Apart from the Hidden Oasis Trail (between Jebel Jais & Wadi of Giants), this one's another favorite of mine despite a little longer in terms of distance. However, it's not as long as Stairway to Heaven's Trail nor the Wadi Naqab Loop Trail so fret not! A trail doable on a day hike or multi-day hike, let's dive right in what's in for you in this hiking guide of Wadi Al Far Trail!
Disclaimer: The trail route is written as counter-clockwise (facing the mountain) which starts at 'narrow stair' and ends at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. However, it can be done vice versa, and totally up to you on how you want to do it.
Hiking Trail Overview:
- Route: Wadi Al Far Loop Trail
- Distance: 13.57 km (according to my Strava record)
- Moving Time: 4h18m (according to my Strava record*)
- Difficulty Level (own opinion): 3 out of 5
*I highly doubt the moving time from Strava. I have done this trail a couple of times already and it always takes at least 6 continuous moving hours but not less than that (on my pacing). I will update this when I get the chance to hike this trail again.
How to get there and how to get out?
As I mentioned in my Wadi Naqab Loop Trail Post, the thing about hiking in UAE, especially in Ras Al Khaimah is that the jump-offs are not accessible by public transportation. Hence I will not include an option of public transportation anymore.
If you have a vehicle, take the same road towards Jebel Jais until you reach Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. You can park at the Parking Spot next to it. There's limited parking space and close to none near the narrow stairs unfortunately hence Bear Grylls Explorer Camp parking is your best option.
The trail is a loop so getting out of the trail in the middle will be a challenge. You don't have an option but to finish the whole trail no matter which way you are heading (clockwise or counter-clockwise).
If you start at the narrow stairs, you will end up at a wadi next to Bear Grylls Explorer Camp. Then walk towards your parking spot comfortably. And if you start the other way around, you will end up at the narrow stairs. But you have to walk back towards Jebel Jais to reach Bear Grylls Explorer Camp through the off-road trail next to the road.
Trailhead of Wadi Al Far:
If you're coming from the parking lot, walk at the off-road trail around 400 meters or so until you reach the trailhead (counter-clockwise route). This is the coordinates of the official start of the hiking trail (below the stairs).
In case you want to start the other way around, walk to the left side of Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. When you reach the FORK, take the right wadi.
Hiking Trail Sections of Wadi Al Far:
To properly guide you on the trail, I will break it down into two main sections, the way up and the way down. There is just a slight change though at the middle part (towards the campsite) and two options going down. But if you follow properly and use your wisest judgment, you will not get lost.
1. Ascent - Boulders, Ridge Stairs & Slopes
After the narrow stairs is a donkey trail (or a goat trail) along the wadi. Some parts are not visible. There is a small plateau along the trail and you can rest or go further ahead towards the ridge.
The last stretch of the trail (before the ridge) is quite steep with loose rocks as well as boulders. Keep on the right side of the trail and you will end up in front of the ridge.
The trail will slightly turn towards the left to reach the ridge. There will be a set of stairs if you walk further and keep on climbing up and you will eventually reach the plateau (photo below).
Take a break at the plateau and enjoy an amazing view of Jebel Jais from another angle again. It's similar to the view from Hidden Oasis Trail (between Jebel Jais & Wadi of Giants).
Further up the trail will be a section of the slopes. There's no established trail (or at least, I couldn't see it) so keep going up. There are some loose rocks, a steep slope, and eventually the old village at the top. Then Jebel Yabanah will start waving at you.
2. Upper Part - Rolling Hills & Loose Rocks
This is where the slight change on the trail is located. After the old village, there's a rolling section where you will meet a lot of copper-colored rocks (small and big). You have to walk further for a distance and start shying away from the trail.
We moved to an upper level on the right side (there's no established trail) and made our way through loose rocks, a ridge at the end, and a hike up following the waterline.
From the campsite, we walked back at the same trail going down until we reached the ridge on the lower level. Loose rocks after loose rocks waited for us until we reached the top of the wadi.
3. Descent - Stone Cairns, Long Wadi, Rolling Section OR Water Pools
Going back to the trail (if you didn't walk to the campsite), continue walking the slope with the copper-colored rocks on your right side.
Keep on following the trail and the stone cairns as trail signs. Not so long will be the walled-stone cairns with a gorgeous view of the wadi down below.
