Where to Go Hiking in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best places in the UAE to explore on foot. Its mountain trails and rocky wadis range from short beginner walks to steep, full-day routes for experienced hikers.

The main hiking season runs from October to April. During summer, long or remote hikes should be avoided, even at higher elevations. Always begin early, carry enough water and choose a route that suits your fitness level.

Jebel Jais

Jebel Jais offers the widest choice of established hiking trails in Ras Al Khaimah, with routes for casual walkers, families and experienced hikers.

One of the best-known routes is the Ghaf Summit Trail, an 8.6-kilometre round trip beginning at Jais Viewing Deck Park. It leads to the UAE’s highest publicly accessible point at around 1,640 metres. The route starts gradually before becoming steeper, with natural paths, rocky steps and panoramic views across the Hajar Mountains. Allow approximately 2.5 to four hours.

Shorter lower-mountain options include:

• Farfar Trail: 0.7 kilometres, easy and suitable for a short walk.

• Samar Trail: a scenic lower-mountain route with rocky sections and some exposed drops.

• Al Teen Trail: approximately 1.2 to 1.6 kilometres through low rocky terrain.

• Al Asbaq Trail: approximately 2.2 kilometres, offering a slightly longer beginner route.

• Sidir Trail: a moderate trail through varied mountain terrain.

The official Jebel Jais website currently states that some lower-segment trails are temporarily closed, so access should be checked before travelling.

Guided hikes also leave from the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Options include the beginner-friendly Out and Back Trail, the nine-kilometre Wadi Loop, the Primal Loop, the Hidden Oasis Trail and a longer Abandoned Village Trail for stronger hikers.

Difficulty: Easy to hard
Best time: October to March
Time needed: From 30 minutes to a full day

Wadi Shawka

Wadi Shawka is one of the most accessible choices for beginners and families. The area combines a dam, rocky valleys, stone steps, mountain tracks and seasonal pools that may fill after rainfall.

Popular routes include the Shawka Dam Loop, which circles the reservoir and surrounding hills, and longer paths heading towards Shawka Pools and the nearby mountain ridges. Short routes can cover around three to five kilometres, while longer loops may approach ten kilometres.

Expect loose stones, gradual climbs and uneven wadi terrain. The pools are seasonal, so they may be dry outside the rainy period. After heavy rainfall, avoid entering the wadi because of the risk of flash floods.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best time: November to April
Time needed: Around 1.5 to 6 hours

Wadi Naqab

Wadi Naqab provides a more rugged hiking experience, with narrow canyon sections, high cliff walls and old mountain paths.

A common option is the Wadi Naqab Out-and-Back Route, which follows the rocky valley as it gradually climbs deeper into the mountains. It is usually considered moderate and takes around three to four hours, depending on the turnaround point.

Longer guided routes continue towards the Red Wall, abandoned settlements and remote mountain farms. These routes may cover eight to 14 kilometres and can involve boulder crossings, scrambling and steeper ascents.

The route is not always clearly marked, particularly where different valleys meet. A guide is advisable for anyone visiting for the first time.

Difficulty: Moderate
Best time: October to April
Time needed: Around 3 to 7 hours

Wadi Shah

The Wadi Shah Trail is one of Jebel Jais’s more challenging routes. It forms an approximately 11.6-kilometre loop beginning near the mountain base camp.

The hike includes steep ascents, loose rocky terrain and sections of scrambling. It reaches an elevation of around 753 metres and normally takes about five hours. This route is best suited to experienced hikers with good fitness and confidence on uneven ground.

Difficulty: Hard
Best time: November to March
Time needed: Around 5 hours

Jebel Yabnah

Jebel Yabnah is a demanding summit hike for experienced hikers. Routes commonly cover around 14 to 18 kilometres and may include approximately 1,500 metres of elevation gain.

Expect long climbs, exposed ridges and loose descents. Views from the upper sections extend across deep wadis and the surrounding mountain range, but the route requires strong fitness, proper footwear and careful navigation.

This hike should be completed with an experienced local guide rather than attempted alone.

Difficulty: Hard
Best time: November to February
Time needed: Around 7 to 10 hours

Stairway to Heaven

The Stairway to Heaven, near Wadi Ghalilah, is one of the UAE’s most difficult and exposed hiking routes.

The classic route follows traditional stone paths built into the mountainside and includes narrow ledges, steep climbs and remote sections. The full journey can cover approximately 19 kilometres with around 1,800 metres of elevation gain.

This is not a standard recreational hike. It should only be attempted by highly experienced hikers with a professional guide, suitable equipment and favourable weather.

Difficulty: Very hard
Best time: December to February
Time needed: Around 9 to 12 hours

Choosing the Right Trail

Beginners should start with the Farfar Trail, Al Teen Trail, Out and Back Trail or a short route around Shawka Dam.

For a longer but manageable hike, consider the Ghaf Summit Trail, Wadi Loop or the main Wadi Naqab route.

Experienced hikers can progress to Wadi Shah, Jebel Yabnah or guided routes towards abandoned mountain villages. The Stairway to Heaven should be reserved for highly experienced hikers.

Before leaving, check the weather and current trail access. Carry water, electrolytes, food, sun protection, a charged phone and an offline map. Wear proper hiking shoes, avoid walking alone and stay out of wadis during or shortly after heavy rain.