Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: North Africa’s most epic mountain running
Discover the hidden trails of the Atlas Mountains on foot. From secluded Berber villages to the breezy coastline of Essaouira, this 8-day adventure combines challenging mountain runs, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes.
Upcoming Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas Trips
2024 dates
2025 dates
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Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: Trip Highlights for our rugged morocco running tour
“5 Stars... and then some! Absolutely phenomenal experience, from start to finish. The organization was top-notch, the group was awesome, the scenery was unbelievable and the food was soooooo good! A worry-free travel experience that made for an unforgettable week of running bliss. The few jitters of not knowing exactly what I was getting into quickly disappeared, and the experience of the Rogue team, and the local Morocco crew was evident right from the start. It was most definitely a welcome change from my previous logistical nightmare solo backpacking running adventures. Way more running, relaxing, eating, laughing, exploring and awesome memories than you would get on a solo journey. Worth every penny.”
The Atlas Mountains beckon to runners seeking the road less traveled. Here, where ancient shepherds' paths weave through towering peaks and time-worn valleys, you'll find a Morocco rarely glimpsed by outsiders.
Lace up your trail shoes and join us for an unforgettable journey through a land where tradition and nature reign supreme.
Trip Highlights
High-Altitude Trail Quest - Challenge yourself on stunning mountain trails, sharing the path with local mules and taking in panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
Berber Village Exploration - Run through remote mountain communities, exchanging smiles with locals and experiencing a way of life unchanged for centuries.
Alpine Oasis Discovery - Cool off in crystal-clear snowmelt rivers after exhilarating runs, surrounded by the raw beauty of the High Atlas.
Forest Trail Adventure - Traverse rare Moroccan pine forests on single-track trails as you enjoy a unique ecosystem seldom seen by tourists.
Mountain Pass Conquest - Push your limits with a run starting at 9,000 feet, crossing between vast valleys and descending into a stunning landscape of terraced fields.
Coastal Trail Finale - Cap off your mountain adventure with a breezy run along coastal cliffs, the turquoise Atlantic providing a stark contrast to the rugged interior.
Cultural Immersion - From traditional Berber households to the bustling medina of Essaouira, experience the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture firsthand.
Yalla bina! (Let's go!)
A Few Moments From OUR recent Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas TOURS
I want to run Morocco!
Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas - morocco running ITINERARY
Over eight days, you'll experience the heart of Morocco's Atlas Mountains and beyond. Each day brings a new trail to conquer and a new facet of Moroccan culture to explore.
You'll start in the historic city of Marrakech before venturing deep into the High Atlas. Here, you'll run through pine forests, across mountain passes, and along ancient paths connecting secluded Berber villages. As the week progresses, you'll test your legs on challenging climbs and exhilarating descents, all while immersing yourself in the timeless way of life of the mountain communities.
The journey culminates with a change of pace as you descend from the mountains to the coastal town of Essaouira. Here, you'll trade mountain trails for coastal paths, ending your adventure with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Throughout the trip, you'll rest in unique accommodations, from mountain lodges to a converted palace. You'll savor traditional Moroccan cuisine, meet local families, and create memories that will last long after you've hung up your running shoes.
Click the days below to get all the details.
Please note that the itinerary is subject to adjustments due to weather, logistical considerations, etc.
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Those who opt for early arrival will arrive in Marrakech, where we will pick you up at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we’ll enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner together before turning for a good night of sleep - tomorrow is a full day!
Running: No organized run
Meals: D (dinner) -
Those who arrived early will enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out for the day with our local partner for a walking tour of Marrakech, exploring the palaces, the history and the famous maze-like souks (markets). Meanwhile, we will pick up the others at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we will all get to know each other over a delicious welcome dinner right at the riad, and afterward those who manage to hold off the jet lag can go experience the Djemaa El-fna (the central square of the old city): sample local treats, bargain for scarves, charm a cobra, jump into a drum circle or simply wander around and take it all in!
Running: No organized run
Meals: BLD (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for early arrivals; D for regular arrivals -
After a big breakfast we depart Marrakech will drive far into the upper Ourika Valley to an area scarcely visited by tourists. From a road pass nestled high amongst the mountains we will start our run into the farthest reaches of this beautiful valley, taking in breathtaking views and catching glimpses of daily village life that are never seen from the highways. Lunch will be prepared by our crew and waiting at the end of the run, aching limbs can be soaked in the bracing alpine waters of the Ourika river and then, if we haven’t worn you out yet, you can opt for active recovery with a short hike to nearby waterfalls and a short tour of a traditional Berber household. Afterwards we head back to our guesthouse for a mountain sunset, an evening feast, and some chill time.
