As we rounded a bend in the road, the towering rock formations of Dadès Gorge loomed ahead – sculpted by centuries of erosion into what looked like the outstretched fingers of a giant monkey. It was truly a fascinating rock pattern to behold.
Overview of Dadès Gorge
Located near Tamellalt, Dadès Gorge is a natural wonder well worth a stop en route to Merzouga or as a full-day trip if you love hiking. The gorge is home to several popular trails, with the Monkey Fingers Trail being one of the most famous. For families like ours who love adventure, the Monkey Fingers Trail was a thrilling opportunity to explore these stunning formations up close. We spent an entire day hiking in the area, and we’re so glad we did.
Hiking the Monkey Fingers Trail
The Monkey Fingers Trail offers a fun and challenging hiking experience with stunning rock formations, deep canyons, and breathtaking views. The trail takes you through a variety of terrains, including gravel paths, narrow canyons, and rocky surfaces that require some scrambling.
Directions to the Monkey Fingers Trail
- Drive to Hotel Kasbah Ait Marghad, where you’ll find free parking on the main road.
- From the hotel, take a dirt path that leads down to a lush green area. It’s easy to spot this vibrant green patch, which stands out against the reddish-brown canyons and dry earth.
- Continue until you cross a bridge, then follow the path along the stream. Be cautious of smaller, branching paths, which can lead you off the main trail.
- Soon, you’ll see the entrance to the canyon, marking the beginning of the Monkey Fingers Trail.
While the path is generally clear, we visited after recent rains, so some parts of the trail were slippery and had small streams. Be prepared to scramble over rocks to avoid wet feet!
Inside the Canyon
The moment we entered the canyon, we were astounded by the sheer scale of the “monkey finger” formations towering above us. Our boys had a blast, running ahead, scaling the sides of the canyon walls, squeezing into large crevices, and climbing over rocks. As we ventured further on the trail, the canyon floor narrowed, and we found ourselves scrambling over small blouders and ducking beneath overhangs.
After about 20 minutes, we reached an enormous boulder blocking the path. We may have been able to continued, but we decided to turn back for safety reasons. Although we enjoy trails that require some scrambling and steep inclines and declines, we are not experienced hikers. This was our first slot canyon, and the recent rain made the rock faces slippery and dangerous, and the boys were becoming a bit restless. Neither of these conditions was conducive to a fun or safe hike.
In the end, we followed the trail back to the beginning, enjoying the views of the Monkey Finger formations along the canyon’s ridge.
Monkey Trail Canyon Loop
For those who do press on, the entire Monkey Fingers Canyon Loop is approximately 8km (or 5 miles). Maps can be found at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/morocco/dades-gorge-and-monkey-fingers-canyon-loop
Practical Tips for Families
- Trail Difficulty: The trail is fun but can be challenging, with some sections requiring scrambling over rocks. Be ready for a more hands-on adventure!
- What to Bring: Given the rocky terrain and possible wet conditions, sturdy shoes are a must. Wear something with a good grip. Bring plenty of water and snacks!
- Guide Availability: While we preferred to hike independently, there are plenty of local guides available to lead the way.
- Safety Considerations: Be mindful of slippery rocks, especially after rain. Watch your footing and keep an eye on young children, as the narrow paths along the canyon ridge can have steep drop-offs.
Dadès Valley Switchback
Once you finish your hike, head further into Dadès Gorge (beyond Tamellalt) for the Dadès Valley Switchback for a thrilling driving experience. Like a racing scene straight out of the Disney movie Cars, this winding road is known for its hairpin turns as it curves up the side of the mountain. Then once you reach the summit, stand in awe of the panoramic views of the gorges and the winding road below.
Where to Stay
After hiking, we returned to our hostel in Tinghir, Le Retour au calme Maison d’hôtes, about an hour from Dadès Gorge. This was our first time staying in a hostel with kids, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. The small room with three beds and a private bathroom had a fantastic community atmosphere. The boys loved playing ping pong and interacting with the friendly hosts and other guests.
The hostel also included a delicious Moroccan breakfast and access to a communal kitchen for lunch/dinner prep. The large breakfast, which included crepes, cakes, cheese, yogurt, and omelets, was so filling that we often didn’t need lunch.
Downsides: The Wi-Fi was a bit unreliable, and there were extra charges for heating in the room, which can be a factor to consider during the cooler months.
If you’re looking for more traditional accommodations, there are also hotels and Airbnb options in nearby Tamellalt.
The Monkey Fingers Trail in Dadès Gorge is a must-see for families looking for a fun and active adventure in Morocco. The stunning rock formations, canyon views, and hiking through such a unique landscape will make for lasting memories.
Though the trail is challenging, it’s still accessible for families, especially those with older kids. And if you’re travelling with younger children or looking for a less intense hike, there are plenty of other activities and trails in the area to explore.
Whether you’re planning a day hike or a longer adventure, Dadès Gorge is a beautiful and memorable spot to add to your Moroccan itinerary.
Looking for More Places to Explore in Morocco?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 27-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary
• Exploring Marrakech Medina with Kids
• Day Trip to Setti Fadma: A Waterfall Adventure
• Camel Trekking in the Sahara: A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget
