Above the palm streets of Marrakesh, you can see the High Atlas Mountains covered in snow. The tallest mountain in North Africa, with the highest peak called Jbel Toubkal reaching 4,167 meters (13,671ft).
People who like adventure can climb Toubkal any time of the year and see Marrakesh from the top, ride bikes through the mountains into the Sahara, or go rafting in the national park. If you prefer something calmer, you can take long walks in the fresh mountain air, see lots of trees, and visit quaint mountain towns.
The High Atlas region can be split into three parts: Toubkal National Park, Ourika Valley, and the M’Goun Massif.
Toubkal National Park in the west is the main place most travelers go to. It has the Ouirgane Valley, Tin Mal town, Imlil town, Jbel Toubkal peak, and the Oukaïmeden ski resort. It’s a good idea to choose one or two towns to start exploring the park from.
Ourika Valley is in the middle of the range, just east of Toubkal, and has villages along the Ourika River. It’s a popular day trip from Marrakesh with cafes, waterfalls, and shops.
Further east is the less visited M’Goun Massif with the Ouzoud Waterfalls and great hiking spots. Experienced hikers should get a good map before going alone.
There are mountain passes in the High Atlas. The Tizi n’Tichka pass is the most famous, connecting Marrakesh with Ouarzazate. It can be dangerous during rain and winter, so avoid driving at night.
The Tizi n’Test pass is to the west of Toubkal National Park and can be slow going in winter and spring due to rockslides.
Climbing Jbel Toubkal usually takes two days from Imlil. There are shelters along the trails, and the weather can get very cold in winter and hot in summer.
For longer treks, you need a guide or a good map. Climbing Jbel Toubkal is not too difficult, but you might need special gear in winter. Hiking and biking in the region are possible all year, but bad weather can cause delays in winter.
