rcwild
06-23-2008, 04:32 PM
Less visited and more challenging than the Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon loop, Ding & Dang Canyons are no less worthy of a visit. Another excellent introduction to San Rafael slots.
Rating: 2A II
Time Required: ~3-5 Hours
Longest Rappel: NA
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Excellent facilities at the near by Goblin Valley State Park; toilets, showers, water… Also primitive camping on the road to the trailhead.
Preferred Season
Year round. Summer can be hot, may be difficult with snow on the ground.
Water Concerns
High flash flood potential. Check the weather.
Special Challenges
None
Equipment Suggestions
Good hiking shoes that can get wet
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Map ‘Little Wild Horse Mesa’
Directions to Trailhead
From Green River head west on I-70 to Exit 147, Utah Hwy 24. Go south on Utah Hwy. 24 about 28 miles to the Temple Mountain Road. Turn right here and proceed west a little over five miles to the Goblin Valley Road coming in from the left. Go south on the Goblin Valley Road a little over six miles. A dirt road takes off to the right here circling around the northern edge of Wild Horse Butte (pt. 5760). After about a mile and a half a dirt track comes in from the left (Wild Horse Creek). Stay right here and continue down the dirt road (sandy in spots) another four and one half miles to the Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon trailhead. The Ding/Dang trailhead is about another mile down the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Continue down the road about a mile beyond the Little Wild Horse parking lot. The road takes a sharp turn south at this point. Park here. A little less than a mile up the wash you will see the mouth of Ding Canyon coming in from the right.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
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Description: Standard Route
It will be easier to ascend Ding Canyon, and descend Dang Canyon. You will encounter some great narrows, some easy climbing moves to overcome obstacles in the canyon, and perhaps some wading through potholes. After exiting Ding Canyon bear left, staying along the cliffs of the back side of the reef passing behind the "Ding Dang Dome". Drop into the top of Dang Canyon and continue your hike.
Variation
You can reverse the route, ascending Dang and descending Ding. This may present some more difficult climbing obstacles.
Exit
Dang Canyon comes out of the Reef and opens up into a wide wash. Follow this wash back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Rating: 2A II
Time Required: ~3-5 Hours
Longest Rappel: NA
Permit Information
No special permits required for canyoneering.
Camping/Lodging
Excellent facilities at the near by Goblin Valley State Park; toilets, showers, water… Also primitive camping on the road to the trailhead.
Preferred Season
Year round. Summer can be hot, may be difficult with snow on the ground.
Water Concerns
High flash flood potential. Check the weather.
Special Challenges
None
Equipment Suggestions
Good hiking shoes that can get wet
Topographic Maps
USGS 7.5' Map ‘Little Wild Horse Mesa’
Directions to Trailhead
From Green River head west on I-70 to Exit 147, Utah Hwy 24. Go south on Utah Hwy. 24 about 28 miles to the Temple Mountain Road. Turn right here and proceed west a little over five miles to the Goblin Valley Road coming in from the left. Go south on the Goblin Valley Road a little over six miles. A dirt road takes off to the right here circling around the northern edge of Wild Horse Butte (pt. 5760). After about a mile and a half a dirt track comes in from the left (Wild Horse Creek). Stay right here and continue down the dirt road (sandy in spots) another four and one half miles to the Little Wild Horse/Bell Canyon trailhead. The Ding/Dang trailhead is about another mile down the road.
Trailhead UTM Grid Coordinate
- -
Approach
Continue down the road about a mile beyond the Little Wild Horse parking lot. The road takes a sharp turn south at this point. Park here. A little less than a mile up the wash you will see the mouth of Ding Canyon coming in from the right.
Canyon Entry UTM Grid Coordinate
--
Description: Standard Route
It will be easier to ascend Ding Canyon, and descend Dang Canyon. You will encounter some great narrows, some easy climbing moves to overcome obstacles in the canyon, and perhaps some wading through potholes. After exiting Ding Canyon bear left, staying along the cliffs of the back side of the reef passing behind the "Ding Dang Dome". Drop into the top of Dang Canyon and continue your hike.
Variation
You can reverse the route, ascending Dang and descending Ding. This may present some more difficult climbing obstacles.
Exit
Dang Canyon comes out of the Reef and opens up into a wide wash. Follow this wash back to your car.
Canyon Exit UTM Grid Coordinate
- -