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Mount Toubkal Summit Hike: Refuge du Toubkal to Summit

The short but strenuous second day to North Africa's highest peak

Hiking Severe

Distance
6.7 km
Ascent
986 m
Descent
986 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
3.2 km
High Point
4.1 km
Gradient
20˚
Mount Toubkal Summit Hike: Refuge du Toubkal to Summit Map

After the long hike on Day 1 from Imlil to Refuge du Toubkal, there is little distance remaining to the summit—but still nearly 1,000m of height to gain and around 3 hours required to reach the top. Starting early recommended to experience the sunrise during the ascent or at the top, and it allows for plenty of time to descend to Imlil should you choose to return all the way to the base.

Description

If attempting this route during the winter/spring it is likely that crampons will be required from the get-go. The path may not be obvious after fresh snowfall.

Some easy scrambling through a large boulder moraine is required on the initial section from the refuge for about an hour until the path climbs a steep scree slope to a col: Tizi’n’Toubkal, 3,940m.

The final steep section climbs the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal to the peak. The summit is marked by a curious pyramidal metal frame. Take some time to admire the incredible views across most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains.

Reverse the route to return. The refuges are reached within ~2 hours, and a choice can be made of either returning to Imlil (another 5-6 hours) or staying at the refuge another night and descending the following day.

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between February and October

Features

  • Picturesque
  • Summit Hike

Similar routes nearby

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