Gorges de Dades is a climb of 4.3 kilometers (category 1). Gorges de Dades tops out at 2,042 m above sea level. It is located in Tilout, Drâa-Tafilalet ⴷⴰⵔⵄⴰ-ⵜⴰⴼⵉⵍⴰⵍⵜ درعة تافيلالت, Maroc ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ المغرب. The average gradient is 5.3% with a maximum of 8.7%. The climb has 227 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty breakdown: Over 4.3 km at an average gradient of 5.3% and 227 m of elevation gain, this climb demands a sustained effort but is manageable for a regular cyclist. The km 0.0-0.5 section at 0% gives you a chance to settle in before the road ramps up from km 0.5-1.0 at 6%. The hardest stretch is km 2.5-3.0, at 8%, followed by easier sections at 4% over km 3.0-3.5 and 3.5-4.0. The final section, km 4.0-4.3, is a descent at -3%, offering a bit of a breather near the end of the climb.
Pacing tips:
1. Don't go out too hard Use the flat km 0.0-0.5 section at 0% to find your rhythm before the 6% pitches that follow.
2. Manage your effort on km 2.5-3.0 At 8%, this is the toughest section: keep a smooth cadence and an appropriate gear, and don't mash the pedals.
3. Recover on km 3.0-3.5 and 3.5-4.0 At 4%, settle back into a steady cadence and keep drinking so you reach the final part of the climb in good shape.
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.
4.3 km • 227 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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