BY Fariha Eshrat
Want to plan a fun hiking trip with your friends and family? We’ve got you covered with all the details you need right here!
As this beautiful cool weather persists across Riyadh, parks and outdoor trips have become an increasingly popular weekend past-time. Hiking trips are all the rage, so read up to find out more about the most exciting trails and hiking groups in the city.
Al Guelta Trail by Masarat Club
An adventurous trek through desert valleys along natural streams.
There is always something breathtaking hiding either between mountain valleys or above gigantic cliffs. This hidden treasure of the desert is a trail that covers both. Untouched for millions of years, this trail allows Masarat Club to teach explorers how to detect water locations by following animal steps and the locations of trees. This trail also has the largest water body of Tuwaiq. This creates a landscape that is a total package of all the desert landscapes you could expect along one trail.
DISTANCE: 6 KM
DURATION: 3-4 hours according to the level of fitness.
PACKAGE: SAR 395
ABOUT MASARAT ADVENTURE CLUB:
A professional organizing team with global experience in nature simulation, the Masarat Club team is equipped with the latest safety features, trained on leave no trace program, and Advanced Wilderness Life Support. Serving over 4000 clients to date, the agency has organized 165+ tours to 45+ worldwide tours. Masarat Club also offers tours outside Riyadh, such as to Neom city, Jazan, Taif, Qaddimb and more. International trips across Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tanzania and more. International summits worldwide like Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Toubkal, Everest basecamp, and much more. Masarat Adventure Club was established by a group of adventurous travel enthusiasts with the desire to explore the world and explore the country.
With the goal to instill the spirit of adventure and exploration among the locals, activate Saudi tourism and take care of the environment.These four Saudi founders are now proud to see the advancement of their group across the country.
CONTACT:
Phone: +966 56 644 5538
Instagram: @masaratclub
Website: www.masaratclub.com
Tuwaiq Trail by YallaHike
This trail is bound to bring out the geography-buff in you.
Millions of years ago, much of this country was an ocean. As you visit Tuwaiq along this trail, you will get to witness untouched fossilized ocean beds and dormant underwater volcanoes all tucked away in a breathtaking landscape of the Saudi sands. The trek starts off with mostly plain grounds where the guides show you fossilized coral, the dried up sea bed and a geyser. Next an exciting upward trek leads to a beautiful view of the valleys where you can appreciate the patterns left by crashing waves. After a truly invigorating descent, YallaHike leads the tour to a dormant volcano that is now covered in salty soft sand and oxidized iron remnants that allows for a truly enjoyable last descent. This beginner friendly trail is a must-go and it will push you to achieve more during the hike than you expected.
DISTANCE: 4.5 KM
DURATION: 3 hours for intermediate level hikers, 4 hours for beginners
PACKAGE: SAR 200
ABOUT YALLAHIKE
Yallahike started in 2017 as a group of hiking enthusiasts made their first trip to Edge of the World. They chose it as it was a popular tourist destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the beauty of the place transports you to another world. In 2019, the group was licensed as a tour operator and has expanded to many public trips since. The company prides itself on providing high quality service by a distinguished team of avid explorers. Safety is first for Yallahike, so the team is trained in first aid courses to ensure their clients and employees are well cared for before anything else.
The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has played an important role in highlighting Saudi culture, traditions and landscape across the world. Yallahike is proud of the progress made and excited for the opportunity to strive alongside the government to highlight the rich history and heritage of Saudi Arabia as it is shared with the world.
Yallahike covers many interesting sites that are worth a visit, both within and outside Riyadh. Check their social media for the upcoming programs weekly to book and explore different trails across the country. Both public and private trip options are available.
CONTACT:
Phone: +966 54 377 7179
Instagram: @yallahike, @thedesertland
Edge of The World by Riyadh Hiking
Ready for the most popular hiking trail in Riyadh? This breathtaking cliff will not let you down.
One of the most popular desert treks from Riyadh is to the Edge of the World along the Tuwaiq Escarpment. The 300-meter high cliffs surrounding central flat plains create a scenic view of the glorious desert horizon, allowing visitors to truly feel like they are standing at the edge of the world.
An invigorating physical challenge for most, Edge of the World also played a significant historic role as an important checkpoint for trade routes across the Arabian peninsula. Beyond that, as most of the unexplored desert was a sea bed, visitors will find fossilized coral along many of the tracks at this site.
