To start the route, you can head out on the off-road track and take the path that circumnavigates the summit of Jabal al Qahar or alternatively you can take the tarmac road on your right towards the park, which is great for stretching legs and admiring the summit from afar. The paved road eventually turns to track and becomes sandy as you drive into what looks like a jungle. A wall of rock signals your arrival at the Rocky Hills and after a spot of climbing, return the way you came and head up the rocky track towards the infinity pool and waterfall.

There are plenty of spots to pitch a tent along this route and with some incredible rock formations in this area, it’s worth heading out on some of the alternative off-road tracks if you have time.

The final part of this route involves a challenging track up into the mountains. After which, you'll be taken past farms nestled between the rocky outcrops before you arrive at the edge of the plateau with its incredible views.

Jabal al Qaha

Standing at nearly 2,000m above sea level, the summit of Jabal al Qahar is small and compact, with steep slopes and deep crevices. Its name roughly translates to 'Mountain of Frustration', apparently testament to how difficult it is to climb. Roads to this area have only recently been established so there is very little infrastructure. If you do head out on this route, remember to bring food, water and a full tank of petrol.

VISION 2030

Billed as an ambitious vision for an ambitious nation, the Saudi Vision 2030 is a blueprint for the continued economic and social development of the Kingdom. One of their goals is to become one of the top global tourist destinations by 2030, hoping to welcome over 100 million visitors annually. As you travel around the country, you can see first-hand the infrastructure development that is underway to support their mission.

Summit View & Park

As part of the development in the area, a park has been created for tourists to enjoy the views towards Jabal al Qahar. Established on top of a rocky outcrop, the area offers 360-degree views of the area. Individual cabanas, swings and barbecues are dotted throughout and two viewing platforms have been built to provide an even better outlook. Outdoor lighting has been set-up across the site, making this a great place to watch day slide into night.

Rocky Hills

Once you have made your way along a sandy track surrounded by thick vegetation, the low-lying Rocky Hills rise up in front of you, blocking your way. Flat, sandy plains sit in front of them, with several farms utilising the space to grow crops. Rain has sculpted this expanse of rock, slowly eroding its harsh edges until rounded mounds of rock sit on top of each other, reminiscent of scoops of ice cream. This process has left the hills quite easy to climb as the gradation of the rocks isn’t very severe. The flat plains that sit in their shadow also provide an excellent camping location.

If you do want to get down to the infinity pool, you will need to tread carefully. There is no established path, and you will have to scramble down the side of the dusty (and very high!) escarpment.

Infinity Pool & Waterfall

Moulded over time by the rainwater flowing down the mountain, this pool of water sits in a basin on the edge of a sheer rock face and contains water all year round. If you visit just after rainfall, you will see the water leaking over the top of the pool and crashing into the valley below.