
Is the road to Tizi Bou Taouelt unpaved?
Morocco, africa
17.6 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Morocco's Midelt Province? You've GOT to check out Tizi Bou Taouelt!
This high-altitude pass, nestled in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, is a seriously cool rural shortcut through the eastern High Atlas mountains.
Okay, so the P7318 isn't exactly paved – think 17.6 km (or about 11 miles) of pure, unadulterated gravel. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Generally, most cars can handle it in dry weather, and the hills aren't too crazy steep – topping out at around 6%. Just keep in mind this baby is sensitive to the seasons.
You'll be cruising between the tiny villages of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef and Tounfit, making your way from the river valleys to those classic Midelt plateaus. Pro tip: give yourself extra time, because that gravel and those winding bends mean you won't be speeding.
Word of warning: rain can turn this track into a mud pit real quick, so maybe think twice if the weather's looking iffy and you aren't in a 4x4. And winter? Snow's a definite possibility up here around 2,100 meters. It's a remote spot, so fill up the tank and bring plenty of water!
But the VIEWS! Absolutely unreal. You'll be gawking at the snow-capped peaks to the south (seriously, they sometimes stick around 'til spring!). It's all rocky hills, sparse plants, and the occasional nomad camp. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a peaceful escape into the real, raw beauty of the High Atlas. The summit? Just you, the wide-open horizon, and the sound of silence. Trust me; it's epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Morocco
- Continent
- africa
- Length
- 17.6 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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