Al Hash - Hiking

Jebel Al-Hash's peak extends to 1,700 meters and offers hikers and climbers a moderate challenge. It shall take approximately one hour to drive from the meeting point to the starting point and 3 hours of actual hiking.

The Al Hash hiking experience begins on the back of an open 4x4, cruising along the Wadi Rum desert sands. 

The first noteworthy site is the Al-Bara mountain which is spectacular to see in the early to late morning hours as the sun illuminates its contrasting yellow and brown hues.

As we continue onwards you’ll see mountains of all shapes and sizes jutting out of the yellow and orange desert sands. If you’re lucky enough to be touring during the months of February or March you’ll see beautiful blades of emerald green grass, shrubs, and purple flowers littered over the desert sands.  

As we reach the halfway point we’ll be cruising past an endless array of desert bushes as far as the eyes can see as the desert sands go from a deep orange to a light yellow hue.

We’ll continue to drive to higher ground and after climbing the crest of a large hill that marks the halfway point, we’ll be greeted with the first of many spectacular panoramic views of the desert. 

To the left, you’ll see a glorious mountain peppered with jagged edges which has, at its foot, countless rocks and stones. Wherever you look peaks and points, dunes, and rocks peak out of the sand.

As we reach Wadi Al Fura’ you may notice that more and more mountains and dunes appear. If you're taking the tour early on in the year, you can now take the time to appreciate the small green bits of grass scattered all over the desert floor.

Your guide may point out some locations that Bedouins choose to set up camp for themselves and their animals to provide shade and cooling drafts during the spring and summer. These spots are referred to as maseef or مسيف in Arabic. 

In the winter different spots, called  مشتا (mashta) are chosen. These are spots where ephemeral waterfalls do not occur. These are waterfalls that only occur after significant rains. 

And finally, you’ll see two mountains up ahead with a sand dune nestled between them, this is the entrance to the Al Hash mountain. If you see other vehicles parked at the foot of the mountain, you’ll likely encounter other hikers on your way but, if your vehicle is the only one you’ll be lucky enough to have the site to yourself. 

Your hike will begin with a short, steep hike which will quickly have you gaining enough height to view your vehicle down as small as the tip of your thumb. After this short, steep climb, you will reach the first plateau and on the left, you will be greeted by giant seat-like rock formations. After another short climb, you will reach the second plateau which is marked by large tile-shaped stone markings on the ground. As you traverse this plateau you’ll likely be admiring the contrasting rock sediments and layers. You may notice small, flat, white rocks strewn across the floor. 

You will soon reach a large flat-topped rock which you can climb and use as one of many stunning photo backdrops. You may even see some lizards scurrying away as you climb the rock. 

After about 30 minutes of hiking, you will reach the second panoramic view which overlooks the well-known Um Adaami mountain which conceals the Saudi Arabian border just beyond it. As you stand on the plateau and admire the view you’ll notice the dark mountains lining the horizon and just below, a beautiful desert valley of orange sand dotted with desert brush. 

After just 10 to 15 minutes you’ll reach another plateau and walk up to two large boulders which make for an interesting change in scenery. As you hike you will enjoy the stunning mountain landscape to the left and to the right hundreds of jagged edges and crevices that form part of the Al Hash mountain. 

Your guide will point out Wadi Sabat, the valley below which is where many ephemeral waterfalls merge and water collects. You will see many green plants called Ayslan or عيصلان in Arabic. These dark green shrubs with onion-like roots, colour the desert and mountain landscape beautifully. Camels and goats eat the dried plants.

As you hike on you’ll be greeted by more peaks and sand and rocks, and, eventually, you’ll come to the foot of the last challenge. This is a 2-to-5-minute scramble up to the peak where you’ll be greeted by a Jordanian flag and one of the most spectacular views of Wadi Rum. 

Your guide will likely light a small fire to make some traditional black tea. This will be served with some light snacks. Then it’s time to hike back down and enjoy the route, with its splendid scenery, enormous boulders, and breathtaking views. 

Once we've completed the hike to Al Hash, we will take you on our Classic 4x4 Jeep tour.

Sites you'll see on our Classic Jeep 4x4 Tour

• Lawrence's Spring
• Khazali Canyon 
• Sand Dunes 
• Little Bridge  
• Abu Khashaba Canyon 
• Um Fruth Rock Bridge