Monkey Fingers Canyon hike near Boumalne Dades

Navigate boulder-strewn canyons shaped like giant fingers of stone.

A private guided hike and rock climb through Monkey Fingers Canyon near Boumalne Dades, where eroded rock formations resemble fingers rising from the gorge floor. The route crosses natural obstacles (large rock blocks wedged into the canyon) over roughly an hour, includes a tea break in a traditional Berber house and a photo stop at the Grand Plateau, and is led by a local guide fluent in English, Spanish or French. Children from age 5 are welcome. The tour suits hikers of all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and explore Monkey Fingers Canyon

• Hike through Monkey Fingers Canyon
• Observe unique finger-like rock formations
• Enjoy panoramic views of Dades Gorge
• Optional tea break in traditional Berber house
• Photo stop at Grand Plateau viewpoint

The experience

The canyon is 1 km long and takes 45–60 minutes to traverse, but the time is spent moving through a landscape that looks like nothing else in the region. The Monkey Fingers rock formation is the draw: eroded rocks that have split and rounded into finger-like shapes, with massive blocks wedged into the gorge itself. You navigate around and over these obstacles as part of the hike, so the journey becomes as much about the scramble as it is about the view.

Your guide is a local expert who speaks English, Spanish or French and knows the safest lines through the rock obstacles. Partway through, you'll stop at a traditional Berber house for tea with a local family: a chance to sit and take in the gorge from a different angle. Later, the route leads to the Grand Plateau, a high vantage point where the canyon opens up and the finger formations spread across the landscape. This is the photo stop, the moment to step back and see what you've just climbed through.

The hike is private, so the pace and the timing are yours. Pickup is included, and the tour runs 3 to 6 hours depending on how much time you spend at each stop and how the terrain feels that day. Service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• Scenic return hike along a hillside trail.
• tea break with a local family in a traditional Berber house.
• photo stop at the Grand Plateau.
• private local expert guide.
• private guided rock climbing and hiking adventure through the canyon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We offer two meeting options: City Center of Boumalne Dades for easy access if you're unfamiliar with the area. Atlas Gorge Dades Hotel if you’re staying or arriving there.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Dades Trekking

Is this one for you?This tour is private, so you set the pace through the canyon and the time spent at each stop. Book it if you want to scramble through rock formations without a group, or if you're traveling with children and need a guide who can adjust the route to their comfort level.

Traveler reviews

4.64★★★★★★★★★★

11 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What are the Monkey Fingers rock formations actually like when you're standing in front of them?

The Monkey Fingers are eroded rocks that have split and rounded into finger-like shapes, rising from the canyon floor with massive blocks wedged between them. The formations create a dramatic, sculptural landscape that you navigate through as part of the hike, not just view from a distance.

How difficult is the rock climbing part of this hike?

The climbing involves navigating natural obstacles like large rock blocks and boulders within the canyon, but the tour is designed for hikers of all fitness levels. Your private guide will show you the safest route through, and children from age 5 can join.

What's included in the price of this private hike?

The tour includes the scenic hike through the canyon, a tea break with a local family in a traditional Berber house, a photo stop at the Grand Plateau, a private local guide, and pickup from your location.

How long does the whole experience take?

The tour runs between 3 and 6 hours depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the stops. The canyon itself takes 45–60 minutes to traverse.