Gorges de Dades is a climb of 3.5 kilometers (category 1). Gorges de Dades tops out at 2,042 m above sea level. It is located in Iminouarg, n/a, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب. The average gradient is 5.3% with a maximum of 13.3%. The climb has 187 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: This Category 1 climb has a very uneven profile. The difficulty is concentrated in three steep sections (6%-7%) between km 1.0-2.0 and 2.5-3.0, separated by two almost flat stretches (0%-1%). This string of surges after recovery sections makes pacing demanding.
Tips for managing your effort:
1. Anticipate the surges: Use the flat parts (KM 0.5-1.0 and 2.0-2.5) to recover, and tackle the 6-7% sections with a soft gear.
2. Ride in intervals: Push hard on the steep ramps and ease off on the flats to save energy.
3. Manage your overall pace: Don't be fooled by the easy start. Most of the elevation gain (112m out of 187m) comes between KM 1.0 and 3.0.
For cyclists who have ridden it, the Dadès Gorges climb is often described as a short but spectacular ascent. The road, recently resurfaced and well maintained according to riders' reports, winds through a landscape of red and ochre rock in improbable shapes, giving the feeling of riding through a movie set.
The highlight of the route is the famous series of switchbacks, photographed from the Timzzillite Chez Mohamed restaurant at the top. Riders say the view from there is unbeatable and iconic, with a jaw-dropping panorama of the snaking road and the valley below, a well-earned reward after the effort.
The experience isn't perfect for everyone, though. Some reports mention fairly regular traffic, with cars that can pass uncomfortably close. It calls for constant vigilance, especially on the narrower sections. Other cyclists find the climb shorter and less memorable than the nearby Todgha Gorges.
Beyond the climb itself, the gorges are presented as a gateway to wild, authentic nature. Many riders recommend exploring on foot, following the trails that dive into the canyon toward formations like the "monkey fingers", to discover the true scale of this unique geological site.
3.5 km • 187 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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