Al Uraida, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Mount Uraida is not the official name of this place; however, I could not find it from any possible source in my efforts to search for a name. Even asking people from the site around and near the area, they don’t know if it has a name or none. So for reference, since this is within the vicinity of Al Uraida, I named it Mount Uraida.
Yellowish and golden colors of rocks are on the dry riverbed
For basic free mountain climbing, this mountain perfectly fits to start with:
Slope at the start is usual scalable
As you get into the middle of the climb, you start experiencing the thrills
You will encounter rocks you need to scale up to advance to the top during the past half of the climb.
Closing to the top, cliffs on the right side greet with chilling effects on your knees.
You just knew you had conquered something beyond your usual limit
Past the cliffside, the climb is easier again until you reach the top
At the top, enjoy looking at the entire state park of Al Waslah, see the cars running, and the people doing picnics below the mountain.
The author on the way to the top of Mt. Uraida
Generous and hospitable Saudi man guiding trekkers
On your way down, again, you will feel the same thrill climbing, but as you have started conquering your doubts in free mountain climbing, you will think of doing again on a little higher degree of thrills.
Please watch the video on this link:
How to Get to the Place
It is easy and accessible by all types of vehicles. 21 km away from the Kingdom Center and 40 minute- drive.
It is much easier from the city center if you drive via Al Shifa and Dirab, passing through Dirab Road. A more or less half a kilometer away from the Dirab Security Checkpoint, take the left turn, the Road 5399 connecting Dirab to Haeer.
About 4-5 km away from the left turn area, you will see a park to the left side, find the entry area and follow the car trail on the way to the cove point. Google direction will point to you the location.
I suggest you drive a car with high clearance but not necessarily 4x4 drive. Those who are driving a low clearance car more likely you need to park it farther from the base of Mt. Uraida. But not much a problem because the distance from Road 5399 approximately 2km away.
Activities
Mountain trekking
Whole day picnic
Overnight camping
Sunrise and sunset watching
From the top of the mountain seen are families enjoying the weekend picnic
What to Expect
Nature park with no structures
- The aesthetic characters of the place standstill without the concrete structures
No water supply facility, so make sure to bring enough drinking water for your entire stay
Away from shops and markets – get adequate foodstuff
No comfort room facility – Bring tent that will serve as the covering makeshift for the ladies personal comfort
No permanent cleaners are assigned to maintain the wellness of the surrounding – You need to keep your garbage inside plastic trash bags and bring it with you once you leave the area for proper disposal.
What to See
Underground water spring
From the parking area, continue walking until the end of the mountain cave, there you will find the water spring that supplies the water need of the wildlife around it.
2. Different species of tropical and non-tropical birds are dwelling at the area. – Hear them sings
For your easy direction, here is the location: