Ding & Dang Canyons - Class 3
May 2010
This was an interesting day since I still had my cast on from my broken wrist that happened the previous month just before finals (writing with my left hand was fun). James and I figured these two canyons would be fairly straightforward and since it was a loop with two canyons it sounded cool. If I recall correctly, we went up Ding and returned via Dang Canyon. The trailhead for these canyons is along the Wild Horse Road which is a well graded dirt road that heads right off the Goblin Valley Road just before the entrance station. There are many great places to camp along this road at the base of Wild Horse Butte and it was along this road I fell in love with Utah when I ventured into the San Rafael Swell for the first time in October 2008.
Now, in 2010, I was back. These two canyons are the next canyons to the west of the very popular Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop. It was actually a cloudy day and kind of dreary and reminded me of home in WA. Ding Canyon on our was up I remember being very easy, with just a couple scramble spots. Nothing too hard for a cripple. Once we reached the back side of the reef, we followed the old double track road west passing around Ding Dang Dome along the way. I have heard this dome is an awful climb and was recommended against it. Although I still may want to climb it in the future. We crested and began descending into the upper part of Dang Canyon. At first it was easy, but we came to a 20 foot slide with a handline. Had I been able to use my right hand it would have been no problem but I ended up having to slide down trying to control myself with just my left hand. It worked out ok but we had caught up to a large group of people and their looks towards me were priceless.
Further down the canyon narrowed and we reached a long but shallow section of water. Everyone was working on stemming above it but I was forced to take off my shoes and wade. Wasn't a big deal. We eventually reached the end of the loop and hiked the dry wash back to the car. Only took about half the day. That afternoon the sun was coming back out and I took for photos of the beautiful Wild Horse Butte. This large mesa is still unclimbed.
Now, in 2010, I was back. These two canyons are the next canyons to the west of the very popular Little Wild Horse and Bell Canyon loop. It was actually a cloudy day and kind of dreary and reminded me of home in WA. Ding Canyon on our was up I remember being very easy, with just a couple scramble spots. Nothing too hard for a cripple. Once we reached the back side of the reef, we followed the old double track road west passing around Ding Dang Dome along the way. I have heard this dome is an awful climb and was recommended against it. Although I still may want to climb it in the future. We crested and began descending into the upper part of Dang Canyon. At first it was easy, but we came to a 20 foot slide with a handline. Had I been able to use my right hand it would have been no problem but I ended up having to slide down trying to control myself with just my left hand. It worked out ok but we had caught up to a large group of people and their looks towards me were priceless.
Further down the canyon narrowed and we reached a long but shallow section of water. Everyone was working on stemming above it but I was forced to take off my shoes and wade. Wasn't a big deal. We eventually reached the end of the loop and hiked the dry wash back to the car. Only took about half the day. That afternoon the sun was coming back out and I took for photos of the beautiful Wild Horse Butte. This large mesa is still unclimbed.
Proudly powered by Weebly