Jabal Ferwa - The kingdom’s “new” tallest mountain
In 2018, Jabal Ferwa (Farwa) was revealed to be the kingdom’s “new” tallest mountain in a Saudi newspaper article. The article talked about the Eric and Matthew Gilbertson brothers, two avid mountaineers and peakbaggers who have set themselves the admirable goal of climbing the high point of every country in the world. Together with members of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation, the brothers carried out detailed elevation measurements on Ferwa in August 2018 and determined it to be 3001.8 m in elevation - a few metres higher than Jabal Soudah (2998.7 m), the hitherto highest assumed point in the kingdom.
Near Jabal Ferwa, across the road, is another high point you may wish to climb, known as Jabal Natfa. The panorama from it is similar, but you get a full view of Jabal Ferwa itself. Both peaks are really short and straightforward hikes with a few easy scramble sections thrown in, nothing extraordinary but quite enjoyable overall, especially considering you can so easily make it to Saudi Arabia’s highest point! The entire hike for both peaks takes around 4 hours.
More details about this hike as well as other hikes can be found on the following website: www.spectacularmountains.com
The hike in Google Maps
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The hike in photos
Photo: © Spectacular Mountains
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"