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AlUla South
779km
50km
Driving EASY 4WD
Best for OUT OF THIS WORLD ROCK FORMATIONS
Recommended for A FULL WEEKEND OF EXPLORING
This route will bring you to the southern part of AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to numerous archaeological sites and fascinating rock formations. Whether you are a history enthusiast or just love to seek out adventure, AlUla offers both nature and a history that dates back thousands of years.
MOST OF THE SOUTH ALULA AREA IS INACCESSIBLE FOR OFF-ROADING. PLEASE CHECK THE CONDITIONS SET BY THE ROYAL COMMISSION FOR ALULA WHEN VISITING THESE ATTRACTIONS.
As there is a lot to see and do in the area, we recommend buying your tickets for the various experiences at AlUla in advance. This will ensure you avoid disappointment as tickets may be sold out.
For more information, visit www.experiencealula.com
Vessel Rock
Off-road - A steep and rocky drive, visitors to Vessel Rock will need to continue on foot to explore the vase-shaped formation. As you enter ‘the vase’, you’ll be able to get a panoramic view of both sides of the valley, making it an ideal spot to sit and take in the surrounding landscape. You can also explore several sunken rock formations that look like tiny open caves.
Elephant Rock
Ticketed Tour - If you would like a close-up of Jabal Alfil, popularly known as Elephant Rock, you will need to book a ticket ahead of time. As its name suggests, this massive sandstone structure resembles an elephant without tusks.
THE ROCK CYCLE
There are three basic types of rocks – igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. These different types of rocks are all formed over time by various physical changes such as melting, cooling, eroding, compacting or deforming. This means that if a certain type of rock undergoes one of these physical changes, it can then change into a different type of rock. For example, a metamorphic rock subjected to heat can melt and turn into magma, which then cools resulting in an igneous rock. The majority of the rocks you will see in this area are sedimentary.
Siamese Twin Rock in AlUla South
Off-road - Like two conjoined figures rising out of the sand, Siamese Rock is quite a sight. Take a leisurely walk among the rocks and marvel at these magnificent structures. The countless sandbanks around this area make it great for dune driving as well.
Sparhawk Arch in AlUla South
Off-road - Located near Wadi al Mu’tadil, it’s a sandy drive to Sparhawk Arch, which sits within a large plain of red, rocky outcrops. This arch-shaped rock is hard to miss as it is perched on top of other rock formations that you can scramble up for a closer view.
HOME TO COUNTLESS ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES, SAUDI ARABIA’S CATALOGUE OF STONE INSCRIPTIONS ARE OPENING DOORS TO THE PAST. RESEARCHERS AND HISTORIANS ARE CONSTANTLY LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO USED TO CALL THIS LAND HOME.
AlUla Helicopter Tour
Ticketed Tour - Take in an aerial view of the AlUla desert vistas, iconic rock formations and heritage sites from the comfort of a helicopter. Available to book during certain seasons from Wednesday to Sunday, this 30-minute helicopter tour has a morning or afternoon option for you to choose from.
AlUla Bike Tour
Ticketed Tour - Take a break from off-road driving and opt to experience the AlUla landscape through a leisurely bicycle tour. This 14km trail will have you pedalling over sand dunes and enjoying interesting rock formations and unexpected viewpoints.
Dadan & The Lion’s Tomb
Ticketed Tour - Once home to the Lihyan and Dadan Kingdoms, the city of Dadan is built out of stone, with features also carved into the region’s red rock. From afar, the square-shaped openings cut into the side of the mountain could be mistaken for windows, but they are actually tombs. The interior of some tombs have inscriptions that are meant to identify the owner that rests within. There are two tombs of particular interest which are decorated with lions, signifying the elite statuses of those buried there.
AlUla Oasis
Self-guided Trail - A 3km walk from Dadan South to AlUla Old Town, this trail is free and tickets are not required. You can park your car at the designated parking areas near the entrance to the Dadan Welcome Centre and enjoy a stroll through the valley, which is a lush haven of flora and fauna. Along the way, you’ll be able to view old villages, date farms and the natural spring that makes this place an oasis.
AlUla Old Town
The old town holds huge historical significance for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as it was an important settlement from the 12th century CE onwards. Situated along the pilgrimage route from Damascus to Makkah, there are still the original mudbrick buildings, fortresses, shops and a town square, which give visitors a glimpse into the city’s past.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This drive takes you to many of the exceptional geological sites that AlUla is renowned for. Accessing most areas requires a ticket so make sure to buy them online to avoid disappointment.
1 From Tabuk, on Highway 375, turn right at the intersection onto Road 70.
2 To visit some of AlUla’s most famous rock formations, head out onto the unpaved tracks in this area.
3 When you reach the next intersection, take a left towards AlUla Old Town.
4 Explore the old Hijaz Railway buildings and other historic sites, including Dadan & The Lion’s Tomb.
5 As you head away from the AlUla Old Town, turn left at the intersection. From here, you can access tracks and trails to explore more of the area by car, bike, or on foot.
6 At the junction, turn left to head to the intersection at the end of the route.