Walk around the walled-stone cairns and you have a bird's eye view of the wadi. Plus you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Jebel Jais. I love the view of Jebel Jais, didn't you notice it by now?
Let's have one last look at Jebel Yabanah from the walled-stone cairns (or stone village as others call it).
Hiking down the trail from the campsite and the walled-stone cairns will merge at the loose rocks at the top of the wadi. The loose rocks section will be followed by the winding trail (yet established) until you reach the wall (photo below).
In the picture above, the trail is pretty much straight (either clockwise/counter-clockwise). The trail has a short section of loose rocks starting from the ridge at the upper right. It becomes easier to go down, especially before this wall. Enjoy a short break in this area before deciding how to go down further.
Now you may ask me, why do I need to decide to go down? There are two trails to go down. After a short section of boulders, hike a steep (yet short) up towards a small saddle and the trail splits into two.
Trail Option A - Scenic, Easy & Established trail
The easiest trail among the two, this trail is established and visible (even from the saddle). Located on your left side, follow the trail all the way and down to the wadi. You will see Jebel Jais from another angle once more (lower level and roadside). Unfortunately, I don't have any other photos apart from the one below. I've been here only once and we reached a little late.
And there's no catch here. You will pretty much walk down without getting lost or struggling. But there are sections where the trail is narrow and a little close to the wall. Apart from that, you don't have anything to worry about.
Trail Option B - Challenging with Stairs, Boulders, and Water Pools
If you're up for a challenge though, from the saddle, the trail is down below you. It is not established and you have to figure out on your own which trail suits you best. That's the challenge on this trail. Not only that, there are big boulders ahead (or shall I say below?) where you probably have to use all fours to climb down.
The catch on this trail is that it is of a shorter distance. The trail is downward and not an actual straight line. Apart from that, there are lots to see like the stairs and the wadi pools (sometimes it's dry). Check the photos below and I will try to convince you to take this challenge.
However, if you think you're not good at finding the trail/path and safety is your utmost priority, I suggest you to the first option. If you are up for a challenge and take the second one, I swear you will not regret it.
Anyhow, at the bottom of this wadi, the two trails will eventually merge. A few meters ahead, a fork in the wadi will show up and you have to turn left. Walking a few meters more then you will end up at Bear Grylls Explorers Camp (on the left side) and don't worry you will be outside the property. Continue walking until you reach your vehicle at the parking spot.
Personal Thoughts:
As I always say, we all have different adventure appetite or what I call ‘#hikeppetite’ to begin with. So, a good trail for me might not be a good trail for you and vice versa. And that’s completely okay, we don’t need to agree with everyone all the time. Anyhow, here’s what I think about Wadi Al Far trail:
Pros:
- The trail itself is a full package of sections - challenging loose rocks, boulders, rolling slopes, an old village, stairs, and even water pools (if you're lucky).
- There is an old village along the trail (on a higher level) with a water source. HOWEVER, ask for permission first (if someone is in the village). Most of the time, the shepherds who stay in the villages will offer something out of kindness (water, etc.). But don't take their resources and kindness for granted.
- You have different views to enjoy, Jebel Yabanah from up close, or the Jebel Jais from another angle. Both are equally rewarding and beautiful.
Cons:
- The trail has a fair amount of challenge along the wadi on both sides. Going up after the narrow stairs comes the steep trail, loose rocks, and boulders. Going down on the other side comes with boulders after boulders before the water pools.
- A few narrow stairs (without railings) are found on the trail. It is not the same as Stairway to Heaven's stairs but it still poses a challenge (if you have a fear of heights).
- Going down at trail option B will test your patience (at least mine were always put on a test). The steep loose rocks after the saddle and the boulders section are not a joke but doable.
- If you're looking for an easy-peasy trail, especially a child-friendly trail, this is NOT the one.
Overall, the trail is just right for my #hikeppetite. If your sense of adventure and challenge sounds similar to mine, you'll love this trail. The length of the trail, the different sections of the trail, plus the rewarding views of Jebel Yabanah and Jebel Jais, it's worth the sweat!
Whatever decision you make, always remember to prepare beforehand, stay safe, and last but not least, enjoy the outdoors! #happyhiking!
With lots of love,
PINAYHAKAWATI 💗
AND AS A GENTLE OUTDOOR ETHICS REMINDER:
LEAVE NO TRACE!
