Sawda Mountains hiking trail: 8 km juniper forest walk

Walk through clouds on a trail older than three centuries, ringed by juniper.

Hike an 8 km moderate trail in Sawda Mountains near Abha, Saudi Arabia, at 3000 meters above sea level on a 250-year-old path lined with perennial juniper trees. The experience includes a live guide in English or Arabic, snacks, an air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and transport, and six hours total. The trail descends to the mountain base and is built around the juniper forest that defines the region.

The experience

The trail itself is the draw here: a 250-year-old route that winds through perennial juniper trees at 3000 meters above sea level in the green highlands near Abha. You hike almost 8 kilometers on a moderate path that descends to the bottom of the mountain, moving through the clouds and taking in views that open across the southern part of Saudi Arabia. The juniper forest is not scenery you pass through. It is the landscape itself, dense and perennial, the symbol of this region.

A live guide meets you and leads the hike in English or Arabic. Transport is included: an air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and brings you to the trailhead, then returns you after the walk. The full experience runs six hours. Snacks are provided during the hike to keep your energy up on the climb and descent.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or Arabic.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and transport.
• snacks during the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Abha Trips

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a guided walk on a 250-year-old trail through juniper forest at 3,000m: the guide navigates while you adjust to the altitude, and an air-conditioned vehicle brings you to the trailhead and back.

Traveler reviews

4.92★★★★★★★★★★

12 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How difficult is the Sawda Mountains hiking trail?

The trail is moderate in difficulty, covering almost 8 kilometers with elevation changes as it descends to the mountain base. A moderate level of physical fitness is needed to complete the hike comfortably.

What makes the Sawda Mountains trail special compared to other hikes?

The trail is 250 years old and winds through perennial juniper trees, which are the symbol of the region. Walking at 3000 meters above sea level in the green highlands near Abha, you move through clouds with views across southern Saudi Arabia.

What is included in the six-hour experience?

The package includes pickup and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide who speaks English or Arabic, snacks during the hike, and the guided walk itself on the 8 km trail.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the trailhead?

No. Pickup is included in the booking, and an air-conditioned vehicle brings you to the Sawda Mountains trail and returns you afterward.