Tizi Bou Taouelt: Driving the Scenic P7318 Road in the Midelt Province
Located in the heart of the Midelt Province, within the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Morocco, Tizi Bou Taouelt is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,125m (6,971ft) above sea level. This high-altitude crossing serves as a vital rural link through the rugged foothills of the eastern High Atlas mountains.
| Road facts: Tizi Bou Taouelt | |
|---|---|
| Location | Midelt Province, Morocco |
| Elevation | 2,125 m (6,971 ft) |
| Length | 17.6 km (10.93 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 6% |
| Surface | Unpaved / Gravel |
Is the road to Tizi Bou Taouelt unpaved?
The road through the pass, officially designated as the P7318 Road, is entirely unpaved. Despite the gravel surface, the track is generally well-maintained and remains drivable by most passenger vehicles during dry and stable weather conditions. Unlike other more technical passes in the Atlas, Tizi Bou Taouelt is never excessively steep, with the maximum gradient only hitting 6% on some of the upper ramps. However, the lack of asphalt means that the road is highly sensitive to seasonal changes.
How long is the P7318 road over Tizi Bou Taouelt?
The mountain pass spans 17.6 km (10.93 miles), running west to east between the small settlements of Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef and Tounfit. The journey offers a transition from the narrow river valleys to the high, arid plateaus typical of the Midelt region. Driving the full 17 km takes longer than expected due to the unpaved surface and the need to navigate several sweeping bends that follow the natural contours of the mountainside.
What are the main hazards on the road to Tounfit?
While the 6% gradient is manageable, the primary risk on Tizi Bou Taouelt is the weather. In the event of heavy rain, the unpaved P7318 can quickly turn into a muddy trap, making it impassable for cars without 4WD. During the winter months, although it is not the highest pass in the area, snow can accumulate at 2,100 meters, leading to temporary closures. Additionally, the road is very remote with minimal traffic and no services; travelers should ensure they have sufficient fuel and water before leaving Tounfit or Sidi Yahya Ou Youssef.
What is the scenery like at Tizi Bou Taouelt?
The drive provides dramatic views of the Djebel Ayachi massif to the south, which often remains snow-capped well into the spring. The landscape around the pass is characterized by sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and occasional nomadic encampments. It is a quiet, atmospheric route that avoids the heavy tourist traffic of the more famous passes, offering a raw look at the rural life of the eastern High Atlas. The summit itself is marked by wide horizons and the silence of the high mountains.