Running: Up to 9 mi / 15km, 1000 ft / 300m elevation gain/loss; dirt road
Meals: BLD -
This morning’s run starts right from our hotel and cruises through rare-in-Morocco pine forests, past remote Berber villages and along some stellar single-track on trails seldom visited by tourists. At the mountain top finish line of the run enjoy a restorative picnic lunch packed with fresh fruit, salads, grilled meats, fresh bread and copious amounts of sweet mint tea. That afternoon there will be plenty of time to relax and recover at our secluded valley refuge (and perhaps fit in a visit to a local rug shop as well!)
Running: Up to 10 mi / 16km, 2000 ft / 600m elevation gain/loss; single track, dirt road
Meals: BLD -
Today we head up, up, up to the start line of our run, in the ski resort town of Oukaimeden - at almost 9,000 ft. We will cross from one huge valley to another through a remote pass on spectacular single-track trails.
We will descend into a stunning valley of terraced agriculture framed against some of the highest peaks of the High Atlas. After a picnic lunch at the end of the run we depart for the nearby town of Imlil with views of terraced valleys, apple orchards, flowing creeks, and the highest mountain in northern Africa, Jebel Toubkal (13,670ft).
In the afternoon there will be time to explore Imlil, an outdoor adventure hub from which many mountaineering and trekking expeditions launch.
Running: 7 mi / 12km, 1300 ft / 400m elevation gain, 2500 ft / 750m elevation loss; dirt road & technical mountain single track
Meals: BLD -
Fell in love with Imlil? Good, because you get to stay a bit longer… and earn your way to the best views yet! We’ll begin from our riad, warming up with a bit of pavement before hitting a rolling dirt road that winds above the valley and below the highest peaks in North Africa, eventually culminating with a challenging single track climb climb to a pass with a big reward at the top - 360 degree views and fresh orange juice! Cruise back down to finish back at the hotel for lunch on the sunny rooftop terrace and time to relax before a short trek to a local home for tea and another hearty dinner.
Running: Up to 10 mi / 16km, 2500 ft / 750m elevation gain/loss; dirt road & technical mountain single track
Meals: BLD -
Today is a well-deserved recovery day, and we’ve got some ground to cover! Wake up and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at our lodge before we hit the road west to the charming coastal city of Essaouira, whose fortified walls you may recognize from Game of Thrones! We will get settled into our home for the next few nights, a former palace that has since been converted into an opulent riad that will have you feeling like royalty. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing by the pool, or head out to explore the ancient medina before a beachfront dinner. Warning: you may not want to leave.
Running: No scheduled run; afternoon shakeout optional
Meals: BLD -
After breakfast at the riad we will have a short drive to our final run of the trip, a cruise-y stretch of coastal cliff single track above the turquoise Atlantic ocean. Your final indulgent picnic lunch awaits on the beach - fresh-caught this time! - then we’ll head back to town with time set aside for exploring the souks, visiting the port or strolling the beach before our grand finale dinner!
Running: Up to 7 mi / 11km, 600 ft / 200m elevation gain/loss; single track trail
Meals: BLD -
That’s it! Wake up to a final big breakfast and get packed up before departing for Marrakech. We’ll arrive with plenty of time to board flights home, or to connect to further travel.
Running: No organized run
Meals: B
Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: 2024 dates
Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: 2025 dates
TRIP REVIEWS for our morocco running tour
Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: PRICING & LOGISTICS
UPCOMING 2024 DATES
October 21-28 2024
UPCOMING 2025 DATES
April 18-26, 2025
COST
2024 Standard Price: $3995
2025 Standard Price: $4095
A $600 deposit holds your spot, and balances are due 3 months prior to departure. Please refer to the FAQs on our website for our cancellation & refund policy.
EXTRAS
Early Arrival Package: $350 / $500 (single room/two people sharing a room)
Arrive a day early for extra time to sleep off the jet lag and explore Marrakech! Includes private airport pickup, dinner, accommodation and then breakfast, lunch and a walking tour of the medina (incl the Bahia Palace, spice shop visit and souk tour) with a professional local guide the following morning. Those choosing the single option will keep a single room for their first two nights in Marrakech.
