Gravel bike route from Tafraout to M'haech Pass

Hi everyone, could someone give me info on the track that starts from Tafraout toward M’harch Pass and then continues to Mcissi to join the national road heading west to Alnif? I’m planning to go in April 2025 by gravel bike/MTB. Is it doable? Is there a lot of soft sand??? How many km???? Thanks for any tips, and happy end of the year to all! Best, Rv.

Hey,

Not the easiest to do by bike... I've never seen anyone do it in this area... From Tafraout, a small section has been paved and the trail improved because that will be the case all the way to Merzouga later (they're also making progress on the other side)... I don't think it's complicated until M'harech except for crossing the wadi, which is very dusty and quite rutted in all directions but doable. A bit of loose gravel on a few sections in the pass up to the legendary hostel of the same name, where Brahim will be waiting for you with a good meal and great info on what's next (you can contact him via WhatsApp, he'll give you details: +212 667 310 564), room or camping on site.

The rest is less obvious and long to climb back up... Several annoying loose sections but never too long, though lots of rocks and especially tons of trails going in every direction with few easy landmarks. I'm not even sure if my last GPX track from November 2023 would be useful...

Hi Olivier, thanks so much for this info! I’ll contact Brahim before Foum-Zguid—it’ll give me time to think things over based on what he says. Back in 2016, I went through Tafraout, then Remlia, Taouz, and headed back up to Rissani. Too bad that damn tarmac is coming in! It’s great for locals, but unfortunately, trash is going to start showing up. Wishing everyone good health and happy holidays! Best, Rv..

For bike enthusiasts!!!!! I’m answering my own question—I rode the trail from Sidi Tafraout in April 2025. Easy ride to Pass M’harech. 23 km of good trail heading west… 500 m after leaving Sidi Tafraout, head north (paved road)… then take the right trail west toward the pass (it’s signposted). Great ride… cycling!!!!