The Imsfrane Cathedral, a monumental climbing destination nestled within the stunning canyons of the High Atlas in Morocco, is finally gaining recognition among adventurers despite its previously notorious reputation for poor rock quality. As articulated by **Albert Salvadó**, one of the key figures behind recent ascents on this impressive conglomerate wall, the Cathedral deserves to be climbed regardless of its unsettling rock conditions. This majestic wall rises dramatically above the Ahensal River, accessible via a path that was once a route to Taghia, a more popular climbing location known for its sturdy limestone cliffs.
Before the recent surge of interest, climbers largely avoided the Cathedral due to its daunting 600-meter vertical face, often opting instead for the nearby, more reliable limestone of Taghia. It wasn't until **Christian Ravier**, a passionate advocate for adventurous climbing and an expert on Moroccan terrains, took the plunge in the fall of 2016 alongside **Rémi Thivel** that perceptions began to shift. They completed the first ascent, aptly named **Gibraltar** (600 m, 6c), scaling the north face and discovering that the rock was not as treacherous as once believed.
After a few years of silence, a Spanish team composed of **Edu Recio and Jesús Ibarz** ventured to the Cathedral in winter 2023, eager to carve their own path. Declaring themselves "pioneers of the riglenses," they opened a new route called **La Salvaje**, a 500-meter climb rated up to 7b difficulty, completed entirely on free climbing. The reputation of unstable rock has not deterred climbers like **David Palmada ‘Pelut’**, who seeks thrilling challenges. In July 2024, he, along with **Joan Gilbert**, tackled the wall's formidable features under punishing summer temperatures, establishing **Komando Jaluf**, a bold 250-meter extreme artificial route (A5).
Recent Climbs and New Routes
The latest additions to the climbing routes of Imsfrane Cathedral, credited to a Catalan team, have sparked renewed excitement among climbers. According to **Albert Salvadó**, the wall captured his imagination after he read Christian Ravier's narrative, which vividly described the route's raw challenges. Planning a trip in October 2025 with his partner **Ester Sabadell**, Albert and his friends found themselves adjusting their plans last minute due to unfavorable weather, ultimately joining forces for the Moroccan adventure. He expressed that a strong team of four friends guarantees not only safety but also camaraderie and the possibility of creating new routes, something they all relish.
As they approached the wall, the sheer verticality and lack of evident weaknesses instilled a sense of reverence and trepidation. The wall's middle section reveals a mesmerizing rocky sea, with small overhangs that further enhance its intimidating profile. Albert, alongside Ester, chose to ascend the western flank, which is adorned with unique formations and offers a more forgiving escape route, while their friends **Josep María ‘Tato’ Esquirol and Tomeu Rubí** aimed for a direct ascent up the northwest face.
Route Details and Practical Information
For six days, Tato and Tomeu meticulously crafted their route to the summit, returning nightly to their lodging to rest. Their ascent was marked by a commitment to minimal expansion, relying heavily on their climbing expertise. They described the process of navigating through overhangs and loose rocks as both physically demanding and exhilarating. They managed to complete their climb predominantly in free mode, facing challenging sections rated between the sixth and seventh grades, with a brief portion tackled using aid.
Conversely, Albert and Ester faced their share of difficulties, encountering loose rocks and sandy sections that marred their route. Despite these setbacks, they remained hopeful, believing that conditions would improve. Their determination led them to explore alternate paths, and they were able to connect with several sections of solid rock, ultimately reaching the summit, albeit not without a dust-covered finish.
For those eager to discover the captivating Imsfrane Cathedral, practical information is essential. Flights to Beni Melal, located less than three hours from the Cathedral, are recommended, particularly from Casablanca. Accommodation options abound in Imsfrane, including hostels and campsites, with **Maison d’hôtes Dar Tawda** being a highly recommended option for a comfortable stay. A 4x4 taxi service can greatly enhance accessibility to the base of the wall, saving considerable time and effort.
As reported by desnivel.com.
