Monkey Fingers Dadès Gorge - Morocco
“Courage doesn’t mean you do not get afraid. Courage means you do not let fear stop you.” - Bethany Hamilton
“Every single thread of hope is still a powerful thing. Grab onto it with both hands and never let go.” - Lorri Faye
“Treat others as if they are already the shining light you know they will become.” - Mary Davis
Navigating Morocco’s Mystical Monkey Fingers Canyon
There is something profoundly liberating about packing a map, grabbing the keys to a rental car, and just driving into the heart of Morocco. The crowded medinas and bustling souks are unforgettable, but if you truly want to trade your worries for wonder, you have to head toward the mountains.
On our recent Moroccan road trip, Ginger, Maria, and I pointed our wheels toward the rugged landscapes of the Dadès Gorge. Our mission? To track down a geology marvel known locally as the "Monkey Fingers" (or Les Doigts de Singe). What we found was an incredible 5-mile trek that packed slot canyons, ancient history, and lush hidden oases into one single, unforgettable morning. [1]
If you’re looking to add an epic day hike to your Moroccan itinerary, here is exactly what it’s like to lace up your boots and explore this hidden gem.
Into the Orchards and Forgotten Castles
We began our trek right from the valley floor, stepping into a world that felt completely removed from the arid desert roads we’d been driving on. The trail first winds through a vibrant, shaded oasis fed by the Dadès River. We found ourselves walking under the canopy of hundreds of olive, apricot, and walnut trees. The air smelled crisp, earthy, and sweet—a perfect contrast to the stark red rock cliffs towering directly ahead of us.
As the trees began to thin, the trail brought us face-to-face with Morocco’s storied past. Standing silently against the canyon walls were three abandoned, ancient kasbahs. Walking through these crumbling mud-brick fortresses felt like stepping back in time. You could easily imagine the generations of travelers who looked up at these exact same cliffs centuries ago.
Squeezing Through the Slot Canyons
Leaving the ancient village behind, the real adventure began. The wide valley walls suddenly collapsed inward, swallowing the trail and forcing us into a series of incredibly narrow slot canyons.
If you love active, hands-on hiking, this section is pure paradise. We scrambled over smooth boulders, maneuvered through tight passageways where you could touch both canyon walls at once, and watched the Moroccan sun filter down through the narrow cracks above, painting the rock in deep shades of amber and rose. It’s a subterranean labyrinth that forces you to live completely in the moment—there’s no room for worry when you're figuring out your next footstep.
Face-to-Face with the Monkey Fingers
Eventually, the slot canyons opened up to reveal the main event: the Monkey Fingers themselves.
These unique rock formations are a masterclass in natural erosion. Over millennia, wind and water have sculpted the red conglomerate rock into massive, rounded pillars that look exactly like giant fingers clawing out of the earth. Standing at the base of these towering, melted-looking cliffs makes you realize just how small we really are. We spent a long time just staring up at the formations, completely awe-struck by the strange beauty of the landscape. [1]
The Perfect Finish
After logging 5 dusty miles of scrambling, climbing, and exploring, we finally looped back to our starting point. Our bodies were tired, our boots were caked in red dust, and we were thoroughly baked by the afternoon sun.
Fortunately, our incredible host had the ultimate remedy waiting for us. We ended the day by kicking off our hiking boots and diving straight into their backyard pool. Floating in the cool water while looking up at the massive, sun-drenched Monkey Fingers rock formations was the definition of absolute bliss.
Morocco has a million beautiful sights to see, but renting a car and finding our own way to the hidden corners of the Dadès Gorge reminded us why we travel in the first place. Out here, between the narrow canyon walls and the ancient stones, life gets beautifully simple.
Until the next trail, hike more and worry less!
Monkey Fingers Hiking Tips for Your Trip:
Getting There: Renting a car gives you total freedom. The drive into the Dadès Gorge from Ouarzazate or Marrakesh is highly scenic but winding, so take your time.
Navigation: The trail through the slots and the village isn't always clearly marked. Consider downloading an offline GPS map or hiring a local guide at the gorge entrance to ensure you don't miss the entry points to the narrowest slot canyons.
Footwear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip. The rock inside the slots can be slick, and you'll be doing plenty of light scrambling.
Rock the Kasbah