Rock Formations

Over thousands of years, wind, sand and rain chiselled away at this mountain landscape, creating spectacular and unusual rock formations. While some resemble giant chess pieces, others are more ethereal. Keep a lookout for the two towers at the start of the route that are reminiscent of two people –one kneeling before the other. Ancient depictions of camels, as well as Thamudic inscriptions can be found at their base.

CARAVAN ROUTES

A caravan route is a term used to describe a group of people travelling together, often with a train of camels through the desert. It can refer to religious pilgrimages as well as merchants on ancient trade routes. Throughout history, Saudi Arabia has sat on many of these routes, most notably the Hajj pilgrimage, where Muslims from Egypt, Syria, Turkey and Iraq travelled for 30 days or more to reach Makkah. The 2,000km Incense Route also passed through the west of the country as merchants from Arabia brought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the Mediterranean. Often involving rest stops at natural water sources, these routes have left behind evidence that can be seen today in the petroglyphs that cover rock faces across the Kingdom.

  Gharameel Rocks

Like the gharameel seen elsewhere in this area, these towering pinnacles are a sight to behold. Believed to be the fragmented remains of former mountains, a significant amount of iron oxide has allowed these pillars to withstand years and years of weathering. Drive between the rock towers and marvel at their stature; you’ll be taken aback by their size.

DESERT VARNISH

The presence of ‘desert varnish’, the blackened surface of rocks due to the adherence of wind-blown clay particles, made carving petroglyphs here easy.

  Umm Marwi Arch

Located on top of stacked oblong boulders, this striking rock arch looks more like a window. Its angular sides seem to have been carved into the rock and it’s difficult to believe it is an entirely natural formation. At the bottom, weathering has caused the rock to spilt and the arch looks as though it is balancing on top. Adjacent, a mass of round boulders resembles enormous human fingers. Climb out the car for a closer look; the ‘window’ makes an excellent vantage point from which to frame Jibal Irnan’s unique mountainous landscape.

  Irnan’s Hidden Pool & Valley

A narrow crevice in the mountain wall – just wide enough to squeeze through – hides an extraordinary oasis. Fairly decent in size and filled with a substantial amount of water, this lagoon-like pool probably originates from a build-up of rainwater or an underground aquifer. While easily accessible from the track, it is surrounded by steep cliffs and the almost identical pool that sits above it is impossible to reach.

DRIVING DIRECTION

Comprising mainly flat sand tracks, this scenic route also includes optional dune driving. Note that the terrain can be rocky in places.

  1     Turn left off the main road onto a gravel sand track to start this route. Continue past the village and farm towards the Rock Formations and Gharameel Rocks.

  2     Turn right to reach the seasonal pool or continue onwards towards Jabal Ghudday.

  3     Veer right towards Umm Marwi Arch or head left for some dune driving.

  4     Continue straight. Turning right will take you to Irnan’s Hidden Pool & Valley. Return the way you came to continue on the main route. There are plenty of good camping spots along the way.

  5     Follow the track left for the route’s finish point or turn right to join Route 4.

  6     Take the sand track right towards Jabal Mahajjah (Route 6) or turn left for dunes and more interesting rock formations.