A community-based approach to mountain tourism in the Atlas
Atlas Mountain Trails was launched in 2024 to create the first long‑distance MTB route across the Atlas Mountains. The project promotes this unique mountain range as a world‑class destination for MTB and gravel riders through a community‑based approach.
We provide reliable route information and connect riders with local tourism professionals who offer updates, accommodation, and cultural insight. The project is growing thanks to the feedback of riders from around the world and a collaboration with Bikepacking.com, which features part of the trail.
The Atlas Mountains are a landscape shaped by time, wind, snow — and the Amazigh communities who have lived here for millennia. Our routes cross remote valleys, summer grazing grounds (Agdals), and villages where riders often stay chez l’habitant ( “homestay”)
Tourism in these areas is limited, but when developed sustainably, it can provide important benefits to local communities. By riding here, you support local youth, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic development far from mass‑tourism corridors.
The Atlas Mountain Trails was founded by Jakob Fircks and Anselm Duchrow in 2024 after several years of exploring the Atlas Mountains.
Jakob has been exploring mountains around the world, on the bike, feet or on ski. His work in sustainable economic development in Morocco and extended journeys to the Atlas Mountains inspired him to work on a long distance trail, as a way to connect travelers with the Amazigh culture of the Atlas.
Anselm grew up trekking and skiing around Mont Blanc before his career took him to different countries from Mozambique to the Brazilian rainforest. His passion for nature, rural communities and adventure inspired the Atlas Mountain Trails initiative.
The development of the trail was possible thanks to a network of local tourism professionals and innovators. They provide essential trail updates, help organize accommodation, and open doors to Amazigh culture. Riders are encouraged to reach out to them when planning their journey.
Middle Atlas - Routes: Eastern Highlands, National Parks of the Middle Atlas
Ahmed started to hike the steep mountain slopes of Bou Naceur as a kid, herding the goats. Today he is known far beyond his native region as a tourism innovator, entrepreneur and artist. He shares his passion for the mountains with travelers from around the world and runs a mountain hostel in his native village of Oualed Ali. Ahmed also leads an Amazigh music and dance group.
High Atlas - Route: Geopark Mgoun
Mostapha is a certified mountain and rafting guide. He is the owner of the Auberge La Cathedrale, well known for its splendid location on the river Assif Melloul and perfect base for climbers, MTB or rafting. Mostapha is very engaged in the development of sustainable mountain activities in the region through the TAMGA association.
High Atlas - Routes: Trans Central Atlas, Kings of the Atlas
Mohamed runs the Hostal Les Coquelicots in Ait Tamlil from where he organizes a range of different tours by bike or by foot in the mountains and valleys of the region. He is an excellent cook and also organizes Amazigh cooking workshops.
High Atlas - Routes: Trans Central Atlas, Kings of the Atlas
Hanini had to work long and hard before realizing his dream to build the first mountain hostel in his native village Ifoulou. Located in the heart of the Atlas mountains, on the banks of the Tessaout river. Hanini knows the valleys and mountains along the Tessaout valley like the back of his hand and organizes trekkings and hikes to the Amazigh villages nearby.
Middle Atlas - Routes: Eastern Highlands
A native of the Tazekka region, Younes is a licensed guide of natural areas in his "second home", the forests of Tazekka National Park. He founded the TAZEKKA PARK Club, a caving and mountain sports club offering activities such as cave visits (book a visit! Younes is a studied and trained caving guide), caving, hiking, climbing, bivouacking, kayaking, mountain biking and canyoning.
High Atlas - Route : Geopark Mgoun
Mohamed represents the new generation of tourism and mountain professionals. He is a certified nature guide and opened a mountain hostel in his family house in Taouraout at the foot of famous Mt Ayashi. He is very engaged in developing the mountain tourism in his region, always equipped with his camera and a big smile.
High Atlas - Route: Trans Central Atlas
Based on the south side of Mt Mgoun in the beautiful village of Ait Alla, Ibrahim has more than 30 years of experience accompanying mountaineers in the High Atlas. He opened the first mountain hostel of the whole region that he still runs with his wife and kids.