Trekkers in Morocco's Atlas Mountains.
Embarking on a trek to the Atlas Mountains. Photo: Much Better Adventures.

Morocco is well known for its colourful, timeworn medinas and the undulating dunes of the Sahara Desert. It is not as well known for its fantastic trekking opportunities. But there are some amazing treks in Morocco, and hundreds of mountains to climb.

The Atlas Mountains is a series of ranges that run through the country from northeast to south. The High Atlas mountains start as small hills at the edge of the Atlantic, quickly rising to sheer peaks, which includes Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco (4,165m); then there's also The Middle Atlas and the Anti-Atlas. There are numerous routes through these mountains and the valleys and plains that surround them.

If you enjoy finding the highest mountains to climb, then look no further!

Trek the Atlas Mountains in Morocco | Much Better Adventures
Explore the remote landscapes and Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains with the support of an experienced guiding team, surrounded by Morocco’s highest peaks.

What is the Highest Mountain in Morocco?

The highest mountain in Morocco is Mount Toubkal (also known as Jbel Toubkal and Tubkal), at 4,167m/13,671ft.

After Toubkal, the next highest mountains are:

  1. Ouanoukrim - 4,089m/ 13,415ft
  2. M’Goun - 4,071m/ 13,356ft
  3. Afella - 4,031m/ 13,225ft
  4. Akioud - 4,030m/ 13,221ft
  5. Biquinoussene - 4,002m/ 13,129ft
  6. Jebel n’Tarout - 3,996m/13,110ft

All of these peaks are in the High Atlas range. However, considering that several of these have seen only a handful of ascents - and are suitable only for highly experienced climbers - we’ve hand-picked a list of soaring peaks that are perfect for trekking!

Morocco's Highest Mountains To Trek

1. Mount Toubkal

Hiker standing on the summit of Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in Morocco.
Winter views from the massive Mount Toubkal. Photo: Getty

Elevation: 4167m

Towering over the Atlas Mountains, Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in Morocco, standing at 4,167 metres tall. Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa and as an ultra-prominent peak (over 1,500 metres) it makes for an epic summit experience.

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Summit Mount Toubkal on a locally guided trek with a small group of like-minded adventurers. Book now. Meals, accommodation and transfers all included.

During the winter, climbing Morocco's highest mountain is tough - you'll need crampons and other speciality equipment, as well as mountaineering experience. In the summer, fierce heat at lower altitudes might slow you down. The best time to climb Mount Toubkal is therefore from September to October or April to May.

Hikers usually base themselves in Marrakech, Morocco’s second city, which is only 63km north of the mountain. Toubkal is approached from the village of Imlil, from where optional guides and porters can be hired. Hikers start off easy, walking through the picturesque village of Aroumd, east across a floodplain to the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamarouch, before continuing up the gradual gradient to basecamp at either Neltner Refuge or Refuge du Toubkal.

Climb Mount Toubkal: The Winter Edition | Much Better Adventures
Don your crampons for a serious adventure and trek your way up the mighty Mount Toubkal in the height of winter. Expert mountain guides will lead the way.

We'd recommend striking out for the summit in the very early morning - that way you can watch the sun rise over the mountain. As the rocky path continues up the mountain, the altitude drops and in winter, snow and ice fields coat the mountain, with the option to ski part way down on the descent.

2. Ouanoukrim

Perfect Moroccan mountain views in the High Atlas, from Ouanoukrim Mountain
Hikers in the shadow on Ouanoukrim. Photo: Fabrice Cadou

Elevation: 4,089m

This is one of the most demanding peaks to hike, with some Alpine experience recommended before attempting to scale the twin peaks of Ouanoukrim Mountain. At its highest point at 4,089 metres, the mountain spans two summits, Timzguida (4,089 metres high) and Ras Ouanoukrim (4,083 metres high) - also known as ‘Ras’.

The 3 Peaks Challenge in Morocco | Much Better Adventures
Tackle 3 summits over 4000m on this traverse of the High Atlas, including the highest point in North Africa, with a group of adventurers and an expert guide.

This mountain is a seemingly endless chain of brown dust-coated crags and crevices waiting to be discovered. The views from the peaks are a field of cliffs and spectacular reflections of the sun in the steamy mists that rise up from this part of Morocco.

The most intrepid hikers can test themselves undertaking Morocco's Three Peaks Challenge, summiting Mount Toubkal followed by the two summits of Ouanoukrim.

3. M’Goun

The dramatic M'Goun Ridge, in Morocco.
The dramatic ridge line of M'Goun. Photo: Getty

Elevation: 4,071m

The M’Goun Valley is perhaps the most popular trekking route in Morocco, and it takes around 5 days to successfully reach the peak of this High Atlas mountainous valley. Rickety wooden bridges barely support hikers as they climb over fast-flowing rivers flowing down sheer cliffs, hiking tracks are engulfed by landslides, and donkeys roam freely across the mountain ridges.

