Ding & Dang Loop

Dogs No Dogs

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This is a beautiful canyon hike with some challenging sections. There are obstacles in both Ding and Dang canyons but you can get past them by utilizing nearby ledges with a little help from your friends. It is easiest to head up Ding and down Dang. There are a couple of dry falls with bolts. Tying a hand line (bring a 50' rope) is advised to help you and your party get down some of the spicier sections.

If you want something a little more challenging than Little Wildhorse Canyon Trail, give Ding & Dang a shot.

• Check the weather before you go, as being in a slot canyon during a storm can be deadly.
• There may be water in the canyon that you'll have to wade through.
• Rope may not be necessary for the bold, but 50' of rope will be helpful in a couple of technical spots.

To get there, head toward Goblin Valley State Park on Goblin Valley Road. Just before you get to Goblin Valley State Park, turn right onto Wild Horse Road. The road is paved until you get to the Little Wildhorse Canyon Trailhead, after which it's a dirt road for just over a mile until the road takes a sharp turn to the south. The trailhead will be directly on your right in the middle of the curve.

From the trailhead, head up the large wash for about a mile. When you get to a clear ridge where the two trails come together, take the right fork to head up Ding. Follow the wash up a narrow section where you'll see some potholes and dry falls. You can get past most of the dry falls on the right side, and none of them are too difficult.

As you get to the top of the canyon, it opens up and you'll be able to see Ding Dang Dome. After enjoying the view, follow an old road to the left (west) that will drop you into Dang. As the canyon narrows, you'll encounter a set of dry falls that can be a little challenging. There are some 10' drops that could be tough, so remember to use your hand line. You can pass on the ledges on the right, but with a little help from friends (and your rope) you can get past these dry falls.

As you continue down the canyon, you'll hit some chokestones that can be conquered with help again from friends and maybe your hand line. You'll know you've made it to the bottom when the canyon begins to open up in front of you. Follow it left as it makes its way back to joining the section you came in on and the trailhead.