Looking for the best hiking and trekking trails in Saudi Arabia? We got you covered. Saudi Arabia is a country with a diverse landscape that offers a variety of hiking and trekking opportunities. Whether it is mountainous terrain or desert landscapes, volcanic craters or waterfall setting; Here are the most sought-after trails:
1. Al Wabah:
Al Wabah is a recently discovered popular tourist spot in the west of Saudi Arabia. The Al Wabah crater is one of the volcanic craters in the Harrat Kishb plateau. Found in its belly is sodium potassium, giving it the property of luminescence that attracts tourists the most.
A 3-hour hike to the crater will give you the much-needed adrenaline and wonder. You can walk around the rim of the crater, and you can hike to the bottom of the crater. We recommend you carry water bottles and snacks if you are going to the crater’s bottom. What’s not to miss is the night at AL Wabah, if you are an astrophile. Camp at the crater site with your loved ones and marvel at the night sky. Hike to the crater in the early morning or early evenings and set up camps, this will give you the perfect hiking experience.
How to reach: The city of Taif is only 250 km away. A 4-hour drive from Jeddah will take you to the crater site. Rental cars are available for easy access via a paved road.
When to visit: The weather is hot and dry. So, it’s advised to visit in the winter, and nights are pretty chilly. Camping at night should be fun out there.
2. Jabal al-Nour trail :
One of the holy places for Muslims, Jabal Al-Nour is a mountain situated near Mecca. Nestled among the mountains is the Ghar-i-Hira, where the prophet is believed to have gotten his first revelation of the Quran. A 2-hour hike or climbing 1750 steps will take you to the cave.
How to reach: The Cave of Hira is located in the Jabal Al-Nour Mountain near Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is 4 km away from the Holy Kaaba and overlooks the north.
The road ends at Bilal bin Rabah Mosque, beyond which vehicles can’t go. The Ghar-e-Hira Trail is a half-kilometre unpaved dirt path.
After a difficult 2-hour trek, you can pray if the place is not too crowded and feel spiritual or you can just take in the wonder of the panoramic view of the Mekkah city and the caves.
3. Edge Of The World
Located in the Riyadh region, this trail is one of the most popular hiking spots in Saudi Arabia. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the rocky terrain makes for a challenging but rewarding hike.
Watching the sunrise and sunset from the top of the cliff is everyone’s favourite experience. And what’s amazing is its history! It was formed due to the movement of tectonic plates. Trekkers find the corrals and wood fossils present amusing. Hiking can be done along the top of the cliffs for unique views, or down to the bottom via the main parking area. It’s a 30-minute hike to the top of the cliffs. The view is worth it! Camping is allowed too. Enjoy the romantic sunset and camp in the chilly winter.
When to visit: It is best to visit during winter because summer temperatures can reach above 50°C, making hiking impossible.
How to reach:
Jebel Tuwaiq, a popular cliff site located 90 km from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is open to visitors. You can reach the cliff by car.
4. Jabal Al Soudah
Located in the Asir region, Al Soudah is a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the mountains and valleys. It’s one of the toughest trails lasting for more than 6 hours of 15 km.
If you’re looking for some excitement, there are plenty of thrilling activities for tourists to enjoy in this region. You can try skydiving, free fall sports, mountain climbing, or even riding a 65-meter zipline.
When to visit:
This area is a fantastic tourist destination all year round, with August being a popular month to attend the lively Flowerman Festival celebrations. And in the winter, the snow-capped mountains are a favourite among tourists. Hope this helps!
5. Al Ula Mountain Trek
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, you should check out the Al Ula Mountain trek! It’s a beautiful trail that takes you through rugged canyons and offers stunning views of volcanic rocks One of the highlights of the trek is the Lion Tombs of Dadan, which is a must-see tourist attraction.
During the winter months, you might even come across water pools on the way. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a Hidden Valley trek that’s about 4 km long and open at night, which lets you explore the starlit caves.
The Al Ula Adventure Trek is a bit challenging, as it’s an 8 km trek that takes around 5 hours to complete, but it’s worth it! The best time to do this trek is between October and April when the weather is pleasant. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Saudi Arabia, with its diverse terrains and rich history, presents a landscape waiting to be explored by hikers and trekkers. From the towering cliffs of the Edge of the World to the ancient wonders of Al-Ula, each trail offers a unique adventure. The Kingdom emerges as a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of nature and history. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and embark on a journey to uncover the hidden wonders of Saudi Arabia’s hiking and trekking trails.