Ouarzazate (Gorges du Dades), Morocco

The road on the way to the Gorge
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So the ride from Merzouga to Marrakech was 8+ hours and I thought instead of driving straight through I'd stop and see the Gorge.  I heard it was beautiful and plus it will break up my drive.  I didnt have a hotel but I figured I could find one easy enough.

The ride back may have been even more beautiful than the ride there!  On the way back you actually drive over the High Atlas... it felt like we drove directly over the tippy top.  I think I was 2000 meters high - it was actually quite cold with the windows open so I know I was high up.

You drive past some of the cutest towns built right into the red rock.

Overlooking a vista spot on the way to the Gorge (vista spot means you stop your car on the road!)
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The Dades Gorge ride is simply breathtaking.  Pictures will not do it justice.  Its about 45 minutes each way off the ride home, but worth it.  You drive past some of the cutest towns built right into the red rock.  The Gorge is cool too - they just cut some of the rock away to allow cars to pass.  However I dont think they cut enough away for trucks.  It looks like a small space to me - but who knows.

Ourzazate was the town I stayed to split my drive and I found a hotel w/o problem.  They even had an American style buffet where I had spaghetti and a room with A/C which was simply perfect after my long hot and dusty ride.

The cutest towns on the way to the Gorge
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I highly recommend seeing the Gorge if you have time.  Plus you get to do the ride through the High Atlas which is ridiculous!  The windy turns are crazy.  No way Brian could make it through.  He'd have to close his eyes and pray the whole way!