There’s a particular spell cast by Ouzoud Falls when evening approaches—when the sun starts its slow descent behind the ridged expanse of the Middle Atlas, painting the plunging waters in shades of gold and amber. Located near the village of Tanaghmeilt in Morocco, this cascade is more than a sight; it’s a living force that demands respect. Water roars down over 110 meters, daring you to feel its pulse, while the nearby forest whispers with the chatter of Barbary macaques, whose playful antics add a lively soundtrack to the scene.

Your hike starts with a clear trail roughly 3.5 kilometers from Tanaghmeilt, descending about 150 meters in elevation. The terrain is diverse—rocky paths, shaded groves of eucalyptus and olive trees, and sections where the trail grows narrow, hugging cliffs with stunning views below. The forest here is alive, the air thick with the scent of wet earth and pine needles, the rustle of leaves hinting at the wildlife just out of sight.

As you approach the base of the falls, the roaring water tempts you closer, the mist cool against your skin like nature’s own handshake. This moment is an open invitation to pause and watch the Barbary monkeys that call this spot home. These agile mammals dart through the branches and rocks with curious intelligence, pausing as if to measure the visitors as much as the visitors measure them. They bring a sense of unpredictable joy, reminding you nature is fiercely itself—not tamed, but alive and alert.

Timing your arrival around sunset is key. The light softens, colors deepen, and the falls shimmer with a final burst of brilliance before dusk takes hold. It’s practical to start your hike late afternoon, giving yourself enough time to ascend back before nightfall. Bring sturdy shoes for rocky, uneven ground, a refillable water bottle—the forest can dry out fast even when shaded—and layered clothing as temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.

Whether you’re coming for the adventure, the wildlife, or simply the chance to stand in front of one of Morocco’s grandest waterfalls, the hike to Ouzoud Falls at sunset is a challenge that rewards with more than views. It’s a chance to engage directly with a landscape that moves around you, urging reverence and offering moments of pure, tactile wonder.