The Monkey Fingers hike is a loop walk through the red rock formations of the Dades Gorge, in the High Atlas of southern Morocco. The rounded rocks look like rows of knuckles, which is how they got their name. The trail crosses a river oasis, squeezes through a narrow canyon and climbs to a viewpoint over the valley. This guide covers the route, the time it takes, how hard it is and the best season, so you can fit the Monkey Fingers hike into your trip to the Sahara.
Where the Monkey Fingers hike starts
The Monkey Fingers stand beside the gorge road north of Boumalne Dadès, near the village of Tamellalt. Sources put them about 18 to 25 km from Boumalne, depending on where they measure. Outdooractive starts its route in Tamellalt, where you leave the road and walk down into the river oasis. Other hikers start from the Monkey Fingers viewpoint on the road, which has parking. Our Dades Valley Morocco guide covers the rest of the gorge, from the switchbacks to the kasbahs.
The Monkey Fingers hike route, step by step
From Tamellalt through the river oasis
The loop begins in the green strip of fields along the Dadès River. Outdooractive describes two shallow river fords, then wide paths past a ruined kasbah and a small weir. Families farm these plots by hand, so stay on the paths between the fields. Greet people with a “salam” from our list of Darija phrases, and ask before you take photos. Our guide to Moroccan etiquette has more tips for village visits.
Into the Monkey Fingers canyon
The highlight of the Monkey Fingers hike is the narrow canyon that runs behind the rock formations. Walls rise on both sides, and in places the passage is barely wider than your shoulders. Places Without Outdoors says you have to duck under or scramble over rocks. At one point they even climbed a small tree to continue. The canyon is usually dry. After heavy rain, though, the same authors waded through water.
The viewpoint and the walk back
After the canyon, the trail climbs onto higher ground with wide views over the gorge and the oasis. Pin Your Footsteps describes three ways around the rocks. One follows their base, one runs through the middle of the gorge and one climbs onto the rocks for a panorama. All three join again further on. The way back follows a dry riverbed, and the Outdooractive route returns to the road by a bridge.
How long is the Monkey Fingers hike?
The figures vary a little between sources. Outdooractive gives a loop of 7.2 km with a climb of about 180 m. It lists about 2 hours 25 minutes of walking and a high point of 1,709 m. Places Without Outdoors measured 8.6 km and about 220 m of climbing, and took 3 to 4 hours. Pin Your Footsteps suggests at least 3 hours to walk it comfortably. With photo stops and a tea break, most people spend about three hours on the Monkey Fingers hike.
How hard is the Monkey Fingers hike?
The Monkey Fingers hike is of moderate level. Outdooractive rates it moderate, and Places Without Outdoors says anyone in good physical condition can complete it. The canyon is the hardest part, with some scrambling and careful footwork. The route over the top of the rocks asks for a little more confidence. Guided hike listings say the walk does not suit people with heart or breathing problems or limited mobility. For a bigger challenge in the High Atlas, read our guide to climbing Toubkal, or start with the gentle walks around Imlil.
Should you do the Monkey Fingers hike with a guide?
Experienced hikers can follow the loop with an offline map app, and Pin Your Footsteps mentions Mapy.cz. A local guide still makes the Monkey Fingers hike easier and safer. He knows which branch of the canyon to take, where the scrambling is easiest and when the water is too high. Guided hikes in the Dades Gorge often include mint tea in a nomad cave and a stop in a Berber village. Read about nomad life in a day in the life of a Berber nomad. Our notes on tipping in Morocco explain what is usual for a local guide.
Best time for the Monkey Fingers hike
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, according to Pin Your Footsteps. The days are mild and the light on the red rock is soft. Winter is fine for walking, but mornings and nights can be close to freezing at this altitude. Summer is hot, so start early and finish before midday. Compare the seasons in Morocco in winter, Morocco in November and Morocco in summer. Our best time to visit Morocco guide shows every month.
What to bring on the Monkey Fingers hike
- Walking shoes with a good grip for the rocks and the river fords.
- At least 1.5 liters of water per person.
- A sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, since the trail has little shade.
- A warm layer from November to March.
- A small backpack, so your hands stay free in the canyon.
- Some dirhams for tea and the guide. See cash in Morocco.
Most of this also works for the dunes, so check our lists on what to pack for the Sahara and what to wear in the Sahara desert.
Adding the Monkey Fingers hike to a Sahara tour
The Dades Valley is the usual first night on the road from Marrakech to Merzouga. That makes the Monkey Fingers hike a natural start to the second day. Hike in the morning, then continue east to the Todra Gorge, the fossil town of Erfoud and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. You reach the desert in time for a sunset camel ride in Merzouga and a night in a Sahara desert camp. Our guide to the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara explains the full road.
We can add a guided Monkey Fingers hike to our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour or the 6 day Sahara desert adventure from Marrakech. It also fits longer routes like our 10 day Morocco tour from Marrakech. From Ouarzazate, the Dades Gorge day trip can include it too. To compare trip lengths, read 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech and how much a Morocco desert tour costs.
Monkey Fingers hike FAQ
How long does the Monkey Fingers hike take?
About 3 hours with stops. The loop is about 7 to 9 km long.
Is the Monkey Fingers hike difficult?
It is moderate. The narrow canyon needs some scrambling, but anyone in good physical condition can do it.
Where does the Monkey Fingers hike start?
In the village of Tamellalt, or at the Monkey Fingers viewpoint on the Dades Gorge road north of Boumalne Dadès.
Do you need a guide for the Monkey Fingers hike?
Not always. A local guide knows the canyon well and can choose a safe route after rain.
Can you do the Monkey Fingers hike in winter?
Yes. Winter days are often sunny, but mornings are cold, so bring a warm layer.
Want the Monkey Fingers hike on your way to the Sahara? Message us your dates and we will plan it with you.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to plan your Monkey Fingers hike and the rest of your route to the dunes.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Ouarzazate Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou Morocco, Things to do in Merzouga, Morocco natural wonders, 7 days in Morocco.
