Todgha Gorge Explained

Todgha Gorge
Length:15miles
Width:10mto1000mm (30feetto3,000feetm)
Elevation:approx. 1500m (4,900feet)
Location:Morocco
Photo Size:280
Map:Morocco
Map Size:300
Coordinates:31.55°N -5.55°W

The Todgha Gorges (; Arabic: مضيق تودغا‌) are a series of limestone river canyons, or wadi, in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, near the town of Tinerhir.[1] Both the Todgha and neighbouring Dades Rivers are responsible for carving out these deep cliff-sided canyons, on their final 40km (30miles) through the mountains. The height of the canyon walls can vary, but in some places can be up to 400m (1,300feet) high.

Description

The last 600m (2,000feet) of the Todgha gorge are the most spectacular. Here the canyon narrows to a flat stony track, in places as little as 10m (30feet) wide, with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160m (530feet) high on each side.

During the dry season, the canyon floor is mostly dry; at most there will be a small stream of water. During this time, the wadi floor is easily traversed by travelers. During the rainy season, however, the Todra can expand massively, covering the canyon floor in a strong torrent.

Access

The area is no longer as remote as it once was. A well-maintained asphalt road leads up the valley from Tinerhir to the gorge. A concrete road continues up the valley, past the hotels at the mouth of the gorge all the way to the villages of Aït Hani, and Tamtatouchte.

Thanks to its robust rock sides with many uneven surfaces, Todgha Gorge is popular among rock climbers. More than 150 routes rated French Grade 5+ to 8 have been bolted in the canyon.

Film appearances

The Todgha Gorge was featured on the premiere of the American reality show Expedition Impossible. It was also featured prominently in a 2012 advertisement for the Cadillac CTS.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Natural Wonders of the World. Reader's Digest Association, Inc. 1980. 0-89577-087-3. Scheffel. Richard L.. United States of America. 385. Wernet. Susan J..