The trail begins at the signed trailhead near the Red Rock Visitor Center and District Ranger Station. It is level and unshaded as it follows a jeep road into the wide canyon mouth for 1.25 miles. The road ends and the trail continues, climbing gradually. There are views of the vegetation-covered slopes of mesas on either side. At 2 miles, the trail crosses a small, usually dry streambed with red rock pools, climbs out, passes through a cattle gate, and comes to a signed fork. Hot Loop Trail heads left to the top of Horse Mesa. Take the right fork to continue on Woods Canyon Trail into the canyon.

The Woods Canyon Trail enters Munds Mountain Wilderness and continues its easy climb, passing some redrock formations on the left. It enters the occasional shade of pine and sycamore as it approaches and then follows Dry Beaver Creek. At 3.5 miles, the trail emerges on a picturesque expanse of redrock at the edge of the normally dry creekbed which is studded with huge, gray boulders. Continue on for another 3/4 mile for some nice redrock views as the trail climbs on a moderate grade out of the creekbed. This is a good place to turn around although a path continues further into the canyon. Return by the same route.