Ding and Dang Canyons form a fun, technical loop that requires minimal gear. There are no rappels throughout either of the canyons, but be prepared for plenty of scrambling and down-climbing (some of the drops are up to 10 – 20 feet). We would recommend hiking up through Ding Canyon (when the trail splits in two stay to the right) and making your descent through Dang. After hiking a short distance up the wash from the parking area, you will reach the mouths of both of the canyons, immediately adjacent to one another. Follow Ding Canyon up the right. The trail will lead you through the canyon, open to the desert for a time, and then lead you back down through Dang Canyon.

Although the canyon is technically a dry canyon, it is prone to flash flooding. Keep an eye on the weather as you prepare for your trip. Oftentimes, water will get trapped in the slots, even if it has not rained recently. Be prepared to either wade through the water or stem your way over it. In Ding Canyon, none of the water was above our knees. In Dang Canyon, it was at chest level. And trust us, that water is cold!

The ascent through Ding Canyon requires plenty of scrambling and almost no down-climbing. As you make your descent through Dang Canyon, though, be prepared to carefully make your way down large boulders. Early on in Dang Canyon, someone has left a rope with knots along it to assist you in making one of the first descents. For the other down-climbs, a rope is not necessary, but can be helpful.

Slot2Ding and Dang Canyon was well worth the 3 hour drive to southern Utah. While you’re down there, though, we would recommend extending your trip a day and checking out the Bell Canyon/Little Wild Horse Loop. This 8 mile hike is not as technical as Ding and Dang, but just as mind blowing, if not more so.

If you’re willing to drive down to Hanksville from Goblin Valley (about 20 minutes), we would also recommend you drive down to Stan’s Burger Shak. After a long day of hiking, this was the perfect place to recuperate and chow down before we made our trek home. Not to mention they have some of the best fries and shakes I’ve ever had. Let us know what you thought about Ding and Dang Canyon. We would love to hear from you!

• From the town of Green River, follow I-70 W for 11 miles.
  
  
• Take exit 149 onto Highway 24. Follow this for 24 miles.
  
  
• When you reach mile marker 136, you will see a signed turn-off for Goblin Valley State Park. Signs will continue to lead you toward the park.
  
  
• After 11 miles, you will see a signed turn off, directing you towards the trailhead for Little Wild Horse Canyon. Follow the dirt road for 5.3 miles to the Little Wild Horse Canyon Trailhead.
  
  
• Continue past the trailhead for another 1.3 miles until you reach another wash. A small parking area adjacent to a stand of cottonwood trees is located on the west side of the road.
  
  
• This last 1.3 mile of dirt road should be accessible to most vehicles in good weather, but be prepared to hike in from the Little Wild Horse Trailhead if it has rained recently and you do not have 4 wheel drive.

Trail Length: 5 mile loop

Time: approximately 4 hours, depending on the size of your group and experience level

Difficulty: Moderate. Not recommended for families with small children.

Gear:  30 foot rope recommended but not necessary