TOUGH, EXTRA-LONG HIKE: New trail in the Al Awsat Valley (15-20 km)

OVERVIEW

For the last hike of the year, we will head south of Riyadh to return to Al Awsat to discover a new hike. The hike will take us across red sands, into wadis, and through multiple camel farms. We will hike at least 15km, an possibly up to 20km, going beyond the regular tourist route. While I have been to this area before, this is a brand new hike, and I will be discovering the area with you. Every hiker needs to be fit and ready for adventure.

Please join the waitlist by Thursday morning if you are interested in attending.

PREPARATION

Please bring a packed lunch and LOTS of water (3 liters minimum, given the length of this hike and the current weather).

Walking in the desert requires preparation. Proper hiking clothes and hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots) are a must. So is appropriate protection from the sun (hat, sunglasses, sunblock). Temperatures in the desert can change quickly: wear comfortable, breathable clothing to withstand the midday heat and bring layers for when the temperature drops in the evening.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure you are in great physical shape.
Every person is responsible for him or herself.

TRIP COORDINATION

• Read this information carefully as it answers a lot of the common questions before contacting me. I organize these trips in my free time while working and balancing family responsibilities, so please respect my time as the organizer.
• This is a free trip, organized by me on a volunteer basis and made possible by our wonderful volunteer drivers, who generously take other hikes along with them.
• Hikes are coordinated through a dedicated WhatsApp group, which is launched on the Thursday or Friday before the hike. All information about the trip (meeting point, final schedule, hiking start location) will be shared through the dedicated WhatsApp group, not here. Don't contact me before Thursday asking why you're not in the WhatsApp group.
• Joining the Waitlist on Meetup is not a guarantee of a spot. You need to answer all your questions, provide a mobile number, and confirm your interest by WhatsApp when I reach out to you. If you don't provide a phone number or confirm your interest when I reach out, I will move you to "Not Going".
• No guests: everyone needs to register interest individually in Meetup.
• This trip does not require an SUV to reach the trailhead. I will only add you to the group once I am sure that you have a ride if you need one. Sedans are allowed on this route.

APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE (to be confirmed by WhatsApp to attendees)

• 8:00: Gather at a meeting point in central Riyadh (location shared on WhatsApp) and check in
• 8:15: Everyone gets into vehicles, and we drive to the hiking location
• 9:30: We arrive at the hike starting point, introduce ourselves, and start exploring
• 12:30: Pause hike for a lunch break whenever you want
• 16:00: Everyone back to the cars (option to leave, hang out, or explore more )
• 17:00: Approximate return to Riyadh

As always, if you are as excited as I am about hiking, want to help, or have a day trip suggestion, please give me a shout.

Anna