Think the Arabian Peninsula is only about endless deserts and searing heat? Think again. The reality of fall outdoor activities in GCC is a pleasant escape to cooler, breathtaking mountain and wadi landscapes as the summer temperatures fade.

Hiking is now a major sport here, supported by professional groups and a growing number of visitors seeking adventure beyond the city.

The secret to conquering the Gulf’s rugged terrain lies in timing. The best time for hiking in UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia is during the magnificent cooler season, specifically from October to April. This establishes the ideal theme for fall hiking trails in Oman and the region, as daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 18℃ to 30℃. This transition makes activities like mountain trekking, desert camping, and exploring unique geological sites feasible and enjoyable.

Across the region, three distinct hiking havens emerge: Oman's challenging Hajar Mountains, the UAE's accessible trail networks, and Saudi Arabia’s dramatic, monumental landscapes. The Sandy Times will take you through the best hikes in Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, each presenting a unique topography — from rugged canyons and high peaks like Jebel Shams (Oman) and Jebel Jais (UAE) to lush wadis and the immense cliffs of the Tuwaiq escarpment in Saudi Arabia.

Get ready to lace up your boots, your ultimate Arabian trekking adventure starts now.

Oman is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Gulf trekking, presenting some of the most diverse and demanding fall hiking trails. The extensive Al Hajar mountain range dominates the north, making this the ultimate destination for dedicated mountain hiking in Oman. If you are looking for unforgettable adventure and panoramic views, these trails are a must-add to your itinerary during the fall hiking trails in Oman.

1. Jebel Shams: The ultimate canyon experience

Towering above the clouds, Jebel Shams — Oman’s highest peak — is a pilgrimage site for hikers. While summiting requires advanced preparation, the most famous trail is accessible to most: the Balcony Walk (Wadi Ghul).

This moderate, exposed path wraps around the rim of the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia,' offering jaw-dropping, vertical views into the deep gorge below. Perfect for capturing epic panoramas and experiencing the ultimate Oman high-altitude challenge.

2. Jebel Akhdar: The green mountain escape

Known as the green mountain, Jebel Akhdar provides a stark contrast to the surrounding desert. Its high-altitude position offers significantly cooler temperatures, making it a comfortable retreat even in the shoulder months, reinforcing its status among the best hikes in Oman.

Explore the famous terraced farms where villagers cultivate roses (in spring), pomegranates, and walnuts. Many village-to-village routes offer a cultural hiking experience. Cooler climates, terraced agriculture, and tranquil village walks. The level of hiking in Jebel Akhdar is from easy to moderate.

3. Wadi Shab: A hidden oasis adventure

For those seeking a refreshing reward, Wadi Shab is the quintessential Wadi experience in Oman. It is a spectacular combination of dry hiking and water adventure. A rocky, easy-to-moderate hike leads you deep into a gorge. The final section requires swimming through several crystal-clear pools to reach a hidden cave, complete with a small waterfall.

Classic easy to moderate hike, swim, and cave exploration. Ideal for a family-friendly adventure. Always check for flash flood warnings before entering.

Oman indeed delivers a world-class adventure that showcases the wild, untamed beauty of the Arabian Peninsula, solidifying its place as the top spot for hiking in Oman.

The UAE is steadily becoming a go-to destination for accessible outdoor adventures. If you are looking for hiking in UAE, you will find diverse, well-marked, and family-friendly options, particularly in the northern and eastern emirates. The trails in this area are suitable for all skill levels, from easy family walks in Wadi Shawka to challenging multi-day routes like the famous "Stairway to Heaven."

The varied terrain — from coastal ridges to rugged Hajar Mountain peaks in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah — means there is a perfect trail for everyone. With many hiking trails in UAE being easily accessible from major cities, your next adventure is never far away. The best time for hiking in UAE is during the cooler months, generally from October to April.

1. Hatta Mountain trails: Dubai/Hajar Mountains

This is arguably the most beginner-friendly and well-organised destination for beginner hikes in UAE. Located in a national park near the Omani border, Hatta extends over 32 kilometres of trails spread across five colour-coded routes suitable for all levels. The Green (Easy) options are perfect for families and first-timers, as they wind through scenic wadis and the rugged mountain landscape. The well-maintained and clearly marked nature of the trails makes them ideal for a safe and straightforward mountain experience.

2. Wadi Shawka: Fujairah Border

Often cited as one of the best hiking trails in UAE, Wadi Shawka is perfect for a half-day trip. It features a popular and relatively short loop, such as the moderate 6.2-mile Shawka Dam Mountain Trail. The hike trail is easy to moderate and shows stunning views of the Shawka Dam and the surrounding rocky wadi. After rainfall, hikers may be rewarded with pools of water, adding to the scenic beauty. This popular area is also an excellent spot for a picnic, thanks to nearby park facilities.

3. Jebel Jais: Ras Al Khaimah

Home to the UAE's highest peak, Jebel Jais proposes a welcome retreat with significantly cooler air and well-maintained trail networks. The Jebel Jais Lower Hiking Trails give you options from beginner to intermediate, all providing stunning panoramic mountain views. Excellent starting points include the beginner-friendly Ghaf Summit Trail and the moderate Samar Trail. Visiting between October and April ensures the most pleasant weather for a refreshing and challenging mountain trek.

Looking for a new hiking destination? Consider pairing your UAE trip with a contrastingly vast and majestic desert experience, like scenic hikes in Saudi Arabia, for your next adventure.

Saudi Arabia is opening its vast, dramatic, and largely untouched natural heritage to hikers, revealing a spectacle of geological wonders. Beyond its modern cities, the Kingdom has some of the most scenic hikes in Saudi Arabia, ranging from ancient volcanic craters to sheer escarpments.

The scale of the landscapes is stunning, with each region giving an unforgettable outdoor experience that speaks to the country's rich geological and cultural history. The best time for hiking in Saudi Arabia is during the cooler months from October to March.

1. Jibal Tuwaiq: Riyadh

A must-do for anyone hiking in Riyadh, the Edge of the World (Jibal Tuwaiq or Jebel Fihrayn) offers one of the most dramatic cliffside views globally. Located approximately 90 km northwest of Riyadh, this spectacular escarpment rises 300 metres above the desert floor, creating the illusion of a horizon with no end. It is an ideal spot for hiking, with panoramic views, especially at sunrise or sunset. To navigate the Jibal Tuwaiq desert terrain, you need a moderate fitness level, and a 4x4 vehicle is essential.

2. Moon Valley (Wadi al-Qamar): Jeddah

For those seeking hiking near Jeddah with views, the aptly named Moon Valley (Wadi al-Qamar) provides an otherworldly, lunar-like desert landscape. This unique environment is characterised by surreal rock formations, making it a primary option for exploration. Fantastic spot for sunset hikes and photography, and its clear, unpolluted skies make it a superb location for stargazing and night hiking. The trails here are accessible for various skill levels.

3. Wadi Al Disah: Tabuk and Al Ula

Located near Tabuk and Al Ula, Wadi Al Disah has a hidden oasis with striking, unearthly beauty. This lush valley is an unexpected haven, featuring palm groves, clear springs, and a riverbed floor surrounded by towering, sheer sandstone cliffs. The hiking here is generally moderate, following the sandy wadi floor, giving hikers an incredible combination of natural beauty and an immersive, tranquil experience away from the bustling cities.

​Fall trails offer stunning views but demand preparation. Proper preparation ensures you fully enjoy the best fall hikes in GCC's outdoor activities: