About 30 km north of Errachidia, the Ziz River has carved a dramatic canyon through bands of red and ochre rock as it works its way south from the Middle Atlas. The N13 road, descending from the Tizi-n-Talrhemt pass, runs along the rim of the gorge and gives the best views — particularly the long bend known as the "Tunnel du Legionnaire."
Far below, the gorge floor is a continuous ribbon of date palms and small ksour (fortified mud-brick villages). The contrast between the bone-dry cliffs and the deep green of the palmery is the postcard image of the Tafilalet. Late afternoon, when the rock turns deep orange, is the best time to be on the road.