“Emerging Epic Hiking Trails: Saudi Arabia’s Wild and Untrodden Beauty”

Hiking consultant Ben Hoffler finds immense joy in sleeping under the open sky while exploring the deserts, describing it as a “great pleasure.” Hoffler, who has spent 15 years developing trails in Egypt and Jordan, is now involved in the development of hiking trails in Saudi Arabia. He emphasizes that Saudi Arabia is not just about sand, desert, and heat, but a vast and diverse landscape offering extraordinary natural beauty.

One of the scenic destinations he highlights is Wadi Al Disah, a green, spring-fed valley surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs in the mountains of southwest Tabuk province. Hoffler praises Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, ranging from volcanic lava fields and red sandstone deserts to high granite ranges and green forested mountains. He envisions Saudi Arabia becoming one of the most outstanding hiking destinations globally.

While hiking is gaining popularity among Saudi city dwellers, with accessible short walks near cities like Riyadh, the infrastructure for extensive trails is still in its early stages. Yasmin Gahtani, Managing Director of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, acknowledges the need for more development, including guidebooks and proper trails for tourists. The goal is to make Saudi Arabia a year-round hiking destination, taking advantage of cooler temperatures in the highlands.

Hoffler operates in the Hejaz mountains, praising them as one of the most fabled ranges in Arabia. He mentions the breathtaking views from the high peaks, where one can see the Red Sea, the Sinai, and even the highlands of Africa on a clear day. Exploring areas like the Hisma desert, with its red sand and huge sandstone formations, Hoffler encounters ancient paths crisscrossing the landscapes, some dating back thousands of years.

Despite the challenges posed by the drift of the semi-nomadic Bedouin population to towns, Hoffler appreciates the hospitality of the Bedouin people. He describes them as offering a refuge in the desert, ensuring hikers are well-fed and cared for. Hoffler sees the potential for Saudi Arabia to become one of the most exceptional hiking destinations globally.

Moving south, the Sarawat mountain range in the Asir region, home to Saudi’s highest mountain tops, offers further opportunities for hiking and camping. Areas like Al Soudah, with plans for luxury development, provide a tourist hub with cable cars and breathtaking views. Saudi-Lebanese mountaineer Nelly Attar emphasizes the diverse landscapes, from juniper trees and lush vegetation to areas resembling Kilimanjaro.

Attar finds the landscapes magical and serene, expressing excitement about discovering the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia. She notes that perceptions of Saudi Arabia as mainly a desert don’t capture the country’s full range of untouched and serene locations. With hiking trails yet to be fully developed, there is a sense of Saudi Arabia’s untapped potential as a destination for nature enthusiasts seeking virgin landscapes.

In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s vast and diverse landscapes, from green valleys to volcanic fields, offer a unique and largely unexplored terrain for hiking. Initiatives to develop proper trails, guidebooks, and infrastructure aim to position Saudi Arabia as a year-round hiking destination, showcasing its natural beauty and untrodden paths.