Ding and Dang Canyons Loop in San Rafael Swell BLM, UT

Hike Ding and Dang Canyons Loop San Rafael Swell BLM, UT

Class 3 6.3 miles 700 gain 3-5 hrs Loop Jun 1, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Ding and Dang Canyons Loop GPX Track

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We took the popular nontechnical Ding and Dang Canyons Loop, starting up Ding Canyon. The canyon had some minor Class 2/3 typical canyon obstacles and gorgeous narrows. The canyon begins to open up toward its head, but the views are still great. We made it to behind the San Rafael Swell on a social trail that would lead west to Dang Canyon. We entered Dang Canyon, which has more obstacles than Ding Canyon and I thought was a bit more interesting. The Class 3 downclimb had a rope on our visit, and it would would be a little scary without the rope. I might recommend going up Dang Canyon and thereby reversing our loop, just in case the rope isn't there and you're not confident down-climbing. Eventually Dang Canyon opened up and we followed the trail back to the junction with Ding Canyon. Both canyans can hold some water, so either expet to get a little wet or plan on stemming over the wet sections.

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Ding and Dang trailhead.
Ding and Dang trailhead.
Follow the wash/trail.
Follow the wash/trail.
Starting up Ding Canyon.
Starting up Ding Canyon.
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Pretty narrows section within Ding Canyon.
Pretty narrows section within Ding Canyon.
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Ding Canyon opens up, but there are still lots of interesting potholes, obstacles, and rock features to the head of the canyon.
Ding Canyon opens up, but there are still lots of interesting potholes, obstacles, and rock features to the head of the canyon.
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Exiting Ding Canyon.
Exiting Ding Canyon.
Behind the reef, going from Ding to Dang.
Behind the reef, going from Ding to Dang.
Entering Dang Canyon.
Entering Dang Canyon.
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Beautiful narrow section of Dang Canyon to come. The walls have a really crazy downward twist.
Beautiful narrow section of Dang Canyon to come. The walls have a really crazy downward twist.
Michael coming down the Class 3 section, but a rope was in place, making this a lot easier.
Michael coming down the Class 3 section, but a rope was in place, making this a lot easier.
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One section where stemming was required to avoid the water.
One section where stemming was required to avoid the water.
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Exiting Dang Canyon.
Exiting Dang Canyon.
Dang Canyon meets back up with where you entered Ding Canyon. Head back the way you came.
Dang Canyon meets back up with where you entered Ding Canyon. Head back the way you came.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!