The 7 best hikes in Morocco with day walks and multiday treks

Morocco is home to some of the world’s most striking mountain landscapes. Ramble through fragrant forests of cedar trees and walk along verdant valleys where time has stood still. More adventurous hikers scale North Africa’s tallest peak or head off on demanding multiday treks across rugged massifs. You will find hikes to suit all abilities in Morocco, plus atmospheric eco-friendly lodgings and a tasty tagine waiting for you at your journey’s end.

With such a wide variety of mountain ranges, seasons and weather patterns, it makes sense to plan carefully and have up-to-date information at your fingertips to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. 

But no matter how much trekking and map-reading experience you have, we strongly recommend hiring a qualified guide. Book a guide de montagne (mountain guide) through the relevant Bureau des Guides for the region. They are well trained, speak the local language, will guide you on cultural nuances and will know local people, which will undoubtedly result in invitations for tea and food, and richer experiences. 

Here are our top picks for hiking in Morocco.

1. Jebel Toubka

Best high-altitude hike

Advertisement

Distance: 27km
Estimated time to complete: 2 days
Level of difficulty: hard 

The High Atlas, Morocco’s loftiest mountain range – known to the locals as Idraren Draren or Mountains of Mountains – runs diagonally across the country for almost 1000km and is a trekker’s paradise, especially in spring and autumn.

The biggest draw is the ascent of Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4167m. Much of the trekking is done on the first day, a six-hour hike zigzagging upwards through a craggy valley. Stop to acclimatize and share campfire tales with fellow climbers at a rustic refuge, before setting off at first light to scale the snow-dusted summit. You’ll need snow equipment in the winter months, but if you’re blessed with brilliant blue skies, you’ll have views all the way to the Sahara.

With more time, you can take on the challenging week-long Toubkal Circuit and, as well as tackling Toubkal, you’ll meander between remote Amazigh villages, crossing fertile valleys, rocky massifs, and panoramic passes.

Planning tip: The mountain village of Imlil (90 minutes from Marrakesh) is a hub for hikers and the place to hire a mountain guide (compulsory in Toubkal National Park) and book a bed at one of the refuges. 

2. The Monkey Trail (3M Squared Loop Trail)

Best for wildlife watching

Distance: 7.5km
Estimated time to complete: 2.5 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

Close to Ifrane – aka Morocco’s "Little Switzerland", thanks to its Alpine architecture and spotless streets – Ifrane National Park is spread over 500 sq km of the Middle Atlas mountains. It’s famed for its fragrant forests of Atlas cedars and troops of endangered Barbary macaques. Theis one-of-a-kind primate was once widespread in Europe and North Africa, but is now only found in small pockets of Morocco and Algeria’s northern mountain ranges.

The park has several well-marked, easy-to-moderate trails, but – as the name suggests – the Monkey Trail will give you a good chance of spotting the mischievous macaques, as well as other forest residents, such as foxes and wild boar. It’s great for trail runners and mountain bikers too, since it’s shaded by lofty oak and cedar trees.

Planning tip: Enlist a guide, such as Saleh Boudaoud, to discover more about the park’s flora and fauna and the threats the macaques face from human interaction and poaching for the exotic pet trade.

3. Todra Gorge

Best for a day hike

Distance: 11.4km
Estimated time to complete: 4-5 hours
Level of difficulty: easy

The Loop Hike trail at Todra Gorge is one of the most popular day trips on the eastern side of the Atlas Mountains. Experienced walkers report that it’s relatively straightforward and safe to do unguided and you'll be wowed by the 360-degree views of the gorge’s 300m-high walls along the path.

The gorge is the starting point for several hiking trail options, but the Loop Hike keeps things scenic and easy. Panoramic views on this trail also take in the surrounding mountainscapes without a strenuous climb. 

Advertisement

The self-guided loop trail starts at the northern end of the gorges to Tizgui, a Amazigh village at the southern entrance. In addition to hiking, rock climbing is a major draw for the area.

Planning tip: Standout stays nearby include Hotel Xaluca Dadès, a 106-room accommodation north of the city center, and Auberge Le Festival, a tranquil seven-room hotel. 

4. Akchour Waterfall and God’s Bridge

Best for waterfall lovers

Distance: 14km
Estimated time to complete: 5 hours
Level of difficulty: moderate

Tucked into the green folds of the Rif Mountains, charming Chefchaouen is famed for its endlessly photogenic blue-hued medina. But once you’ve explored its cobbled streets and people-watched from its pretty squares, take to the trails of the vast Talassemtane National Park with its luminous waterfalls and forests of firs.

