This track was identified and mapped via high-resolution satellite imagery.
M'Hamid to Erg Chigaga Desert Piste
From the end of the tarmac at M'Hamid a desert piste runs about 60 km west across stony hamada, small dunes, fech-fech and camel grass to Erg Chigaga, the largest dune field in Morocco, where seasonal desert camps sit below dunes that stretch for nearly 40 km. It is the classic route into the Chigaga dunes.
Trail Map
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Trail Profile
General Instructions
About 60 km; allow 2-3 hours. A 4x4 is needed: lower tyre pressure for soft sand, keep momentum, avoid sharp turns on dunes, and carry a shovel, sand plates and plenty of water. Travel with a local guide; summer heat is extreme, so October to April is best.
Weather check
Sampling Micro-Climate...
29.8254, -5.7226
Slide to preview conditions across the entire route • Point: 29.8254, -5.7226 @ 550m
Quick Stats
Highlights
- Watch sunset from the high dunes of Erg Chigaga
- Stay at a desert camp
- Sandboard on the dunes near the camps
- Cross the open hamada plains
- Ride a camel into the dunes
Field Radio Protocol
VHF-UHF Communication
Propagation Telemetry
Ridge Line
92%Gorge Floor
18%Sector Relay: Sector Alpha Relay• 12-18 KM Range
Regulatory Compliance
VHF/UHF frequencies are for monitoring and emergency coordination only. Transmitting on these bands may require an Amateur Radio License or regional government permits. Check local telecommunications laws before operation.
Technical Analysis
Total Ascent
+17 m
Total Descent
-79 m
Ruggedness Index
Terrain Roughness Index
Vertical displacement per km. Typical range: 0 (Smooth) to 100+ (Extreme Mountain).
1.9
Tortuosity Index
Route Curviness Index
Ratio of actual path to straight line. Typical range: 1.0 (Direct) to 3.0+ (Switchbacks).
1.07
Gradient Distribution
Surface & Hydrology
Surface Spectrum Analysis
Includes only technical water fords where the vehicle actively enters a stream or riverbed. Permanent bridges are excluded from this count.
Difficulty Analysis
Difficulty is determined by a technical multi-vector analysis of elevation profile, surface quality, and topographic intensity.
Bounding Box (WGS84)
Point Spacing: 65.7 m • Engine: TrailX Precision GPX ANALYTICS v1.0.0
Reviews & Discussion0
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Plan this trip
Before you go: M'Hamid to Erg Chigaga Desert Piste
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