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Wadi Liha Pools
174km
2km
Driving BEGINNERS
Best for SUNSET BARBECUE
Recommended for FAMILIES
Close enough to the city for a short daytrip, this peaceful wadi is a popular retreat for its natural pools which make it a refreshing destination at almost any time of year. The terrain holds treasures for hikers and climbers who don’t need to go far for an elevated perspective, or you can simply sit back and watch the wildlife that also seeks out the freshness of the pools.
This route may not take you far from the beaten track, but if you’re looking for an atmospheric setting for a barbecue as the sun goes down and a short, fuss-free hike, Wadi Liha Pools is suited to drivers and hikers of all capabilities.
About 40km south of Riyadh, the route passes expansive palm grove plantations and farms before entering a wadi track. It’s manageable even for beginners to venture nearly all the way to the first pool. But if you prefer, you can also park the car and walk.
FLOOD WARNING
Be careful about getting into trouble in narrow wadis when there is danger of them flooding. Even if the wet weather seems far away, the wadis have a massive catchment area and the water can come seemingly from nowhere. A traditional way to detect imminent floods in wadis is to watch the ants. If you see them making a hasty escape from a wadi en masse, chances are you had better do the same.
Wadi Liha Pools
The first of Wadi Liha’s pools is nestled in a semi-circle curve beneath the canyon cliffs. Rainfall might be a rare occurrence in Riyadh, but the pool is surprisingly full, even in the warmer months. Surrounded by tall, bushy reeds and a chorus of croaking frogs, it makes for a cool and pleasant setting to have lunch and linger awhile. Though the pool isn’t suitable for swimming, you can at least cool your feet.
The second pool is on the wadi’s upper riverbed. There is a trail beside the main track that can be navigated by hikers of most ages and abilities, or you can scramble up the curved sandstone ledges to the left of the pool. Just a five-minute climb will reward you with a vantage point back over the wadi bed below.
STAY FOR A PICNIC
With all the greenery, shade and sound of trickling water and birdlife, it’s not surprising the site is increasing in popularity. Picnics and barbecues are on the rise, and while it is possible to camp here, it’s not recommended if there’s any sign of rain. Water can surge rapidly through the wadi, sweeping away anything unlucky enough to be in its path. The remains of a rusted car, upturned on its side against some boulders, is a cautionary sign of what can go wrong.
DRIVING DIRECTION
This route is easily navigable from the main road. It’s also possible to park in the wadi and continue on foot.
1 Exit the main road and continue straight through the wadi for approximately 1km.
2 The track narrows in certain parts with some higher ledges; less confident drivers can simply park (away from the track) and continue on foot.
3 Park up and take a short hike to the pools.
