The Ultimate Morocco Gravel Cycling Bucket List
If you had to draw up the definitive list of Moroccan gravel experiences — the routes, destinations and tours that define the country — this is it. From the highest vehicle pass to the deep Sahara and the Atlantic finish, these are the rides that make Morocco a world-class gravel destination.
The definitive crossing
The Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour — 12 days, 600 km, 8,200 m of climbing, from Marrakech over the High Atlas to the Sahara and across to the Draa. If you ride one Moroccan gravel trip in your life, this is it. See the Atlas to Sahara expedition guide.
Must-ride routes
- Tizi n’Tichka Piste — 78 km, 1,450 m gain, the highest vehicle pass in Morocco at 2,268 m.
- Ounila Valley Piste — 54 km, Telouet’s Glaoui kasbah to the UNESCO ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
- Tizi n’Test Approach — 62 km, 1,300 m gain, Ouirgane to the 2,092 m pass.
- Draa Valley Loop — 95 km, Ouarzazate–Agdz–Zagora, palm oases and the desert edge.
Must-visit destinations
- Ait Benhaddou — the UNESCO ksar at the end of the Ounila piste.
- Telouet — the crumbling Glaoui kasbah above the Ounila.
- Merzouga and Erg Chebbi — the great dunes of the eastern Sahara.
- Erg Chigaga — the remote western dunes beyond M'Hamid.
- Essaouira — the Atlantic finish to a point-to-point.
- Imlil and Toubkal — the high country above Marrakech.
Must-experience tours
- Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour — the full 12-day crossing.
- 5-Day Atlas Gravel Tour — the best first trip.
- Atlas to the Sea Gravel Adventure — mountains to the Atlantic.
- Marrakech to Ouarzazate Adventure — the kasbah corridor.
How to tick it off
Start with the 5-Day Atlas Gravel Tour to learn the country, then commit to the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour for the full crossing. If you have three weeks, the Morocco Grand Gravel Tour loops it all. Read how to plan your first trip and the holidays guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ultimate Morocco gravel cycling trip?
The Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour — 12 days, 600 km, 8,200 m of climbing, from Marrakech over the High Atlas to the Sahara and across to the Draa. If you ride one Moroccan gravel trip in your life, this is it.
What are the must-ride routes in Morocco?
The Tizi n’Tichka piste (the 2,268 m pass), the Ounila Valley piste (Telouet to Ait Benhaddou), the Tizi n’Test approach, and the Draa Valley Loop. See every one plotted on the National Gravel Map.
What are the must-see destinations?
Ait Benhaddou (UNESCO ksar), Telouet (Glaoui kasbah), Merzouga and Erg Chebbi (eastern dunes), Erg Chigaga (remote western dunes), Essaouira (Atlantic finish), and Imlil and Toubkal (the high country above Marrakech).
How do I tick off the whole bucket list?
Start with the 5-Day Atlas Gravel Tour to learn the country, then commit to the Atlas to Sahara Grand Tour for the full crossing. With three weeks, the Morocco Grand Gravel Tour loops it all.