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Mount Toubkal Summit Hike: Refuge du Toubkal to Summit (Jebel & Jbel Tubkal توبقال Tūbqāl)
Hiking Trail
Hard
4.03 mi
3,272 ft
The short but strenuous second day to North Africa's highest peak
After the long hike on Day 1 from Imlil to Refuge du Toubkal, there is little distance remaining to the summit—but still nearly 1,000m of height to gain and around 3 hours required to reach the top. Starting early recommended to experience the sunrise during the ascent or at the top, and it allows for plenty of time to descend to Imlil should you choose to return all the way to the base. If attempting this route during the winter/spring it is likely that crampons will be required from the get-go. The path may not be obvious after fresh snowfall. Some easy scrambling through a large boulder moraine is required on the initial section from the refuge for about an hour until the path climbs a steep scree slope to a col: Tizi’n’Toubkal, 3,940m. The final steep section climbs the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal to the peak. The summit is marked by a curious pyramidal metal frame. Take some time to admire the incredible views across most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains. Reverse the route to return. The refuges are reached within ~2 hours, and a choice can be made of either returning to Imlil (another 5-6 hours) or staying at the refuge another night and descending the following day. Written by Cece Moore
After the long hike on Day 1 from Imlil to Refuge du Toubkal, there is little distance remaining to the summit—but still nearly 1,000m of height to gain and around 3 hours required to reach the top. Starting early recommended to experience the sunrise during the ascent or at the top, and it allows for plenty of time to descend to Imlil should you choose to return all the way to the base. If attempting this route during the winter/spring it is likely that crampons will be required from the get-go. The path may not be obvious after fresh snowfall. Some easy scrambling through a large boulder moraine is required on the initial section from the refuge for about an hour until the path climbs a steep scree slope to a col: Tizi’n’Toubkal, 3,940m. The final steep section climbs the summit ridge of Jbel Toubkal to the peak. The summit is marked by a curious pyramidal metal frame. Take some time to admire the incredible views across most of the Atlas and Little Atlas Mountains. Reverse the route to return. The refuges are reached within ~2 hours, and a choice can be made of either returning to Imlil (another 5-6 hours) or staying at the refuge another night and descending the following day. Written by Cece Moore
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Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toubkal ascent from Neltner refuge | 2.29 mi | 3,071 ft | 25.3% |
| TOUBKAL up & down | 4.21 mi | 3,248 ft | 0.1% |
| Chemin Toubkal | 1.41 mi | 3,077 ft | 40.9% |
| Montée Refuge au Toubkal 🔥 | 2.22 mi | 3,130 ft | 26.7% |