Hiking around Riyadh

 Riyadh sits at an elevation of around 600 meters above sea level on the gentle eastern slopes of the Tuwaiq Mountains, a limestone plateau at the eastern end of Najd. The plateau gathers water from a large area and drains it to Wadi Hanifah. This long and winding valley used to be the main water source of Riyadh, although today its 7.7 million residents are supplied with desalinated water from the Persian Gulf. While the plateau tilts gently to the eastsoutheast, it comes to a very dramatic end in the west at a long vertical cliff overlooking a vast desert plain. One spot along this rim was dubbed the “Edge of the World”, then another place was named the “Second Edge of the World”, but the truth is, wherever you stand along this long escarpment, it feels the world ends there. A number of ancient camel trails exist that climb these cliffs at different points, and they offer the same stunning views. At the foot of the plateau, you find the historic village of Qasoor al-Maqbil, and the desert plain is intersected with picturesque red sand dunes. 

A bit further from Riyadh but still in Riyadh Province, there is a recently opened trail in the Thahlan Mount near Dawadmi (Dawadimi). 

Tuwaiq Mountains - The Edge of the World

The plateau on which Riyadh sits comes to a very dramatic end in the west at a long vertical cliff overlooking a vast desert plain. There are several dramatic viewpoints along this long escarpment, one dubbed the “Edge of the World” and another the “Second Edge of the World”. The hike featured here leads to the second location. 

Tuwaiq Mountains - Camel Trail


This is another viewpoint at the edge of the Tuwaiq Mountains, at the top of a resored ancient camel trail. It is near the village of Qasoor al-Maqbil (the Moqbel Palaces), and the Red Sand Dunes are also not far, so you could combine your hike with visiting these places as well.

Graffiti Rock (Qaryat al Asba)


It's a short and easy hike that starts at a small rocky hill known as Graffiti Rock or Qaryat al Asba, featuring ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs. The trail leads up to the top of a little plateau where you’ll encounter prehistoric ruins and spectacular vistas.

Go to: Riyadh | Abha | Najran | Bisha | Taif | Medina | Al-Ula | Tabuk 

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