There are a lot of places to walk and run in Riyadh but for DQ residents, it’s best to hike the trails less traveled. Nearer too.
It’s that time of they year when Riyadh springs to life. Adventurers, thrill seekers, campers and sports enthusiasts are the first ones to bolt out of their doors and into the valleys and deserts; faster than the cold breeze sweeping over the city.
But did you know that instead of heading out to the outskirts of the Riyadh, you can get active and have adventure right within the DQ? Tucked within its confines are walk trails cleverly embedded within its surroundings. These paths are interconnected through the different public parks and covers an approximate 15-kilometer perimeter as a whole.
The trails offer a tranquil experience for those who wish to escape the hustle of city life, while at the same time having enough hills and bends to challenge runners and hikers alike. There are a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees that particularly bloom during the colder months. The landscape also has desert floras, which nicely blends to its Wadi Hanifah backdrop, dirt paths and boulder surroundings.
The walk trails and the public parks, which come with a sign and mini map at its entry (in case you get lost) have dedicated recreational spaces. AlYamama Gardens on Heraa Street, with its green grass and accessible playgrounds are perfect for picnics. It also has a basketball and volleyball court. On roundabout 6, and with the trail facing the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is a quieter area, with the same facilities at a smaller scale.
If you wish to keep within the trails, the smaller parks will still satisfy, some of them have water fountains, and mini-falls, apart from pavilions that can serve as picnic spots. On the walk paths themselves, you will often find people perched on walls, especially during sunset, toting coffee in hand. You may even come across SUVs parked on the broader cliffs overlooking the Wadi Hanifah Bridge.
For first timers, the best trail to try is the one that runs from Tuwaiq palace and all the way to Roundabout 8. This will take you through breathtaking views of greens, valleys, and cliffs. It’s about a 45-minute walk, passing through three different parks and pit stops, with bathrooms and exits available here. It passes through the Alphabet neighborhood should you wish to switch from trail to pavement walking. There is a sign at every possible entrance to the trail peppered throughout DQ, it’s hard to miss.
The entire 15-kilometer perimeter can be completed in 2-3 hours. Regardless of how long you plan to walk, we highly recommend putting on some sunscreen. It’s also advised to bring some water with you.
The trail has its own community, especially the weekends. People often come on the paths to walk their dogs, and you’ll find hikers, runners and cyclists alike passing each other by. It’s a pleasant norm that people greet each other on the trail. Perhaps it’s the bond under the sun and breathing in fresh air—whatever the reason, everyone’s just generally nicer.
Whether you’re looking to start a daily healthy habit or have a small escape in the weekend mornings, a stroll on the trails is bound to re-awaken your spirits, get you grounded, and appreciating the beauty of the DQ and the city.
EASY EXERCISES YOU CAN DO AT THE TRAIL
- Bring your yoga mat in the morning or right before sunset to be at one with nature as you work on perfecting that Warrior pose!
- Challenge yourself to timed sprints at those leveled paths. If you’re running with a partner, race with each other and get bragging rights after.
- Work on your resistance by conquering ascending runs using the hilly parts of the trail. It’ll be a pain but once you get on top, it’ll be worth it.
- Use the big boulders found at every corner to work on your glutes and thighs by using them as step platforms. They’re also useful for stretching your legs out after.
- Some gradens have obstacle courses that you can train in to be the next Ninja Warrior! Make use of the monkey bars, rope nets and balance beams at your disposal.
