Todra & Dades Gorges
Sheer limestone canyons between the High Atlas and the Sahara: climbing walls, Amazigh villages, and the most photographed switchbacks in Morocco.
Two gorges, one road south
The Todra Gorge, reached via the town of Tinerhir, is a narrow canyon whose limestone walls rise dramatically on both sides of a clear river — with a road and walking path running through the narrowest section. It is one of Morocco's best-known rock-climbing areas, with bolted routes covering the cliffs, and an easy, unforgettable walk even for non-climbers.
The Dadès Gorge, further west, is wilder and more winding: a valley of sculpted red rock, fortified villages and the famous Monkey Fingers formation, climbing to the spectacular switchback road above the valley — the hairpins photographed on countless Morocco itineraries.
Both gorges sit on the classic route between the High Atlas and the Merzouga dunes, which is why almost every Sahara itinerary passes one or both. They deserve more than a photo stop: a night in a valley guesthouse, a morning walk, and dinner overlooking the cliffs turn a transit day into a highlight.
Highlights
- Todra's narrowest section — walk the road and river path between the towering walls.
- Climbing — hundreds of bolted sport routes; local guides and gear rental in the village (arranged on request).
- Monkey Fingers — the Dadès valley's sculpted rock towers, best in morning light.
- The Dadès switchbacks — viewpoint stops above the famous hairpin road.
- Valley guesthouses — family-run stays with terraces over the river and home cooking.
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal — mild days, full rivers, green valley floors. Summer midday heat is strong in the canyons; winter nights are cold but days are often clear and superb for walking.
How we visit
The gorges feature on our Merzouga desert trips and Classic Morocco tour — or ask for a dedicated walking day with a local guide.
Where they are
Todra via Tinerhir, Dadès via Boumalne — canyon country between the Atlas and the Sahara. Drag to explore.
Put the gorges in your route
Tell us your dates — we build the gorges into your Sahara or south itinerary.