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ET Stone in Wadi al Khufayj
873km
15km
Driving EASY
Best for GETTING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Recommended for AN EARLY MORNING DRIVE
With a range of different desert terrains and driving experiences, your journey to the ET Stone is full of contrasts. With plenty of desert and mountain driving, be sure to take a break and scale the towering rocks for a quick and easy climb. An adventurous route with so much to explore, you’ll also find sabkha flats and wadi tracks.
As this route does not have an obvious entrance, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a small dirt track off the main road.
A relatively easy drive, the landscape in this area is diverse. The track twists and turns between plantations, farms and rocky outcrops. There are lots of tracks to explore off the main route, so this short route can easily be turned into a day trip.
Once you arrive in Wadi al Khufayj, the sandy plains are ideal for some quad-biking. If you are looking for an opportunity to stretch your legs, the hiking route around the sabkha which sits in Jabal Tadhra is an excellent place to explore. The views from this elevation of the plains below are worth the effort.
Wadi al Khufayj
The endless rock formations and black-peaked mountain of Wadi al Khufayj are part of a multi-coloured landscape which is scattered with camels seeking shade under the greenery. As you near the wadi, you might see farmers tending to herds of goats so drive carefully.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S OLDEST DOMESTICATED ANIMALS, GOATS HAVE BEEN AN IMPORTANT SOURCE OF MEAT AND MILK FOR HUMANS THROUGHOUT HISTORY. TODAY, APPROXIMATELY 2.2 MILLION GOATS LIVE IN SAUDI ARABIA.
ET Stone in Wadi al Khufayj
The uniquely shaped rock is located in the foothills of Jabal Tadhra. Wide on the top with a small and narrow base, this rock appears to defy the laws of gravity. It looks like a strong push would send the rock toppling over, but it’s firmly planted in place. While visiting the ET Stone, you will be close to the edge of the plain which offers a great view of Wadi al Khufayj below.
DRIVING DIRECTION
Easily accessible from the main road, this route takes you across farmland and interesting rock formations as you make your way through the wadi. It also offers many options for mini detours.
1 Turn left off the main road, just before the bend, and drive 5km on the sand and gravel track.
2 There’s an opportunity to explore other tracks and stock up at the grocery store before heading onwards towards the wadi.
3 Continue driving through the low-lying mountains and across red sand paths. Keep your eyes open as you may spot goats, camels and shepherd dogs along the way.
4 Turn left for a short drive towards the uniquely-shaped rock formation, the ET Stone. Take the hill tracks up to see the sabkha or take the tracks around the mountains. Once you have explored, loop back through Wadi al Khufay.