This popular hike starts in the village of Akchour, around 45 minutes from Chefchaouen by grand-taxi. Head towards the hydroelectric dam and a fork in the road where the well-trodden left-hand trail dips through evergreen forest and between moss-covered rock formations. After around 45 minutes you’ll reach the first waterfall, but keep going until you reach the larger cascade that plunges into an emerald-green pool – perfect for a refreshing dip before you make your way back to the dam. You can extend the hike by taking another trail for a steep scramble to God’s Bridge, a natural arch straddling two cliffs. 

5. Moulay Idriss to Volubilis

Best for culture vultures

Distance: 4km
Estimated time to complete: 45 mins one-way
Level of difficulty: easy

Just 90 minutes from Fez and 40 minutes from Meknes, the holy, hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is the perfect starting point for a leisurely ramble to the archaeological site of Volubilis, a far-flung outpost of the Roman Empire turned UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walk downhill from the bus station to a roundabout where signs point you in the direction of a slower pace of life, as you wind your way through pine forests, olive groves, and across a fertile plain towards triumphal arches, ancient columns, and glittering mosaics.

Head back to the whitewashed town on foot, by taxi or donkey and refuel with a traditional three-course feast on the terrace of Dar Zerhoune while you drink in the views.

6. Jebel Saghro Circuit

Best for off-the-beaten-track trekking

Distance: 90km
Estimated time to complete: 5 days
Level of difficulty: moderate

Sandwiched between the High Atlas and the Sahara’s shifting sands in southeast Morocco, the Saghro Massif possesses a stark beauty, with yawning canyons, flat-topped mesas, otherworldly rock formations and arid desertscapes.

Its stony tracks are frequented more by the semi-nomadic Aït Atta tribe than tourists. And while there are steep ascents and descents, trails are generally lower-lying and less challenging than the High Atlas. Its highest peak, Amalou n’ou Mansour, sits at 2712m and most passes are between 1500m and 2500m.

The Saghro Circuit takes five days starting at Tagdilt near Boumalne Dadès and ending at Kalaat M’Gouna. Add an extra day to reach the peak of Jebel Kouaouch (2595m), with its views to rival those from Toubkal.

Detour: There are plenty of shorter out-and-back trails and one-way walks. To the south, the Kasbah Hôtel Aït Omar in the kasbah-studded, oasis town of Nkob makes a great base, with its vegetarian-friendly restaurant and insider tips for routes and local guides.

7. M'Goun Circuit

Best for extended multi-day hikes

Distance: 200km
Estimated time to complete: 5-10 days
Level of difficulty: hard

This lesser-visited hiking path is arduous, but the epic trek takes hikers through the Ait Bougamez and M'Goun valleys. The rewards of choosing this circuit include lush valley views, snow-dusted mountains and what many consider one of the best places to visit in Morocco for hiking. Plus, its high point – Jebel M’Goun (4,071m) – is the second-highest peak in North Africa.

Hiring a local guide is highly recommended since the journey is virtually unmarked, and more tricky after a snowfall. Guides can assist with following local customs or facilitating support during an emergency. Local guides will also be able to provide a cook, tents, mules and other supplies for a multiday trek. 

Planning tip: The primary accommodation options are trekking refuges and homestays. For a high-end stay and the area’s best formal dining setting, consider a modest mix of old and new worlds at La Kasbah du M'Goun. 

Tips for hiking in Morocco

Is it safe to hike alone?

In many cases, hiking solo in Morocco is generally safe when following a few precautions: a Moroccan contact should know where you are at all times, and when to expect you back.

Hiking in Morocco is a bucket list item for many, so finding hiking partners shouldn't be too difficult. Before you depart, check out travel groups on social media. They’re a great place to connect with other travelers on similar itineraries.

As for finding local guides to lead your hike, that depends on your trail of choice, as each trail has its own operating procedures. Many trails are fairly challenging, so it's important to confirm if your hike requires local guidance.

Before hiring a guide, it’s essential to ask questions to get a feel for the guide and manage each other’s expectations.

When is the best time to hike in Morocco?

The best times to visit Morocco are spring and fall, and if you’re planning a trip during these seasons, you’re more likely to find large groups with whom you can plan a last-minute trek.

From March to May the weather is mild and wildflowers bloom. The High Atlas trails are clear of snow, but the peaks are still covered. June to August is peak hiking season here, with stable weather and warm temperatures. You'll want to set out early morning as lower elevations can get very hot. Book accommodation ahead during the peak season. Note: that this time of year is too hot for hiking in the Jebel Saghro and the Anti Atlas.

Over winter from November to February, snow is likely in the High Atlas. You’ll need to be more experienced to hike in the mountains then, and you'll need to take extra equipment such as ice axes and crampons. Consider tackling the Jebel Saghro or Anti Atlas over winter, where there’s no snow, instead.

This article was updated from Lonely Planet’s Morocco guidebook, published in November 2025.