Gorges du Dadès is a great riding destination in Morocco. The road stretches 160 km (100 mi) and connects Ouarzazate, which is in the east, to Tineghir and the Todra Gorge.
The road along the canyon of the Dadès River is called the R704 and is usually regarded as one of top 5 most dangerous roads in the world due to its steep gradient and hairpin turns. A gorge carved by the Dades River separates the Atlas and Anti-Atlas (Lesser Atlas) mountain ranges.
The winding road offers magnificent views of the gorge and historic kasbahs, as well as beautiful desert landscapes and palm groves. The route runs perfectly to let you take in the views from both sides.
The best way to reach the gorge is from Boumaine town, which is 116 km (72 mi) from Ouarzazate and 53 km (32 mi) from Tinerhir.
How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it? The winding R704 stretches over 160 km (100 mi) from Quarazate to Tineghir and the Todra Gorge.
Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way? There are plenty of places to stay along Gorges du Dades and the nearby towns of Tinghir and Ouarzazate, camping is also a possibility.
Interesting sights on the route? This route offers beautiful landscapes, excellent hiking trails and historic kasbahs. Visitors can also go to nearby sights such as the Marrakech Sahara Desert and Todgha Gorge, a canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains.
What is the best time of year to travel the route? The best months to visit the lower valleys are March-May but, if you want to visit the mountains, you should go between May and July.
Is the route ever closed over winter? The road is open year-round but, due to snowfall, can be impassable at times.
Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route? There aren’t many petrol stations along the route but there are a few on the N10 and in Tinghir.
Photo credit – Paul Barker Hemings / CC BY Photo credit – James Merhebi / CC BY Photo credit – Rosino / CC BY 