The San Rafael Swell is an interesting geological feature in Utah. It is a 75 mile x 40 mile anticline, An Anticline is a geological term for a rock bump that formed into a dome shape made of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The anticline is between 40-and 60 milion years old. The swell covers 2000 square miles of public land. It is a vast area of sweeping panoramas, sandstone formations, geologic masterpieces, deep canyons, desert streams, and so much more.

We visited two different areas along the San Rafael Swell.  The night we camped outside of Goblin Valley State Park, and the next day we hiked Ding and Dang canyons. This is a slot canyon hike. Slot canyons are narrow canyons formed by water rushing through the rock. As a result, they form a slot in the rock. They are always significantly deeper than they are wide, and depending on when you go, they can be filled with water.

Ding and Dang are located on a side road just past the more popular and accessible Bell and Little Wild Horse canyons. I personally don’t like crowds when I hike. Luckily for us, the road to Ding and Dang was very muddy, which stopped most people from going to the trailhead. When we arrived at the trailhead there was one other car; perfect! We ended up traversing the canyons with the only two other people on the trail.

 

Hiking slot canyons can be dangerous and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Rains and storms in other areas can cause life threatening floods, so check the weather closely. Technically, these canyons are considered easy to moderate, however they do require a some experience.

Hiking slot canyons isn't for everyone. It this is a little too adventurous for you, try one of the other milder canyons or go into Goblin Valley State Park. There is something there for everyone. If you want info on other more famous slot canyons visit Earth Trackers.

 

References:

Utah.com

Goblin Valley State Park

Ding and Dang