The High Atlas ranges from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Moroccan-Algerian border in the east. The range drops dramatically into the Atlantic and southwest, creating a dramatic transition to the coast and the Anti-Atlas range. To the north, in the direction of Marrakech, the mountain drops more gradually.

Toubkal National Park has Jbel Toubkal, the range’s highest summit at 4,167 meters (2.589 miles; 13,671 ft). The range serves as a weather system barrier in Morocco, separating the Sahara from the Mediterranean and continental zones to the north and west. Winter sports are possible because snow falls frequently at the massif’s higher elevations. Snow can be found on the northern slopes of the High Atlas well until late spring. The Western High Atls is home to Oukameden, one of Morocco’s three important ski resorts.

The High Atlas forms the basins of multiple river systems. The majority of the year-round rivers flow north, supporting towns. A number of wadis and seasonal rivers come to an end in the deserts to the south and plateaux to the east of the highlands.