Atlas Mountains

The vast mountain range is split into three main regions: the centrally located High Atlas, the Middle Atlas to the north, and the remote Anti Atlas, tucked away in the south. Easily reached from Marrakech, the High Atlas range draws many visitors, with hotels clustered around popular spots like the picturesque Ourika Valley, Ouirgane, and Imlil. It’s also home to the 13,671-foot (4,167-meter) Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak. For many, a stay in the High Atlas Mountains is a pit stop en route to Ouarzazate, the launch pad for camping tours and desert camel treks. Experience the grandeur of the Atlas Mountains on a day trip from Marrakech, which might include activities such as quad biking, hot-air ballooning, or a visit to a Berber village.

• The Atlas Mountains are a must-see for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Choose among day trips from Marrakech or multi-day itineraries through the mountains and into the Sahara.

• Remember to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat, as shade is scarce in the Atlas Mountains.

• Day trips to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech can last upwards of 12 hours.

The easiest way to experience the Atlas Mountains is on a guided tour that offers round-trip transportation from a city such as Marrakech, Fez, or Agadir.

For most travelers, the best time for a trip into the Atlas Mountains is March through November. While summers can be hot, temperatures in the Atlas Mountains are cooler than in the Moroccan lowlands. Mountain snow is usual from mid-January to mid-February, making this an excellent time for skiing in North Africa. Note that some businesses will be closed during Ramadan.

The Atlas Mountains are dotted with interesting places to explore. Azzaden Valley is a quieter alternative to neighboring Imlil Valley and a popular base for guided treks. Dades Gorge, famous for growing Damascus roses, is a favorite destination for climbers, hikers, and white-water rafters. The rivers of the Middle Atlas feed the beautiful Ouzoud Falls, while Ifrane, the gateway town of the region, looks right out of the French Alps.

October is the best month to plan your trip to Morocco for hiking, as temperatures are mild and comfortable in the mountains and avoid the extremes of summer and winter. More generally, March–November is a good time to hike the challenging Atlas Mountains.

Yes. The Atlas Mountains, rising majestically from North Africa, are something of a dream destination for adventure seekers. The mountains have a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities, from trekking to lofty summits to strolling through Berber villages in the rugged countryside.

The time needed to hike the Atlas Mountains depends on your experience level, physical stamina, and the specific route you take. It could take as little as two days to complete Mount Toubkal, but some people take longer depending on their course and pace.

Yes, you can choose to not have a guide in the Atlas Mountains—but if you go without one, make sure you're fully equipped and have plenty of trekking experience. Otherwise, hire a local guide to make the trek safer and get insight into local Berber culture.

Yes, wear hiking boots when climbing the Atlas Mountains. A good pair of boots will provide much-needed support for your ankles on the rough terrain and help make rocky inclines and uneven surfaces more comfortable as you trek through Morocco.

For a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, opt for comfortable clothing and layers. A pair of sturdy boots is a must, as are a few warm and waterproof layers to guard against the mountain winds (which get cold at higher elevations) and unpredictable weather.