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High Adventure in Arabia - Mecca and Riyadh

The Middle East's Best Climbing, Canyoning, Trekking, and Biking.

Nov 12, 2008 David Black

Saudi Arabia is a maze of granite walls and sandstone towers. Its deep canyons are stark and unforgettable. For climbers and canyoneers Arabia is truly the Magic Kingdom.

Flying to Riyadh or Jeddah is easy but expensive. The real problem is getting into the interior. A sponsor is required in order to get a visa. Tourist visas are rarely issued and only to groups who have hired Saudi tour companies. One of the best sources of information on entry requirements and travel warnings is the Australian DFAT site.

Staying Out of Trouble

It's important to adhere to Islamic codes. In public women are covered to the ankles and wrists. Public affection is frowned on. Alcohol is prohibited. Unmarried males and females are segregated. Violaters get an unfriendly reminder (or arrest) from the religious police, the Muttawa. Terrorism and violence against westerners has been a concern. In 2006 four visitors to Medain Saleh were murdered.

Staying Healthy

Keep hydrated and avoid heat injuries. Watch out for venomous snakes and scorpions. Baboons can be cranky and will tear up an unsecured camp. Restaurant food is generally safe, and non-perishables are available in stores. Medical care is good but rescue services are non-existent. Good desert driving and navigation skills are imperative.

Riyadh and H40W

Just west off the Riyadh escarpment along the Route 40W are Tuwaiq Pinnacle and the sanstone walls of Wadi Nissah to the southwest. Faisal's Finger lies to the north. These are classic three- to five-pitch desert sandstone trad routes.

Another 150 miles to the west along the same highway is Umm Suraydah. The 200-foot high granite fin on the west edge of town sports several sparsely bolted face routes up to 5.11 on the north face and an excellent bolted toprope area adjacent to the main wall.

Mecca Province

Also served by Highway 40, Jeddah and Taif are a short drive from several excellent crags, including Jebal Qamr (Moon Mountain) to the northeast of Usfan, Sugar Loaf to the east on Khawajat Road near Taif, and the tower and boulder fields of Le Caillou Qui Bique (Pointed Rock) in Wadi Ashafa. Many routes are bolted. Trekkers and mountain bikers can enjoy great scenery in Wadi Marwani and the Harithi escarpment.

Jeddah has a couple of shops that carry climbing gear, and there are artificial climbing walls in two of the bigger malls. Stock up here on gear and non-perishables before heading to climbing destinations to the north (Hail, Tabouk, Jouf, and Madinah Provinces) or to the south (Baha, Asir, and Najran Provinces). Ma'a Salaama.

The copyright of the article High Adventure in Arabia - Mecca and Riyadh in Rock Climbing is owned by David Black. Permission to republish High Adventure in Arabia - Mecca and Riyadh in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Chimney, 5.7 II, Faisal's Finger	Black's Crack, 5.11 II, Wadi Nissah	Majnuun Wall, 5.11 II, at Umm Suraydah
Jebal Qamr - easy to moderate with bolts	350-foot Sugar Loaf