In northeastern Morocco, the Rif Mountains stand high and wide; an imposing look down onto the small villages, cities, and the Mediterranean Sea.
Rising up almost 2,000 meters above sea level, the trails along the mountains are open, vast, and covered in cedar trees.
For any hiker these mountains are a must-do experience when traveling to Morocco.
One of the great things about the lesser known Rif Mountains is that avid hikers will get to experience a truly back-country side of Morocco.
Unlike the extremely popular Atlas Mountains, there are no deep, well-worn trails or tourists – these mountains offer you a unique, sprawling look at undiscovered terrain.
Situated close to villages and cities, you can still venture far away without leaving behind the comforts of Moroccan culture and hospitality.
Chefchaouen is the perfect starting point for a trek in the mountains. Nestled right in the hillside, the Blue Pearl of Morocco offers a quick access point to great trails.
If you are looking to fill an afternoon with a short trek or have your backpack ready for a long exploration of the untouched areas of the mountainside, we have a few suggestions for how to make it the perfect hike.
In between hiking trips? Take a break in the beautiful city of Chefchaouen
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When to Visit
For hikers, the best time to visit Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains is in the months of April to June. The spring months are the perfect time to discover the trails, though experienced hikers may get a thrill out of the challenge of winter hiking.
Always come prepared for any weather, as you can still see snow and dropping temperatures at night on the high peaks.
If you are unfamiliar with long hikes and unmarked trails, the safest bet is to find a guide for your journey. Local companies such as Gite Talassemtane offer great options for both guides and routes that let you see the best of the Rif Mountains.
Decide if you want a guided hike or a chance to discover the trails on your own based on your experience and familiarity with the area. For the longer overnight and all-day treks, a guide is recommended.
The area in the Rif Mountains is well known for hashish (marijuana) , also known as kif ,production. This is another time when a guide comes in handy – you will know where to avoid these growing areas.
Mostly, the growers will ignore you , but keep in mind that it is still illegal in Morocco.
Chefchaouen Trekking
For a half-day or afternoon trip, stay close to the city and explore the hillsides just beyond the winding blue streets.
Exiting from the medina, take the roads up towards Hotel Atlas. Here, you will find a well-used trail that keeps taking you up to the sky.
When you reach the top you will be rewarded with a lovely lookout for gazing down on Chefchaouen and the surrounding mountains.
One of the more challenging routes is Jebel al Kalaa which can take 9 hours to complete. It is not particularly well marked and using a local guide is recommended.The views are worth the climb.
God’s Bridge and Akchour
This hike officially starts in Azilane, and many use Chefchaouen as the initial base before taking the long and winding hike to Azilane.
From here, it is a half day trek up to God’s Bridge, also known as Pont de Dieu.
A tall, striking red rock formation that juts between the valleys, this gorgeous natural landmark is best viewed as the sun sets.
From here you can stay the night in Akchour. The next day brings a strenuous hike along Farda to the Akchour waterfalls.
These natural falls are a true beauty, so enjoy time in the refreshing river and falls to cool off.
This advanced hike takes two days, and the sights you will see along the way will be well worth the effort.
Talassemtane National Park
A guide and mules are essential for this two-day trek through small villages and forests filled with wildlife.
The hike takes you into the village of Aghram where you can truly experience rural Moroccan living and get to know the locals before traversing your way to the park’s interior.
The Talassemtane National Park itself is a vast expanse of rocky cliffs, fresh rivers, and cedar and fir trees home to the region’s Barbary macaques.
The trails snake along through the wilderness and up to peaks, it is a truly wonderful guided hike.
There is so much to see in the Rif Mountains beyond what can be found in Chefchaouen, so take the leap into adventure and explore what is around you.
There are many wondrous hikes and treks through the mountains and parks; each will leave you with a different experience to remember for a lifetime.
Finally, the Rif Mountains are renowned for their harvests of marijuana and Moroccan drugs laws are severe.
Stay safe and enjoy exploring one of Morocco’s best kept secrets when hiking in the beautiful Rif Mountains.