High Atlas Mountains (Western): The Complete Guide

On The Road Between Midelt And Fès
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ralf Steinberger

High Atlas, also called the Grand Atlas stretch 2,400 km through Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, the Atlas Mountains are a trekker’s paradise, arcing southwards from the Mediterranean coast and dramatically separating the ocean from the vast Sahara desert. They are known for their stunning beauty and offer a variety of trekking experiences for visitors. These mountains serve as a barrier between the northern plains and the pre-Saharan region and are home to a Berber population. Trekking options range from short day hikes to longer expeditions that combine multiple peaks and passes. Visitors can hire mules and muleteers or hire mountain guides for more challenging routes. The High Atlas Mountains also offer opportunities for rock climbing, ski mountaineering, and mountain biking. Horse rentals are available in Ouirgane for local treks, and it is even possible to purchase and resell a mule at a local souk for a more adventurous journey.

Despite their rugged appearance, the High Atlas Mountains are actually home to a number of villages that are terraced into their slopes. These mountains are popular for trekking, and there are several established hiking centers, including Djebel Toubkal, the highest peak in Morocco, and the Bou Guemez Valley. Local houses in these areas often offer gîte-style accommodation for visitors, and there is a well-developed infrastructure for trekking, including guides and mules. While the High Atlas Mountains are less developed than other mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees or Alps, they still retain a sense of adventure and remain relatively undeveloped. The network of paths and pistes that crisscross the mountains were once important for trade and travel, although increased vehicle access has changed some of the old ways of traveling through the region.

Routes and passes through the High Atlas Mountains (Western)

The Djebel Toubkal massif is a popular destination for trekking expeditions and can be easily reached from Marrakesh by car, bus, or taxi. The journey takes about an hour to the trailhead at Imlil. Alternatively, the region can be accessed from Ouirgane or Ijoukak to the west, the Ourika Valley to the east, or the Tifnoute valley and Lac d’Ifni to the south. The ski resort of Oukaïmeden is also nearby. Trekkers can choose from a variety of approaches to the Djebel Toubkal massif, depending on their time and interests.

Asni, Ouirgane, and Ijoukak are located on the Tizi n’Test road, which connects Marrakesh with Taroudannt and offers stunning views and trekking opportunities. Along the route is the ruins of the 12th-century Tin Mal mosque, a historic attraction. Southeast of Marrakesh is the Tizi n’Tichka road pass, which was built to replace the old caravan route to the south and is known for its impressive engineering. The pass is also home to the kasbah of the Glaoui family, also known as the “Lords of the Atlas,” who controlled the region in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Tizi Maachou road pass to the west offers a fast route between Marrakesh and Agadir, although it can be crowded with lorries and dangerous to drive. An older, parallel road known as a piste is a safer and more attractive alternative.

Seasons and dangers – snow and floods in the the High Atlas Mountains (Western)

The High Atlas are subject to snow from November to April, and even the major Tizi n’Tichka and Tizi n’Test passes can be closed for periods of a day or more. If you are driving across the Atlas, and get caught in the snow, the Tizi Maachou pass (N8 or formerly P10) and the N10 (formerly P32) through Taroudannt and Taliouine are the easiest routes from Marrakesh to the south. However, these passes are usually only closed for short periods of time, and road signs in Marrakesh will indicate if they are open or closed. In the spring, when the snow starts to melt, swollen rivers can be dangerous to cross. Flash floods can also occur in the spring and summer, and can be very destructive, as was seen in the devastating floods in August 1995, which washed away dozens of buildings and bridges and claimed over a thousand lives. It is always advisable to camp on high ground to avoid being caught in flash floods or in areas where water can accumulate. This includes seemingly dry riverbeds, which can become torrents during flash floods.

Visiting High Atlas Mountains (Western) for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in High Atlas Mountains (Western) on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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7 Best places to See in High Atlas Mountains (Western)

This complete guide to High Atlas Mountains (Western) not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in High Atlas Mountains (Western) and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Imlil Village, Atlas Mountains

Imlil Atlas Mountains, Morocco
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luc Viatour
Many trekkers visit Imlil with the goal of climbing Jebel Toubkal, while other travelers simply stop by the village for a day or overnight trip from Marrakech. Located at an altitude of 1,740 meters (5,708 feet) in the Aït Mizane Valley, Imlil is a peaceful and quiet village surrounded by beautiful landscapes with almond, apple, […]
Visiting Imlil Village, Atlas Mountains

Toubkal National Park

Toubkal National Park
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Erokhin
Toubkal National Park is a national park in the High Atlas mountain range, 70 kilometres from Marrakesh in central-western Morocco. Established in 1942, it covers an area of 380 km2. Jbel Toubkal is the highest peak of the park at 4,167 metres. The Toubkal National Park is located 70 km south of Marrakech, in the […]
Visiting Toubkal National Park

Oukaimeden

Oukaimeden
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zineb.B
Oukaïmeden is a ski resort in the Atlas mountains near the Toubkal mountain, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) from Marrakesh, Morocco. The skiing area is at an altitude of between 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) and 3,200 metres (10,500 ft) and has six ski lifts. There are some hotels and ski rental facilities nearby. Oukaimeden has […]
Visiting Oukaimeden

Asni Village, Atlas Mountains

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Nicolas Lœuillet
Asni is a village right on the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. The setting is quite dramatic, with good views to the Toubkal Mountain, the highest in North Africa. Asni is not really a village, more than a cluster of villages spread around the river valley of Moulay Brahim. The weekly Saturday souk in […]
Visiting Asni Village, Atlas Mountains

Ouirgane Village, Atlas Mountains

Ouirgane, High Atlas, Morocco
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ouirgane_guide
Ouirgane  is a peaceful village, nestled in the tranquil foothills of the High Atlas Mountains in the heart of the Toubkal National Park lays the pretty Berber village of Ouirgane (pronounced Weer-gan). About 90 minutes drive from Marrakech, it has a gentle winter climate and moderate in summer. This village provides an alternative and lesser-visited […]
Visiting Ouirgane Village, Atlas Mountains

Ourika Valley

Ourika Valley In Marrakech
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mustaphabelkasse
The Ourika Valley is a popular destination for those looking to escape the heat of Marrakech. Located just an hour’s drive south of the city, it offers a picturesque 68-kilometer stretch of verdant terrain in the shadow of the High Atlas mountains. The valley is dotted with streams, waterfalls, and charming Berber villages, and is […]
Visiting Ourika Valley

Setti Fatma Village, Atlas Mountains

Setti Fatma
CC BY-SA 3.0 / michiel1972
At the end of the tarred road in the Ourika Valley is the village of Setti Fatma, which was rebuilt after devastating floods in 1995 and now has a mix of modern concrete housing blocks and traditional homes. Despite the development, the village’s setting among grassy terraces, walnut groves, and mountain peaks is still beautiful […]
Visiting Setti Fatma Village, Atlas Mountains