A much wilder option than Toubkal, and one of the best viewpoints in the Atlas mountains.

Statistics

3 - 4

hrs

1,042

m

1,042

m

22

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

Although Toubkal has the obvious draw of being the highest peak in the Atlas, Ouanoukrim is arguably more aesthetic and is certainly wilder than its marginally higher neighbour. Provided you have the requisite fitness, it is perfectly possible to do Toubkal and Ouanoukrim on back-to-back days, and doing so is highly recommended.

The route up and down Ouanoukrim is less travelled than that on Toubkal, so blue sky is vital for an ascent of this mountain. From the Refuges du Toubkal, head south for roughly 3 hours up the long and mellow valley which leads up to the distinctive Tizi Ouagane (3750m) Col.

From the Col, turn right and follow the beautiful East ridge of Ras Ouanoukrim (4083m).

The ridge requires some easy scrambling and, in winter conditions, confidence cramponing on 30-degree slopes.

If, at any stage, the ridge crest looks too technical, you can drop off right and rejoin the ridge further up. Upon arriving on top of Ras Ouanoukrim, take in the wonderful views across the rolling hills to the south and the high peaks to the east, north, and west.

Provided the weather is good, the final ridge to the top of Ouanoukrim's main summit (sometimes called Timesguida) is little more than a victory lap on which you can enjoy the high mountain ambiance and the wild surroundings. Descend by the same route back to the Refuges du Toubkal.