18
Hidab Fahwah
169km
40km
Driving EASY, GRADED TRACKS
Best for A LONG WEEKEND
Recommended for RECONNECTING WITH NATURE
The diverse terrain on this route means there’s something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s driving across expansive plains, climbing up a gently sloped mountain, or exploring a network of wadis that criss-cross the rugged rocky landscape. There’s a variety of possibilities for adventure or simply a scenic drive.
While Riyadh’s highways are well lit, many remote, desert roads are not. This can be disorienting and risky at night. Plan your drive so you reach your final destination well before sunset to avoid camels, potholes and setting up camp in the dark.
Kolta al Jad'a Pool
If you do happen to visit during a wetter month, there’s a large seasonal pond at the start of the route, accessible just after the village of Al Jad’a. Reaching it requires a short walk through a wadi, ideal even for inexperienced hikers and families, with colossal pink-hued boulders and trees lining the way. The water runs down from an upper plateau, which can be reached by those willing to make the short, vertiginous climb.
Wadi al Mahaf
The improbably green Wadi al Mahaf – a veritable paradise that feels worlds away from urban life – is one of the highlights of this route. Even in the drier months, this brilliant blossom-filled wadi is an unexpected botanical oasis amid mountain and wadi landscape. Overgrown with tall acacia trees, blooming shrubs and succulents, it is a welcome contrast to the sparse scrubby plains found throughout much of the region. It's truly a picturesque setting, with herds of grazing camels and the sheer cliffs of the Hasat Qahtan mountains, divided with Al Hasat al Quswa to the north and Al Hasat al Dunya to the south, visible in the distance.
RESPECT THE WADI
If you think you’ve found the perfect flat area to camp, beware it could be a cultivated field for crops, and be prepared to move on. Wherever possible, travel on existing tracks to protect the sensitive seeds, bulbs and wildlife that lie just below the surface. This delicate ecosystem lies dormant for long periods, springing into life after sufficient rain.
Hidab Fahwah Rock Hills
Further along, a wide-open wadi plain leads to the village of Muwaysil, where to the west lies Hidab Fahwah, a group of nine hilly mountains. Climbing any one of these is an easy to moderate hike achievable in less than 30 minutes or so. It’s particularly magical at sunset, when you can appreciate the last rays of light casting shadows and silhouettes over the surrounding landscape. These mountains are perfect for budding geologists with many intriguing nooks, crannies and small caves to explore. Some of the wind-shaped sandstone has curved into small pools over the centuries, collecting water after heavy rainfall courses down the mountain. There’s also Fahwah Dam, well worth visiting for a relaxing break near the water.
WADI DRIVING
If it’s classic wadi-bashing fun you seek, the route continues beyond Hidab Fahwah, driving west along Umm as Suffar Road, a graded track that cuts through Jibal Umm as Suffar before joining Wadi Raka. From here, you can set off to explore any of the wadis that taper off in between the mountains – perfect for hiking, camping, picnicking and generally getting away from the crowds.
DRIVING DIRECTION
The varied terrain on this route offers equally varied driving with graded tracks, unpaved roads and navigating wadis overgrown with shrubs and trees.
1 Take a right through Al Jad’a village to Kolta al Jad’a Pool, or go straight (4km) to head towards Al Mahaf valley.
2 Take a slight right after the small mountain on the right-hand side.
3 Explore the wadis and mountains or continue straight towards Muwaysil village.
4 From Muwaysil village, take a left for Hidab Fahwah.
5 Explore between the rocks or take a hike around the Hidab Fahwah area.
6 Continue to Umm as Saffar village and Wadi ar Raka.
