Atlas Mountains Off-Road Routes: The Ultimate Guide

The Atlas Mountains run across Morocco like a backbone and split the country into distinct climate and cultural zones. For off-road drivers they hold some of the most varied and demanding trails in North Africa. Here are the routes we rate in each of the three ranges: the High Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Anti-Atlas.

High Atlas Off-Road Routes

Tizi n'Tichka Pass

At 2,260 meters, the Tizi n'Tichka is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. It links Marrakech with Ouarzazate, and the views over the range are wide. The main road is paved, but plenty of off-road side tracks branch off it towards remote Berber villages.

Dades Gorge Route

Few places in Morocco look as dramatic as the Dades Gorge. The off-road route through it passes tall rock walls, follows a road that winds back and forth, and stops at high viewpoints. You need a 4x4, and some sections are challenging.

Todra Gorge Track

Todra is a narrow canyon with rock walls 300 meters high. The track through the gorge and the country around it gives you big scenery and access to remote Berber villages.

Middle Atlas Off-Road Routes

Cedar Forest Route

The Middle Atlas has dense cedar forests, the largest in Morocco. Driving the tracks through them is a pleasure, and you have a good chance of spotting Barbary macaques. The route from Fes to Merzouga across the Middle Atlas is a classic.

Lakes and Waterfalls

Several lakes and waterfalls in the Middle Atlas can be reached by 4x4. Our favourite tracks are around Ifrane and Azrou.

Anti-Atlas Off-Road Routes

Amtoudi Route

Of the three ranges, the Anti-Atlas sees the fewest visitors, which makes it a good choice if you want quiet tracks. The route to Amtoudi takes in rugged landscapes, ancient granaries and traditional villages.

Ameln Valley Track

In the Ameln Valley, an off-road route links traditional Berber villages, with the Anti-Atlas mountains behind them.

Tips for Atlas Mountain Off-Roading

• Check the weather, as snow can block high passes in winter
• Carry extra fuel, since gas stations are few in remote areas
• Bring warm clothing: temperatures in the mountains drop a lot
• Use low range for steep descents
• Go carefully on narrow mountain tracks
• Respect local communities

Best Time for Atlas Mountain Off-Roading

Go in April-June or September-November. From December to March, snow can close the high passes and make some routes impassable. Summer is hot, though at high altitude it stays manageable.

Picking your Atlas route

Each range suits a different trip: the big crossings of the High Atlas, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, or the empty tracks of the Anti-Atlas. Several of our multi-day tours include Atlas Mountain routes, and you can contact us if you want a custom expedition.