Dadan Trail - The Big Arch and ancient inscriptions

  The trail described here offers a stunning walk amidst breathtaking surroundings. However, it should be noted that the hike is fairly challenging and there is no clearly marked path for most of the way, so it is not recommended for everyone. If you do it, you will be rewarded with beautiful sites along the way, including the Big Arch, a dramatic endpoint with a captivating view, and ancient inscriptions. 

The hike encompasses two distinct wadis. The upper wadi up to the Big Arch is a narrow, rocky, and dry area. In contrast, the lower wadi is wider, sandy, and relatively lush. You may even encounter small pools of water along the way. The lower wadi concludes with a significant drop offering a splendid view of the sandy plain at its mouth and the palm plantations in the main wadi of Al-Ula. The Dadan archaeological site lies at the mouth of the wadi carved into the base of the rocky hills. 

The hike is generally moderate but there are a couple of difficult parts. The walk takes around 3-4 hours. 

The hike in Google Maps 

Open the menu to turn waypoints on and off.

Hikes around Riyadh: Edge of the World | Camel Trail | Graffiti Rock ; Abha: Jabal Soudah | Wadi Lajab | Jabal Ferwa ; Najran: Raoum ; Bisha: White Mountain ; Taif: Kara Heritage Trail | Harithi Escarpment | Al-Waba Crater ; Medina: Mount Sela | Mount Uhud ; Al-Ula: Wadi al-Naam | Mahash Viewpoint | Dadan Trail ; Tabuk: Wadi al-Deesah | Jabal Shayban | Wadi al-Aqlah | "Real Mount Sinai" 

The hike in photos
















































































































Hikes around Riyadh: Edge of the World | Camel Trail | Graffiti Rock ; Abha: Jabal Soudah | Wadi Lajab | Jabal Ferwa ; Najran: Raoum ; Bisha: White Mountain ; Taif: Kara Heritage Trail | Harithi Escarpment | Al-Waba Crater ; Medina: Mount Sela | Mount Uhud ; Al-Ula: Wadi al-Naam | Mahash Viewpoint | Dadan Trail ; Tabuk: Wadi al-Deesah | Jabal Shayban | Wadi al-Aqlah | "Real Mount Sinai" 

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