Yes,
you look just to find the object or to calculate distance to it, and also if you need to get a distance what accuracy you need?
The simple way is to use TOF method. When you sent a ultrasonic beam the signal should be returned from any object behind the beam. Depending from the distance to the object, and material off course the object dimension you will receive a signal with different amplitude.
You can use specialized chip that is design to be used in range finders. The accuracy is not grate, but I think for your need will be good, see TL851/TL852 chips. This is the easy way