The Dades Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved over millions of years by the Dades River as it descends from the High Atlas, its walls of sandstone and limestone rising 200 to 500 metres. It is one of Morocco's most photographed drives, combining the tightly coiled switchback road (the 'serpentine') north of Boumalne Dades, the surreal weathered pillars known as the 'Monkey Fingers' near Ait Arbi, and a string of Berber villages and earthen kasbahs along the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs'. As of 2026 the gorge remains a free public road with no entrance ticket, and most travellers visit it as a half-day to full-day stop while crossing between Ouarzazate and the Sahara at Merzouga.
The serpentine switchback road inside the gorge north of Boumalne Dades, best seen early in the morning for light and fewer crowds
Canyon walls whose sandstone and limestone strata shift from deep red to dusty pink through the day
The 'Monkey Fingers' (Doigts de Singe) weathered rock pillars near the village of Ait Arbi
The 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' between Ouarzazate and Boumalne, dense with earthen fortresses
Berber villages, terraced fields along the river, and in spring the Damascus roses of the nearby Rose Valley (El Kelaa M'Gouna)
Good to know
SafetyThe switchback road inside the gorge is narrow with tight bends and steep grades. Drive in daylight, and note that beyond the paved hairpins the surface becomes rough, where a 4x4 is a real advantage. After rain, watch for flash floods and rockfall in the wadi bed.
SeasonSpring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable. Winter (December to February) is cold and snow can block the higher passes toward M'Semrir, while the lower valley is very hot in summer. At roughly 1,500 m and above the day-to-night temperature swing is large, so bring a warm layer.
RulesThe gorge road itself has no entry ticket, but viewpoint cafes and some kasbahs may charge a small fee. In the busy spring and autumn seasons, book CTM or Supratours buses to Boumalne Dades in advance. Confirm all fares and timetables close to your trip.
MannersThis is a conservative rural region; covering shoulders and knees is the respectful norm. Always ask before photographing local people, especially women, and give tips in dirhams rather than euros or dollars.
CautionBe wary of strangers who offer to 'help' or guide you and then steer you into a carpet shop, argan cooperative, or store to pressure a purchase. Agree the price before boarding any grand taxi or tour (around 400 MAD for a day charter is a common reference, but confirm the latest), and beware drivers who refuse the meter or overcharge.
SafetyPast Boumalne Dades, ATMs, fuel stations, and mobile signal thin out quickly. Withdraw enough cash and fill up before entering the gorge, and download offline maps beforehand.
Practical info
The gateway town is Boumalne Dades, about 2 to 3 hours from Ouarzazate along the N10 and served by CTM and Supratours buses. From Boumalne the gorge road (R704) runs north, reaching the switchback viewpoints in roughly an hour; where public transport does not reach, use a grand taxi, rental car, or tour. There is no set entrance fee to pass through the gorge, but cafe viewpoint and kasbah charges and bus timetables should be checked for the latest information before you go.
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