Morocco is an incredible trekking destination boasting rich and unique culture, traditional Berber villages, soaring arid peaks and surprisingly verdant valleys. We've pulled together a collection of the most striking creative commons images of the Atlas Mountains and Rif Valley. Enjoy!

Toubkal in the High Atlas is perhaps the most accessible from Marrakesh. Trekking in Morocco tends to start out from Imlil, a charming Berber village. Toubkal is the highest peak in North Africa and makes for a challenging trek but the effort is justified by stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert from the summit. Photo by Flickr user kassarar.

Toubkal by Flickr user Omer Simkha

 Berber village near Toubkal by Flickr user Jean-Baptiste Bellet

Imlil is the starting off point for most going trekking in Morocco, Toubkal and the Atlas Mountains. By Flickr user Jean-Baptiste Bellet. 

M'goun Massif

The M'goun Massif is the off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Toubkal region. Verdant valleys and stunning ancient Berber villages dominate the trekking on oh so quiet trails. Photo by Flickr user Ryan Kilpatrick

 M'goun Massif by Flickr user Ryan Kilpatrick

 M'goun Massif by Flickr user Ryan Kilpatrick

The Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is rich with greenery and attractive villages and is completely at odds with Sahara like preconceptions of trekking in Morocco. Located just 30km from Marracesh, it is a refreshing destination when the City boils in summer. Image by Flickr user Bryce Edwards

Berber Village in the Ourika Valley by Flickr user Bryce Edwards

The Dades Valley

The Dades Valley is reminiscent of Colorado and America's wild west. The Dades river marks a lush trail through the semi-desert region surrounded by wild shaped rock formations. Photo by Flickr user Punxutawneyphil.

Berber Villages

A highlight of trekking in Morocco is the colour vibrancy of the local people and Berber villages. Photo by Flickr user JohnRawlinson

Chef-Chaouen situated in the Rif Mountains is a striking contrast of blindingly white walls, striking blue doors and simple architecture set between mountains and water. Photo by flickr user rhurtubia

Chef-Chaouen by Flickr user rhurtubia

Erg Chebbi Dunes

The Erg Chebbi dunes are the highest in dunes in Morocco set amidst a vast flat plateau. The dunes give travellers a taste of the Sahara and are just about reachable from Marrakesh. Camel trekking is popular. Photo by Flickr user amerune

Camp at the Erg Chebbi dunes by Flickr user amerune