High Atlas

Running diagonally across the southern half of Morocco, the High Atlas stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border, offering more than 600 miles of stunning blue skies, red rock and green valleys. These are Morocco's highest mountains, culminating at Jebel Toubkal, which reaches 13,670 feet. Other parts of the Atlas, such as the M'Goun Massif in the Central High Atlas, are not quite so high but no less spectacular. Man-made wonders include the mysterious rock carvings in the Ourika Valley or the amazing kasbah at Aït Benhaddou. While trekking and rock climbing are the main activities in the High Atlas, the highest peaks are ...

Running diagonally across the southern half of Morocco, the High Atlas stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Algerian border, offering more than 600 miles of stunning blue skies, red rock and green valleys. These are Morocco's highest mountains, culminating at Jebel Toubkal, which reaches 13,670 feet. Other parts of the Atlas, such as the M'Goun Massif in the Central High Atlas, are not quite so high but no less spectacular. Man-made wonders include the mysterious rock carvings in the Ourika Valley or the amazing kasbah at Aït Benhaddou. While trekking and rock climbing are the main activities in the High Atlas, the highest peaks are usually covered in snow from November to May, meaning that skiers and ski-trekkers will not be disappointed. These mountains hide some of Morocco's most remote villages, inhabited only by Berber shepherds and farmers.

About the Expert

Mara Vorhees has written or contributed to many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including Brazil and Morocco.