The Kingdom offers hiking for all abilities, from short, easy walks with spectacular viewpoints, to all-day treks over difficult terrain. Some hikes follow centuries-old Bedouin mountain paths, a few of which are still being used. Some of the terrain is incredible and you can only wonder at the skills of the hardy mountain people who pioneered the trails.

Embarking On A Route

We’ve included a number of hikes in proximity to the driving routes covered in this guide to get you started. Another way to get out and about is to join an active hiking group, like Riyadh Hiking Club on Facebook, who will take care of newbies and ensure you always have buddies and coordinates to venture out with. Another option is to head out with a tour group who offer guided hiking packages.

In addition, some developed touristy areas have established hiking experiences, such as AlUla, where you choose from multiple trails, and Al Hada in the Sarawat Mountains about 20km from the ancient city of Taif in Makkah, where there are cable cars and an illuminated route called the Light Walkway, which is accessible to all.

Maqla'a Tamyah Crater (Alwa'aba), located between Taif and Riyadh, makes for another popular short hike, in which you can descend to the salt pan in the bottom of the crater. 

Another popular hiking destination are the twin peaks, Aja and Salma in the Shammar Mountain area in Hail province. Legend has it that the mountains are named after a pair who fell in love, but with their families disapproving, they both were killed – one on top of the mountain north of Hail, and the other on the mountain south of the city. However, their love was strong enough to move the mountains together.

Those wishing to take winter hiking to the next level should head for the peak of Jabal al Lawz in Tabuk province, at just over 2.5km above sea level, which typically gets snow in winter every year.

The Official Guide

The Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF) is the governing body for hiking and climbing in the Kingdom, and you can find a list of licensed hiking guides located in Saudi’s various regions and areas on climbing.sa.

Trail Terrain

Hiking in Saudi Arabia is completely different to what most people expect or are used to. There are hardly any established tracks, apart from either goat trails or rough paths between settlements, and there is often little shade or relief from the constant sun. Rocks and boulders are sharp and sometimes unstable. The general terrain is often heavily eroded and shattered due to the harsh climate, but there are still places where you can walk through shady palm plantations and lush oases.

Much of your hike, however, might be spent watching where you are walking. A short supply of signposts, combined with a lack of distinguishable features, can make it difficult to orientate yourself. Having said this, once you become more experienced and accustomed to the local environment, your perceptions change, and you will find it easier to follow cairns, recognise different rocks and trees, and identify the path when it looks to have faded away.

Finding Your Way

At times when you think you are lost and you cannot find the path, keep an eye out for cairns laid down to guide you along the trail. A cairn is an artificial pile of stones, often in a conical shape. As you pass them, don’t forget to add a stone to maintain the cairn for future hikers. Cairns are just one navigational tool that can help you when the route gets tricky. Another suggestion is to stop, step back and survey the scene in front of you. You may see the track re-emerge up ahead and be able to trace it back to where you are.

As well as these devices, we suggest using a GPS. The coordinates of key junctions on our favourite hikes are all marked on the maps.

REMEMBER

• Be prepared and be sensible – let someone know where you are going
• Don't underestimate the strength of the sun – take sunblock, hats, glasses and wear long sleeves and trousers if you’re particularly vulnerable, or will be out for long periods
• Take far more water than you think you’ll need. You’ll probably use it all
• Personal hydration systems, such as CamelBak, are excellent for allowing you to keep drinking on the go
• Take a compass, map and preferably a GPS, and, if possible, someone who is familiar with the area
• Take some food for energy. Salt can sometimes be needed to replace body salts lost by sweating
• Be especially careful in wadis during the wet season; dangerous flash floods can fill a wadi in seconds
• Carry a basic first aid kit and a fully charged mobile phone
• Wear stout walking boots or shoes (necessary for the uneven terrain and loose rock)
• Be wary of speeding cars and irresponsible off-road drivers
• Remember all of the above, even if you’re embarking on an ‘easy’ hike. Conditions are always hot and harsh
• Have fun