Sahara Extension: $850 / $1500 (single room/two people sharing a room)
Take advantage of the fact that you’re already in Morocco and extend your adventure with a trip down to the Sahara! This extension begins on the final day of the running trip and includes private 4x4 transport, professional local guide, 3 nights accommodation (one night near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, one night at the desert camp and one night back in Marrakech), all breakfast + dinners, a sunset camel ride at camp, sightseeing stops along the way and an airport transfer for your flight home from Marrakech.
Please refer to the FAQs for our cancellation & refund policy.
COST INCLUDES
Pre-trip guidance + communication
Transfers to/from Marrakech airport on arrival and departure day
Transportation: well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, fuel and professional drivers
Eight nights in comfortable, unique three and four-star hotels or riads (double occupancy)
Six organized, guided runs
Access to all routes and navigation tools via an app
Experienced Moroccan logistics team
Experienced Rogue Expeditions trip leaders
All meals + snacks from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 9
All water + coffee/tea/juice with breakfast
Rogue Expeditions shirt + buff
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
Flight
Alcohol or beverages other than water (though coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfasts)
Travel Insurance
Personal purchases/souvenirs or extra activities
Tips
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
*Please do not book flights until you receive confirmation from us that the group size minimum has been met
Participants will need a passport with at least 6 months of validity left. No visas are required for US, UK, Canadian or EU citizens in Morocco; travelers from other countries should check with their consulate for details.
For this trip you will need to arrive in Marrakech (RAK) no later than 4pm on the first day and depart the same place no earlier than 12 noon on the final day. We will be there to meet you at the airport, and we will take you back there at the end of the trip. Please note that If you book flight times outside of these parameters we can help you arrange transport, but there may be additional cost.
Please note that travel insurance is strongly recommended. Although we hope you never need it, we've seen enough to know that it can be a lifesaver in the event of a medical emergency, flight delays that cause you to miss the start of the trip, lost baggage or cancellation on your part (broke your leg two weeks before departure? Got covid? Insurance could cover the entire cost of your trip!).
Run MOROCCO | Backroads of the atlas: TOUR DETAILS
RUNNING REQUIREMENTS
This Atlas Mountains tour is suitable for runners comfortable with trail running and some challenging terrain. Daily runs range from 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 km), with significant elevation gains. While the scenery is breathtaking, the running can be demanding, featuring dirt roads, single-track trails, and some technical mountain paths.
As always, participants can run at their own pace, and our support team will be available throughout each run.
GROUP SIZE
There will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14 runners. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so early deposits are recommended!
FAQs | RUN MOROCCO BACKROADS OF THE ATLAS
What's the typical daily running distance and terrain like?
Runs vary from 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 km) per day, with elevation gains up to 2,500 feet (750 meters). Terrain includes dirt roads, single-track trails, and some technical mountain paths. You'll be running at altitudes between 5,000-9,000 feet (1,500-2,700 meters), so expect challenging days and slower-than-usual paces.
What level of running experience is needed for this tour?
While there's no strict requirement, we recommend participants be comfortable with running 3-4 times per week, including runs of 4-6 miles (6-10km) and a longer run of 8-10 miles (13-16km). Experience with trail running and hills is beneficial. Remember, it's not a race - we encourage a mindset of adventure over speed!
What type of accommodation can I expect?
You'll stay in a mix of comfortable mountain lodges, traditional riads (courtyard houses), and even a converted palace in Essaouira. All accommodations are chosen to provide comfort while immersing you in the local environment.
What's the food like on this tour?
Expect fresh, locally sourced Moroccan cuisine. Breakfasts feature freshly baked bread, local jams, eggs, and fruit. Lunches are often picnic-style with fresh produce, olives, meats, and mint tea. Dinners showcase traditional dishes like tajine and couscous. We can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice.
Besides running, what other activities are included?
You'll have opportunities to explore Marrakech's vibrant medina, visit traditional Berber homes, perhaps tour a local rug shop, and wander the charming streets and port of Essaouira. There's also ample time for relaxation and enjoying the unique accommodations.
What's the weather like in the Atlas Mountains?
In October, you can expect clear, cool nights (around 45°F / 7°C) and sunny days with highs between 60-70°F (15-21°C) in the mountains. It will be warmer on the coast, with lows around 60°F (15°C) and highs around 75°F (23°C). While rain is rare, it's always a possibility, so come prepared!
Additional Run Morocco | Backroads of the Atlas FAQs
You can find them here.
Other Questions?
Michael at michael@roguexpeditions.com
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2024 dates
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