Between the High Atlas and the Sahara lies one of the most beautiful roads in Morocco. It climbs from the town of Boumalne Dades into a valley of red and ochre cliffs, green terraces, almond and walnut trees, earthen villages and old kasbahs, then twists up a cliff in a series of hairpin bends that has become one of the most photographed roads in the country.
This guide covers everything about the Dadès Gorge road: where it is, the highlights along the way, the famous zigzag road, the Valley of Roses, the nearby Todra Gorges, where to stay, the best season, and how the Dadès Valley fits into a tour from Marrakech to the Sahara.
Where is the Dadès Gorge?
The Dadès Valley runs along the southern side of the High Atlas, between Ouarzazate and Tinghir, on the road from Marrakech to the desert. The gorge itself starts at the small town of Boumalne Dades, where a road heads north into the mountains, following the Dadès River upstream.
| From | Approximate driving time to Boumalne Dades |
|---|---|
| Ouarzazate | about 2 hours |
| Marrakech | about 6 to 7 hours over the High Atlas |
| Tinghir (Todra Gorges) | about 1 hour |
| Merzouga | about 4.5 to 5 hours |
This is why the Dadès Valley is the perfect place to spend the first night on the way from Marrakech to Merzouga: it splits a very long drive into two comfortable days.
Highlights along the road
The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
The road from Ouarzazate to Boumalne is often called the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Along the river you pass earthen kasbahs and ksour, some restored, many slowly returning to the earth, surrounded by palm trees and fields.
The "Monkey Fingers" rocks
A few kilometres into the gorge, the cliffs form strange rounded rock formations that look like fingers or the folds of a brain. Locals call them the Monkey Fingers. There are short walking paths between them, a nice stop to stretch your legs.
Green terraces and Amazigh villages
Below the red cliffs, the valley floor is a ribbon of green: small fields, poplars, fig, almond and walnut trees. Villages built in earth and stone cling to the slopes. In spring the almond blossom and the fresh green fields are beautiful.
The famous zigzag road
Further up the gorge, the road climbs a steep slope in a series of tight hairpin bends. Seen from above, from the cafés at the top, it is one of the most spectacular road views in Morocco, and a favourite of photographers, cyclists and car lovers. The narrowest part of the gorge, with high walls close on both sides, is just beyond.
Photo tip
Stop at the top of the hairpin bends for the classic view down the zigzag road. The light is best in the morning or late afternoon, when the cliffs glow red.
Kelaat M'Gouna and the Valley of Roses
West of Boumalne, the town of Kelaat M'Gouna is the centre of the Valley of Roses. Damask roses grow along the fields, and the town is known for rose water, rose oil, creams and soaps. Every year in spring, usually in May, a Rose Festival celebrates the harvest with music and celebrations. If your trip is in late April or May, the hedges of pink roses along the fields are a lovely sight.
The Todra Gorges, its neighbour
About an hour east of the Dadès, near the town of Tinghir, the Todra Gorges are the other great canyon of the region. Here the cliffs are very high and very close together: in the narrowest part, the walls rise straight up on both sides of a path only a few metres wide. A shallow stream runs through it, and climbers come from all over the world for its rock walls.
Most desert tours visit both gorges: the Dadès on the first afternoon or evening, and the Todra the next morning on the way to Merzouga.
| Dadès Gorge | Todra Gorges | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | A long valley with a scenic mountain road | A short, dramatic canyon with very high walls |
| Best for | Driving, viewpoints, villages, the zigzag road | A short walk between the cliffs, climbing |
| Time needed | 2 to 3 hours, or an overnight | About 1 hour |
The mountain loop between the two gorges
For adventurous travellers, a mountain road continues north from the Dadès Gorge to Msemrir, then crosses high plateaus to Tamtattouchte and down through the Todra Gorges. It is a wild and beautiful route through Amazigh villages and nomad areas, but parts can be rough and conditions change with the weather. It is best done in a 4x4 with an experienced local driver, and only when the road is in good condition. Ask us when you plan your trip.
Where to stay in the Dadès Valley
The gorge has many small hotels and guesthouses, some built right above the river with terraces facing the cliffs. Sleeping inside the gorge is quieter and more scenic than in Boumalne town. Evenings are calm, and dinner is often a tagine on the terrace. Nights can be cool, even in spring and autumn, and cold in winter.
Best time to visit
- Spring (March to May): green fields, almond blossom and the roses of Kelaat M'Gouna. The most beautiful season.
- Autumn (September to November): warm days, golden poplars, very pleasant.
- Summer (June to August): hot in the valley but cooler than the desert. Visit early or late.
- Winter (December to February): clear skies and cold nights. Snow can fall on the high Atlas passes, so travel with a local driver who follows the conditions.
How to include the Dadès in your trip
The Dadès Valley is on almost every desert route from Marrakech:
- Day 1: Marrakech, the High Atlas and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, night in the Dadès Gorge.
- Day 2: Morning in the Dadès, the Todra Gorges, then Merzouga and a night in the desert.
See our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech, our 4-day Marrakech to Fes tour and our 5-day tour. On a private tour, you choose where to stop, how long to stay and which hotel to sleep in. Read also Marrakech to Merzouga: what you see on the road and How many days do you need in Morocco?
Practical tips
- Bring a warm layer: the gorge is higher and cooler than Ouarzazate.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Monkey Fingers and the Todra walk.
- Carry some cash: small villages and cafés rarely take cards.
- Ask before photographing people, especially women and children in the villages.
- Mountain roads are narrow and winding. If you are prone to car sickness, sit in front and ask for regular stops.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dadès Gorge worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most scenic valleys in Morocco and the natural stop between Marrakech and the Sahara. The zigzag road, the red cliffs and the green valley make it a highlight of the trip, not just a stop.
Dadès or Todra: which one should I visit?
Both, if you can: they are only an hour apart and very different. The Dadès is a long scenic valley and road; the Todra is a short, dramatic canyon you walk through.
Can I drive the Dadès Gorge road myself?
The main road up the gorge is paved, but narrow and winding with steep bends. Many travellers prefer a local driver, especially for the mountain loop towards the Todra, which needs a 4x4.
When is the Rose Festival?
The Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna usually takes place in spring, around May, at harvest time. Dates change each year.
How long should I spend in the Dadès Valley?
One night is ideal on the way to the desert. Two nights let you walk in the gorge, visit villages and do part of the mountain loop.
Keep reading: Marrakech to Merzouga: what you see on the road · Erg Chebbi: the dunes of Merzouga · Sahara desert tours