Ouarzazate — A Gravel Cycling Guide
Ouarzazate is the gateway to southern Morocco — the town where the Atlas ends and the pre-Sahara begins, sitting at the junction of the Draa and Dades valleys and the road to the desert. For cyclists it is the natural pivot point of any Atlas-to-Sahara crossing: the place you regroup, resupply, and choose your southern corridor.
The town
Ouarzazate (around 1,140 m) sits on the south side of the Atlas where the range gives way to the pre-Sahara. It grew around a Glaoui kasbah (Kasbah Taourirt) and later became Morocco’s film-production hub — the Atlas Film Studios and CLA Studios are here, and the region has stood in for everywhere from ancient Rome to the Sahara. For cyclists, its real role is as a junction: the Draa runs south from here, the Dades and Todra lie to the east, and the desert is beyond.
The riding from Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate is the start of the Draa Valley Loop — 95 km and just 480 m of gain, the benchmark easy desert route, running south through Agdz and Zagora and back. To the east, the Dades Valley and Todra Valley are the canyon-country corridors. And the road south to the desert and the dunes runs through here.
Difficulty and surface
Easy to moderate. The Draa loop is the easiest graded route in the country — flat to rolling desert piste. The Dades and Todra add canyon climbing. The surface around Ouarzazate is compacted desert gravel and piste; 40c tyres are right, 45c if you are heading into sandier sections.
Quick facts
Season
October to March is prime — mild days, cold nights, firm pistes. Summer is very hot at this low altitude and should be avoided for riding. April–May is possible if you start very early. See the best time guide.
Logistics and tours
Ouarzazate has an airport (OZN) with limited connections; most riders reach it by road from Marrakech (across the Tizi n’Tichka) or by bus/grand taxi. It is a key stop on the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour (day three) and the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure. Guesthouses and hotels are plentiful. Read Ait Benhaddou for the kasbah just before town.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Ouarzazate important for cyclists?
It is the pivot of any Atlas-to-Sahara trip — the junction where the Draa runs south, the Dades and Todra lie east, and the desert is beyond. It is the natural resupply and regroup point.
What is the best ride from Ouarzazate?
The Draa Valley Loop — 95 km and only 480 m of gain through the palm oasis to Agdz and Zagora and back. It is the benchmark easy desert route and starts in Ouarzazate.
When should I ride around Ouarzazate?
October to March — mild days, cold nights, firm pistes. Summer is very hot at this low altitude and should be avoided.
How do I get to Ouarzazate?
By road from Marrakech across the Tizi n’Tichka, or by bus/grand taxi. It has a small airport with limited connections. It is a stop on the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour and the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure.