Atlas › San Rafael Swell - Eastern Reef
Ding and Dang Canyons
verified
ACA 2A
High flood risk
Goblin Valley / Hanksville, UT
A 5 mile non-technical loop on the Eastern Reef: up Ding, over the divide, down Dang, with a few short downclimbs as the only obstacles.
The classic alternative when Little Wild Horse is overrun. Coordinates are the parking spot; the slot starts about 0.6 mi up canyon. Watch for cairned exits at the divide; navigation between Ding and Dang is the part most parties get wrong. Climb-Utah.com and Candition.com both have route descriptions.
Logistics
| Manager | BLM Price Field Office, San Rafael Swell |
|---|---|
| Permit | No permit required. Dispersed BLM land. Contact BLM Price Field Office (435-636-3600) for current conditions. |
| Distance | 5 |
| Time | 2-6 hr |
| Technical | Rated 2A II (v1a1 II). Ropewiki describes the route as pretty and non-technical, more of a hike with stemming and simple downclimbs. Standard route is up Ding, over the divide, down Dang; a few short downclimbs in Dang are the cruxes. No rappels. |
| Season | Year round, hot Jun-Aug. Winter is often the best window. |
| Flood risk | High. Same Eastern Reef monsoon character as Little Wild Horse; cancel on any forecast rain in the upper basin. |
| Vehicle access | Passenger car on the approach in dry conditions. |
| Crowd | Low to moderate. Less travelled than Little Wild Horse next door despite similar grade. |
| Coordinates | 38.5767, -110.8225 |