours)
From the trailhead, follow the sandy wash and cross the log fence indicating the canyon is closed to vehicles. Just past the fence, on the right, is a cave and old signature. The cave shows smoke on the ceiling and was likely used for millennia as shelter by ancient people.

The canyon begins in Navajo sandstone and soon deepens. The towering walls become red Wingate as the canyon winds deeper into the eastern reef. In 1-1.5 hours the canyon opens at the backside of the reef and a junction is reached where Lone Man Draw comes in on the right. Left continues up Iron Wash proper and ends in several large pools in 20 minutes or so. This is a nice destination.

For those up for the full loop, go right at the junction and start up Lone Man Draw.

Lone Man Draw (4.1 miles / 1.5 hours)
Lone Man Draw is wide and shallow. Hike up it, keeping an eye on the Wingate wall to the right. Though not spectacular, Lone Man Draw does have a surprising number of trees and seasonal seeps in sections.

When past the Wingate wall on the right, Lone Man Draw begins heading due north and away from the reef. A junction here with a prominent side wash makes a good spot to leave Lone Man Draw. Work up the side wash, passing a few minor obstacles until reaching the ridge. The ridge provides a good view down into Ernie Canyon. From the ridge, find and follow and an old trail that casually meanders down to the bottom of Ernie. This was likely either a motorcycle trail or bicycle trail at one point.

Ernie (3.9 miles)
Hiking down Ernie Canyon, the canyon quickly deepens as it enters the reef. An old mining road on the left is a good landmark. Just past it on the next bend are the remains of an old mining cabin on the right. Look up high on the north (left) side of the canyon from the ruins to see an arch.

Continuing down the canyon, it passes through Wingate and into the more shallow Navajo before exiting the reef and reaching a log fence.

Back to Iron Wash via the Dirt Road (4 miles)
After the log fence, follow the road a short distance down the wash. Continue on the road as it leaves the wash and begins heading back to the Iron Wash trailhead. Take a right at the junction just after leaving the wash, then again 2 miles later. It is about 4 miles from the log fence in Ernie back to the trailhead at Iron Wash.