The Best High Atlas Gravel Routes

The best gravel routes in the High Atlas, in one place. From the two great 2,000-metre passes to the benchmark Ounila Valley corridor and the foothill day rides above Marrakech, these are the routes that define Atlas gravel — each with a full dossier.

The flagship routes

Three routes define High Atlas gravel. The Tizi n’Tichka Piste is the highest pass crossing; the Tizi n’Test Approach is the wilder southern pass; and the Ounila Valley Piste is the benchmark valley corridor. Together they are the heart of Atlas riding.

Tizi n’Tichka Piste

The highest vehicle pass in Morocco (2,268 m) and the classic crossing from the pass down into the Ounila Valley. The route of the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure. Full route dossier.

Tizi n’Test Approach

The historic Marrakech–Souss trade route, from Ouirgane up to the ~2,092 m pass. Quieter and wilder than the Tichka corridor. Full route dossier.

Ounila Valley Piste

The benchmark Atlas valley day — Telouet to Ait Benhaddou through ochre canyon walls and living Berber villages. Arguably the single most beautiful gravel day in Morocco. Full route dossier.

The foothill day rides

The accessible entry to Atlas gravel, all within reach of Marrakech: the Kik Plateau Adventure, Ouirgane Valley Ride, Ourika Valley Gravel and Amezmiz Gravel. See best gravel routes within 100 km of Marrakech for the full list.

Choosing your route

For a first Atlas day, the Ounila Valley or a foothill ride. For a pass challenge, the Tizi n’Tichka or Tizi n’Test. For a multi-day, the 5-Day Atlas Gravel Tour strings the foothills and valleys into a loop, and the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure does the Tichka + Ounila crossing. See all routes on the National Gravel Map.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best High Atlas gravel route?

For scenery, the Ounila Valley Piste — 54 km of ochre canyon and Berber villages. For a pass challenge, the Tizi n’Tichka Piste (2,268 m). For a first Atlas day, a foothill ride like the Kik Plateau.

Which is the hardest Atlas route?

The two passes — the Tizi n’Tichka (78 km, 1,450 m) and the Tizi n’Test (62 km, 1,300 m) — both challenging, with sustained climbing to over 2,000 m and weather exposure.

Can I ride the Ounila Valley unsupported?

Yes — it is the most bikepack-friendly Atlas route, with villages and tea stops throughout and guesthouses at both ends. Carry water and a map; the piste is not signposted.

Are the Atlas routes rideable year-round?

The Ounila and the foothill valleys are. The high passes (Tizi n’Tichka, Tizi n’Test) are snowed in through winter — ride them May–October.