When you reach the summit, the view of the sparse, lunar-like mountain ranges stretching out on either side of you will leave a lasting impression.

4. Jebel Ouaougoulzat

Ouaougoulzat, a peak in the sandstone Mgoun Range of Morocco.
Ouaougoulzat is one of the peaks in the striking sandstone Mgoun Range. Photo: Getty.

Elevation: 3,729m

Standing at 3,729 metres tall, the high peak of the Ouaougoulzat mountain is in the Mgoun Range (named after the Mgoun Mountain) and it leads to the Lac Izoughar ski slopes in the winter months. There are a number of locally-operated gites at the base of Ouaougoulzat close to the ski slopes. In the spring and summer, the reflections of the towering mountains in a lake at 2,526 metres above sea level are unforgettable.

From the base at Lac Izoughar, it takes around 5 hours to climb to the peak of the mountain, with some steep parts coated in a powdery dust. Mules and guides can be hired from Bou Guemez road in the town of Azilal at the base of Ouaougoulzat, but from here the hike is extended to two days. Wherever you choose to start this hike, the views across the triple snow-capped peaks of the Mgoun Range are unrivalled.

5. Jebel Ayachi

The mountain of Jebel Ayachi rising behind the town of Midelt.
Jebel Ayachi, behind the town of Midelt. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Elevation: 3,757m

One of the highest mountains in North Africa, this is the anchor mountain for the Eastern High Atlas in central Morocco. Jebel Ayachi rises to a height of 3,757 metres and is home to countless rare and magnificent birds. The mountain actually forms a ring around the town of Midelt, creating spectacular photo opportunities.

Despite being close to the Sahara Desert, the mountain peaks retain their snow coating late into the summer. Nomadic Berbers have raised livestock across Jebel Avachi for thousands of years, continuing today. There are countless ravines crossing the mountain, supplying fresh mountain water for those refreshing bathes after a strenuous hike.

6. Jebel Yagour

The village of Tizi N’Oucheg with the summit of Jebel Yagour in the background
The village of Tizi N’Oucheg with Jebel Yagour in the background. Photo: Getty

Elevation: 2700m

Jebel Yagour is in the High Atlas mountain range near Marrakech. The high plateau stands at 2,700 metres high and is surrounded by sheer cliffs and steep slopes, making this a real test of endurance for those willing to attempt the trek into the clouds above Morocco.

Not only are the natural surroundings of Jebel Yagour spectacular, with different views across the country around every turn, the mountain is also famous for hundreds of rock and cave paintings documenting the history of this region, thought to date back to 1,000 BC. documenting the history of this region.

As you follow the dusty trail from the base of the mountain, you will literally be following in the footsteps of thousands of traders trekking across the mountains to the bustling souqs in the north. As with all hikes in this part of Morocco, Marrakech is the perfect base from which to prepare.

7. Jebel Tidirhine

the Rif Mountains of Morocco.
The Rif Mountains in Morocco. Photo: Getty

Elevation: 2,456m

Mount Tidirhine (locally known as Jbel Tidirhine) is in the Al Hoceima Province of Morocco, in Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima in the north of Morocco. With an elevation of 2,456 metres high, this is the highest of the Rif mountains and home to many traditional Berber villages that have been here for centuries.

Another of Morocco’s ultra-prominent peaks, most people start their hikes up the mountain from the Moroccan capital of Rabat. As the hiking trail rises, the mountain promises views out across the Strait of Gibraltar and, on a clear day, it is possible to see the shores of Spain. This is a great entry hike for adventurers looking to experience Morocco’s peaks.

And a bonus mountain pass hike…

8. Tizi Mzik

Elevation: 2,500m

If you’re a beginner trekker, you’re unlikely to want to try your luck on one of the highest mountains of Morocco. However, there are plenty of wonderful trekking opportunities in both the Ouirgane National Park and Toubkal National Park, both of which are located in the High Atlas.

Trek Lodge to Lodge in the Atlas Mountains | Much Better Adventures
Explore rugged valleys surrounded by Morocco’s highest peaks, discover Marrakech, indulge in tasty Moroccan cuisine and bed down in cosy mountain retreats.

Plan a multi-day trek that takes you through the Azzaden Valley, renowned for the verdant crop terraces carved into its red sandstone mountains. After that you can cross over into the Toubkal National Park and into the Ait Mizan Valley.

One of the high points (literally) is Tizi Mzik, a mountain pass with an elevation of 2,500m. As you cross it, you’ll have an amazing view of the High Atlas Mountains, including Mount Toubkal. You’ll have to tackle it next time around!


Feeling inspired? Check out our trekking trips in Morocco, including the Summit Mount Toubkal adventure.