5-Day Gravel Adventure – Atlas Mountains

The tour begins in the vibrant city of Marrakech. Riders start on quiet secondary roads, gradually leaving urban traffic behind and entering the southern foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Within 20–30 kilometers, the route transitions onto gravel and hard-packed desert tracks, offering riders their first taste of mixed-surface terrain.

This stage is moderate in intensity, with rolling climbs and wide-open desert scenery. Riders pass scattered farmhouses, dry riverbeds, and rural hamlets, enjoying a sense of isolation and quiet. The day concludes in the Agafay Desert, where the vast, rocky plateau offers dramatic views of the Atlas foothills. It’s the perfect environment to get accustomed to gravel riding while soaking in Morocco’s natural landscapes.

From Amizmiz, riders begin the most demanding stage of the tour. The route climbs into mountain passes and high plateaus, traversing mixed gravel, hardpack tracks, and occasional rocky sections. The terrain is more technical here, requiring careful navigation and stamina, making it ideal for riders comfortable on gravel and off-road surfaces.

Along the way, the ride passes through forested valleys, remote hamlets, and terraced fields, offering glimpses of authentic rural life in the Atlas Mountains. Descents are smooth in sections but require attention on technical gravel, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The day ends in Ouirgane, a peaceful village surrounded by forests and mountains, where riders enjoy local cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

From Amizmiz, riders begin the most demanding stage of the tour. The route climbs into mountain passes and high plateaus, traversing mixed gravel, hardpack tracks, and occasional rocky sections. The terrain is more technical here, requiring careful navigation and stamina, making it ideal for riders comfortable on gravel and off-road surfaces.

Along the way, the ride passes through forested valleys, remote hamlets, and terraced fields, offering glimpses of authentic rural life in the Atlas Mountains. Descents are smooth in sections but require attention on technical gravel, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The day ends in Ouirgane, a peaceful village surrounded by forests and mountains, where riders enjoy local cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

The final stage is a high-altitude journey through the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, linking Ouirgane to Imlil. Riders tackle gradual and steady climbs to mountain plateaus, cross isolated valleys, and navigate gravel tracks with varied surfaces. The route offers breathtaking panoramic views of the High Atlas peaks, terraced farmland, and Berber villages scattered along the slopes.

Descending into Imlil, riders experience a sense of completion and achievement after four days of adventure. The day ends with optional exploration of the village, rest, and preparation for transfer back to Marrakech.

The final day begins with an extended loop through hidden valleys and mountain passes around Imlil, exploring less-traveled gravel tracks and highland corridors. Riders enjoy technical climbs, rolling descents, and panoramic plateaus, with stops for photos and cultural encounters in isolated villages. The tour concludes with a descent toward Takerkoust or Marrakech, depending on group preference, bringing riders back to the starting point and completing the full 5-day gravel experience.