The High Atlas in central Morocco rises in the western part of Morocco  between the Atlantic coast and Marrakech. It stretches diagonally northeastward in the direction of the Moroccan-Algerian border. Henry and I approached the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech, where they stand impressively in the distant background, their peaks still visible with snow even in late spring. Our travels were concentrated on the western and central areas of this mountain range with peaks as high as 4,167 meters/13,671 feet. We were driven across the mountain range on switch back road of two passes: the  Tizi-n-Ait Imger Pass and the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass. These great mountains and their snowmelt form the network of rivers that irrigate Morocco’s valleys and expanses of palm groves and farm lands. High within this range of mountains, with the town Ouarzazate as the fulcrum, it was fairly easy to explore the dramatic and stunning valleys that lead north and south. The mountains serve as a climate barrier in Morocco, moderating the searing heat of the Sahara with the cooler mountain air of the high altitudes and the Mediterranean climate of the riff that is on the northern coast.

PHOTOS: Views of the High Atlas Mountain range.

JOURDAN ARPELLE-ZIEGLER                                        BACK TO MAP  PAGE