Dades Gorge & Monkey Fingers: Guided Trek from Roses Valley

Summary

Hiking Morocco’s wild canyons with a guide from Dades to Roses

You’ll walk Morocco’s Dades Gorge and Monkey Fingers canyon with a local guide who knows every story behind those red rocks. Expect quiet moments in wild landscapes, glimpses of daily life in Roses Valley villages, and plenty of time for questions or just listening to wind in the stones. This trek leaves you feeling like you’ve really touched something old and real.

What’s the experience like?

We started out in the Dades Gorge, just after sunrise — that kind of blue morning where the rocks still hold onto the night’s chill. Our guide, Lahcene, waved us over with this easy smile and pointed out how the cliffs looked like giant hands reaching up (I guess that’s why they call them “Monkey Fingers”). I tried to snap a photo but honestly, it never looks quite right on screen. The air smelled faintly of wild thyme, and you could hear goats somewhere above us, their bells echoing off the stone.

Lahcene kept stopping to show us tiny things I’d have missed — a bird darting between crevices, or some plant whose name I’ve already forgotten (he laughed when I tried to repeat it in Berber). We passed two women carrying baskets along the path; they nodded at us and kept moving, their scarves bright against all that red rock. The hike itself wasn’t too tough — just enough scrambling to make me feel like I’d earned lunch later. At one point we sat in silence while he explained how these valleys formed over centuries. It’s strange how quiet it gets out there, except for wind and your own breath.

By midday we reached part of the Roses Valley — everything suddenly greener, with little streams trickling through. Some kids waved at us from behind an almond tree. The sun was sharp by then but not unbearable; Lahcene offered dates from his pack and told stories about his childhood here. I didn’t expect to feel so connected to a place just by walking through it with someone who knows every bend and stone. Even now, sometimes I catch myself thinking about that silence between words as we walked back toward the village — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Trek Dades Gorge and Canyon Fingers

• Meet professional guide
• Hike Dades Gorge
• Explore Canyon Fingers of Monkey
• Learn about local nature and geology
• Discover local history and culture
• Interact with Dades valley inhabitants

Top questions

How long is the trek through Dades Gorge?

The exact length isn’t specified but it’s suitable for all fitness levels and includes stops for nature and history along the way.

Is pickup included for this Dades Gorge tour?

The tour includes pickup arrangements as part of your day.

Are professional guides provided on this trek?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by an official local guide throughout the trek.

Can people with limited mobility join this hike?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves some trekking over uneven ground.

Are service animals allowed on this excursion?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the trek.

Does this day trip visit both Dades Gorge and Roses Valley?

Yes, you’ll explore both Dades Gorge (including Monkey Fingers) and parts of Roses Valley.

What wildlife or plants might we see on this trek?

You may spot birds native to the region and learn about local plants from your guide.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Public transportation options are available close to the starting point of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided trek through Dades Gorge and Monkey Fingers canyon with an official local guide who shares stories about geology, nature, birds, and village life in Roses Valley; pickup is arranged for you so there’s no stress getting started.