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After spending the previous day in, around, and above Ernie Canyon we packed up camp and drove south to hike Ding and Dang Canyons. Perfect spring weather in the desert but unfortunately it was U.E.A. weekend so the masses were out in full force. When we arrived at the Ding Dang trail head there were already 6 cars parked in the wash, in my two previous trips to these canyons we had only seen one other car at this trail head. So the secret is out.

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The hike begins up a sandy wash after hiking just under 1 mile the wash does a perfect split. Ding is to the right and Dang to the left. Ding is Canyon is really easy going with jsut a few drops and dry falls but nothing serious. Dang on the other hand is filled with 10-12 foot drops. All information I have found on this canyon says to go up Ding and down Dang. I disagree

A. I would much rather climb up then down.
B. If you hke up ding, around past the dome, and then back down Dang and find the drops to be beyond your abilities you would need to retrace your steps and that would be much further the just going up Dang.

You are welcome to do whatever you want. Just make you you take a 20′ piece of rope, are prepared for the chance of water in the slot, and that you have checked the weather before entering either of these canyons.

April hiking into Dang Canyon

Ding and Dang dont mess around, one moment your in a wash next moment your entering this slot.

April showing of her mad bouldering skillz by pausing for a photo while free climbing a 10′ dryfall.

another climb…

Best way to bypass the large dry fall in the upper end of the canyon.

Upper end of Dang Canyon … crazy.

After hiking up Dang we headed north towards Ding canyon. The trail goes between the back side of the San Rafael Reef and The Ding Dang Dome.

Then we started down Ding Canyon.

Looking up Ding Canyon.

The wonderful slot in Ding Canyon.

The end of the slot.

Looking back into Ding Canyon.

Final departing shot of Ding Canyon.