Edge of the World also gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the lush Sha’ib Kharmah, a large valley that becomes green during after rainfall, hosts thousands of trees that offer shade to visitors all year long, making it a perfect place for a picnic. Follow that with a sunset from the cliff top for an unforgettable experience.
DISTANCE: 4 KM
DURATION: 2 hours for beginners
PACKAGE: SAR 250 Saturday and SAR 300 Friday
ABOUT RIYADH HIKING
The tour operation founder, Faisal, took his first hiking tour in Riyadh in 2016. For this trip, he chose the Tuwaiq mountains because of his passion for hiking to summits. This awakened an interest that he shared with friends and soon Faisal was arranging regular trips to the desert by himself or with friends. His personal instagram account started gaining a lot of traction, with Riyadh residents asking him a lot of questions about the places they visit and many residents were keen on going along with him. The enthusiasm of the locals and expats in the city moved Faisal, and his love for socializing with and meeting new people encouraged him to start including more and more people on his trips. Initially they were casual friendly trips where they split the cost at the end of the journey, however with growing demands Faisal applied for the tour guide license and established the touring company Riyadh Hiking in 2018.
With growing demands, Faisal has expanded the tours to include more activities. However, despite the organized trips, the feeling of going on an exciting adventure with friends is very important to Riyadh Hiking and loyal clients enjoy this most about the company.
With the mission of helping people from all over the world explore this beautiful and unique country and its rich heritage, Riyadh Hiking is here to arrange public and private trips as requested. More information on planned trips can be found in the weekly announcements on the organization’s Instagram account. Faisal suggests exploring Southern Saudi Arabia or the Abha and Al Baha regions for those who enjoy luscious greenery and rainy seasons. Island-lovers can enjoy tours to Farsan Islands or the upcoming Red Sea Islands. Those who enjoy the beach and engaging in water activities such as scuba diving will be able to appreciate a weekend trip to Jeddah, Omluj and Neom. Finally, desert-lovers can enjoy a variety of sand activities in Riyadh, AlUla, Tabuk or the largest desert in the world, the Empty Quarters. Faisal’s personal favorites include the Tuwaiq mountains and on a cloudy day or after rain, the red sands dunes.
CONTACT:
Website: www.riyadhhiking.com
Instagram: @riyadh.hiking
Old Lady Valley Trail by Ajwaad
An exciting weekend getaway with a gorgeous view.
The name of the location, the Old Lady Valley, arises from one of the cliffs where the rock formation resembles what locals chose to identify as the face of an elderly woman.
One of the most popular hiking locations in Riyadh, Old Lady Valley is a good site for both beginners and expert hikers. Beginners can easily take the valley trail and utilize common pathways to allow them to explore this beautiful terrain. Expert hikers can choose the challenge of climbing one of the steeper mountains to truly push themselves to newer limits. Whatever your aim, Old Lady Valley can be an enjoyable experience for all.
Away from the city center, this valley allows you to enjoy the desert serenity and refreshing air – an experience worth sharing with loved ones.
DISTANCE: 5 KM
DURATION: 4-5 hours for advanced level hikers
(depending on chosen path), 3 hours for beginners
PACKAGE: SAR 150
Al Yamamah Park DQ Trail by Ajwaad
Looking for a trail right beside your home, this trip is the answer.
This trail is the perfect opportunity for DQ residents to enjoy the open Diplomatic Quarters areas. With the help of a few trips with the Ajwaad guides, you could also get comfortable enough with the trail to add this to your workout routine. The incredible sense of community at the trip makes it the perfect way to meet people and engage with other DQ residents who have similar adventurous interests.
What makes this trail unique is that it is a perfectly flat track trail for beginners and for those who are training for a marathon. However, as the trail continues for much longer, intermediate and advanced level hikers can also choose to take a longer route for completing a more rigorous and invigorating challenge.
The trail is an amazing natural trek with a truly breathtaking view of the Diplomatic Quarter at the end. It is definitely worth checking out. These trips are arranged with the support of Diploimatic Quarter General Authority. Therefore follow their Instagram account for announcements that share further details of the date, timing and registration process entailed to sign up for the next hike.
