How To Hike the Todra Gorge in Morocco (Map & Instructions)
The Todra Gorge hike is one of Morocco’s most breathtaking experiences — a walk between towering red limestone cliffs that rise dramatically above a crystal-clear river. Carved by the Todra River over millennia, this stunning canyon is located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, near the desert town of Tinghir.
Walking through Todra Gorge feels like stepping into another world — a place where sheer rock walls reach up to 400 meters, the air is cool and fresh, and every corner reveals a new play of light and shadow. Whether you’re a casual walker, a photographer, or an experienced trekker, the Todra Gorge hike offers a unique glimpse into Morocco’s wild side.
In this blog, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your Todra Gorge hike — including how to get there, route details, a hiking map, difficulty level, and tips for the best experience.
TODRA GORGE HIKE OVERVIEW
- Start / Finish: Todra Gorge entrance near Tinghir
- Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles (round trip)
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Elevation gain: 350 meters
- Difficulty: Easy to Medium
- Best Time: March to May & September to November
This is a circular or there-and-back hike (depending on the route you choose) through the heart of Morocco’s most famous canyon. The first section follows a paved path alongside the Todra River, while the upper trail climbs to panoramic viewpoints above the gorge — perfect for adventurous hikers.
WHAT MAKES THE TODRA GORGE HIKE SPECIAL
The Todra Gorge (Gorges du Todra) is a geological wonder — steep cliffs of orange limestone form a narrow canyon that glows golden in the morning light. In spring, the river flows strongly, and palm trees thrive along its banks, while in summer, locals and travelers cool off in its refreshing waters.
The lower gorge is bustling with life: Berber vendors selling crafts, children playing by the river, and climbers scaling the massive rock faces that make Todra one of the best climbing destinations in North Africa.
As you walk deeper into the gorge, the canyon narrows until it’s barely 10 meters wide, with walls towering 300 meters above. The air cools noticeably — a welcome relief from the desert heat.
GETTING TO TODRA GORGE
Todra Gorge is located about 15 km (9 miles) from Tinghir, a small town in southeastern Morocco.
By Car
From Marrakech, it’s about 6 hours (330 km) via Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley. From Merzouga, it’s about 3.5 hours (200 km).
The drive is scenic, passing palm groves, kasbahs, and desert villages. You can park near the gorge entrance (small fee).
By Bus or Taxi
CTM and Supratours buses stop in Tinghir. From there, take a shared taxi (10–15 MAD) or a private taxi (80–100 MAD) to reach the gorge entrance.
TODRA GORGE HIKE MAP
Below is a suggested Todra Gorge trail map showing the main route through the gorge and the optional high-level loop.
If you want an offline option, download Maps.me or AllTrails, which both show hiking paths clearly. For a physical map, pick up a High Atlas trekking map in Marrakech or Tinghir.
USING OUR MAPS:
Click the top-right corner to open in Google Maps. Tap the star icon to save it to your account for offline navigation.
HIKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. TODRA GORGE ENTRANCE TO THE NARROWS (30 minutes)
Start at the entrance of the gorge, just after the parking area. The path follows the riverbed — sometimes paved, sometimes gravel — between massive red cliffs.
You’ll pass small stalls selling local crafts and mint tea. Look up to see climbers ascending the vertical walls! The sound of the river and the cool breeze make this section incredibly relaxing.
After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach the narrowest point of the gorge, where the walls rise vertically on both sides. This is the most photographed section of the Todra Gorge — perfect for a short rest and a few pictures.
2. ASCENT TO THE PANORAMIC RIDGE (1 hour 15 minutes)
From the narrows, look for a small path branching up to the right, marked by cairns and sometimes a painted red arrow. This is where the climb begins.
The ascent is steep but rewarding, offering panoramic views over the gorge and the Tinghir palm oasis below. The path zigzags through loose rock and dry terrain, so take your time and bring water.
After about an hour, you’ll reach a plateau with incredible 360° views — the canyon stretching below and the desert hills beyond.
3. DESCENT THROUGH THE BERBER VILLAGES (1 hour 15 minutes)
From the ridge, follow the trail signs leading toward Tizgui village. This part of the hike descends gently through terraced farmland, small Berber homes, and clusters of date palms.
Locals may greet you with smiles and offer mint tea — a lovely chance to experience traditional Moroccan hospitality.
Continue downhill until you rejoin the main road near the Todra River. From here, it’s a 30-minute walk back to the gorge entrance.
WHERE TO EAT AND STAY
Kasbah Restaurant
Located at the mouth of the gorge, this restaurant offers delicious tagines, couscous, and fresh juices with canyon views.
Hotel Aït Oudinar
A cozy, family-run guesthouse near the entrance of the gorge — perfect for hikers who want an early start.
Auberge Le Festival
Set inside the gorge itself, this eco-lodge is carved into the rock, offering an unforgettable stay beneath towering cliffs.
BEST TIME TO HIKE TODRA GORGE
The best time to hike the Todra Gorge is spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November).
During these months, temperatures are mild, the river flows beautifully, and the light on the canyon walls is incredible.
Avoid hiking in the peak summer months (June–August) when the desert heat can exceed 40°C.
Early morning is the best time to start your hike — it’s cooler, and you’ll have the gorge mostly to yourself before tour buses arrive.
WHAT TO BRING
- Hiking Shoes: The rocky terrain requires shoes with good grip.
- Water & Snacks: There are few places to buy supplies along the upper trail.
- Hat & Sunblock: The sun can be intense, especially on the ridge.
- Camera: The light and colors in Todra Gorge are spectacular.
- Layers: Mornings and evenings can be cool, even in warm seasons.
OUR EXPERIENCE
It took us around 4 hours to complete the Todra Gorge loop at a relaxed pace, including plenty of stops for photos and tea.
We started early in the morning when the cliffs glowed orange with sunrise — an unforgettable sight.
The contrast between the calm river walk, the steep rocky climb, and the quiet Berber villages made this one of the most memorable hikes of our Morocco trip.
Whether you’re here for a short stroll or a full-day adventure, the Todra Gorge hike captures the wild beauty of Morocco — a place where desert, mountains, and tradition meet.