DURATION: 1.5 hours for beginners, intermediate or advanced level hikers can trek for up to 3 hours along the trail depending on their interests
DISTANCE: 2 KM
PACKAGE: SAR 150
ABOUT AJWAAD TRAVEL AND TOURS
The desire of providing exceptional services began over 30 years ago with the establishment of Abdul Aziz Al Othaim & Sons Holding Company (ASO & Sons), the parent company of Ajwaad Travel and Tours. With a mission to deliver tailor-made holidays and tours in and out of the KSA to travellers around the world, Ajwaad adopted an ambitious vision to bring one-of-a-kind adventures to the locals which will create lasting memories for you and your family. Ajwaad deeply believes in innovation and creativity, which they are constantly utilizing to deliver exciting and joyous adventures for the residents of Saudi Arabia.
Ajwaad aims to be at the forefront of the development and growth of the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Hence, they offer everything from trips to local heritage sites, shopping trips and hiking treks along unchartered territories across Riyadh’s outskirts. Innovative experiences are the cornerstone of tour designs at Ajwaad, as they create outdoor adventures that support local eco-heritage tourism with plans to provide an elevated tour experience like no other.
CONTACT:
Phone: +966 55 631 2936
Instagram: @ajwaadtt
Amariyyah by Saudi Adventurer
Looking to unwind with some mountain climbing? This trip has got you covered.
Al-Ammariyah is located northwest of Riyadh and is known for its unique mountains and geography. The long and winding uphill and downhill trails at Ammariyah are perfect for beginners. The breathtaking sunset and refreshing air create the perfect weekend getaway for those looking to let go of the busy bustle of the city.
This location is also well-liked among mountain bikers, overnight campers and mountain climbing enthusiasts. Saudi Adventurer offers a hiking, mountain climbing and repelling tour, with experienced guides and professional equipment available on site for visitors interested to explore the trail through this high-intensity activity.
DISTANCE: 5KM
DURATION: 1.5 hours
PACKAGE: 150 SR
ABOUT SAUDI ADVENTURER
The Saudi Adventurer founder made his first hiking trip from Riyadh in 2010 to Altoqi because of his interest in marine fossils and caves. Since 2013, Saudi Adventurer has been operating as a licensed tour operator.
With a strong focus on professional activities like long distance hiking, advanced mountain climbing and expert cave exploration, Saudi Adventurer distinguishes itself from other tour agencies offering hiking trips across the city. The operator agency is excited to portray the geographic variation across the Kingdom, celebrating the difference in culture and geography of Saudi Arabia while exploring the exciting array of activities and scenic landscapes the many terrains of the Kingdom can provide.
Saudi Adventurer believes more light can be shed on the beautiful East of Saudi Arabia and the magnificent South. Always discovering new places to arrange exciting activities and exploring glorious places in more challenging and physically demanding ways, this tour agency is excellent for those with advanced or intermediate fitness and hiking expertise. We recommend contacting the group via Whatsapp for details on upcoming plans and tours.
CONTACT:
Phone: +966 55 527 7369
Instagram: @saudi_adventurer
Red Planet Trail by HikeMania Club
Enjoy an exhilarating dune bashing ride and experience the Desert’s magnificent sunset over the red-golden dunes.
Savoring the sweet aroma of authentic Arabic coffee, and tea in a Bedouin-style desert camp, enjoy sliding down the sand dunes and then a short ride on the camp camels. In the evening, you can enjoy several of the camp activities. Enjoy a BBQ dinner under the desert sky while making new friends and strengthening bonds with the existing friends.
PACKAGE: SAR 200
ABOUT HIKEMANIA CLUB
With over 600 successful trips serving over 27,000 adventurers under their belt, Hike Mania Club is pursuing the vision of showcasing the gorgeous natural beauty of Saudi Arabia’s landscapes to locals and foreigners alike. Even though more than 70% of attendees the agency has served are Saudi, expats from up to 26 countries have enjoyed their services. The club arranges trips to over 24 exciting hiking locations, with the mission to rally hiking enthusiasts and explore the hidden treasures of Saudi Arabia’s natural attractions.
CONTACT:
Phone: +966 533315773
Instagram: @clubhikemania
Most of the packages by these tour agencies include supportive tour guides, first aid-trained guides for injuries, transport to and from central Riyadh in a bus, hot and cold drinks with snacks (others include a BBQ dinner), portable toilets at the rest station camp and games with the team and guides.
The agencies mentioned above are some of the most popular ones, however others do exist. Look for SCTH licensed tour agencies, as any of the ones above, to plan a safe and memorable weekend outing. Every agency covers many different trails and most tour operators can also accommodate you for private trips, if discussed well in advance. So for your next weekend, plan up. Be sure to reach out to agencies two to three days in advance and pack both warm clothes and sunscreen to make the best of these wonderful visits!
