Nature & Outdoors in Alula
A desert oasis brimming with natural beauty
Together with its rich cultural heritage and layer-upon-layer of human history, AlUla stands out for its remarkable wealth of natural wonders. Boasting a magnificent sense of space and peace, AlUla’s landscape invites you to wander and meditate upon the splendour of this open-air museum. From mazes of dramatic rock to rolling sand-swept dunes, a valley swathed in citrus groves to millennia-old lava flows, be sure to make time to explore AlUla’s outdoors and connect with its expansive natural offerings.
Explore AlUla's Nature & Outdoors
Visit AlUla's Most Iconic Rock Elephant Rock
Gaze up at the breathtaking geological phenomenon of Elephant Rock. Sunset sees the skies burst into colour and the magnificent rock formation turn red, while night brings stargazing under the landmark’s looming silhouette.
See Over the City of AlUla and Beyond Harrat Viewpoint
Sat atop an ancient volcanic mountain, Harrat Viewpoint’s elevated setting provides spectacular views over AlUla and the magical surrounding landscape. Arrive at dusk for a magical sunset and watch the skies slowly fill with stars.
Available All Year Heritage Oasis Trail
Free and open to visitors day and night, this beautiful designated trail meanders through the lush palm groves and scenic farmland of the Oasis. Choose a guided tour with a local Rawi to get a deeper understanding of this magical area.
Enjoy Art Among Scenic Farmland Daimumah
Combining sustainable farmland, scenic trails, and art installations, Daimumah is a wonderful place to stroll, unwind and appreciate AlUla’s natural beauty – and a collection of outdoor art installations – in the heart of the Oasis.
Discover the Magic of this Desert Valley Ashar Valley
As well as a natural marvel of majestic rock formations and scenic canyons, Ashar Valley is home to some of AlUla's top accommodation, high-end shopping and the award-winning Maraya – a multi-purpose venue and the world’s largest mirrored building.
Witness Untouched Wildlife Sharaan Nature Reserve
This reserve’s diverse array of flora and fauna is set among breathtaking wilderness. Between soaring canyons and sprawling desert live all kinds of natural wonders from carpets of flowering grass to eagles, ibex and even the elusive Arabian Leopard.
Available All Year Stargazing
Far from city lights, wide open spaces in remote desert lands create some of the world’s most enviable dark skies, making AlUla an idyllic region for stargazing. Experience the enchantment of a desert stargazing tour led by local experts.
Read Stories Written in Stone Rock Art & Inscriptions
For thousands of years, travellers on pilgrimage and trade routes often stopped in and around AlUla. Many left messages, inscriptions or rock art, etched into stone to mark their journey through these extraordinary landscapes.
Gaze Upon Nature's Artworks Rocks of AlUla
Millions of years in the making, wind and water have sculpted numerous sandstone rocks into many weird and wonderful forms. You’ll find these striking works of natural art scattered throughout AlUla’s stunning desert landscape.
Be Immersed in AlUla's Agricultural Heart The Oasis
Cultivated for millennia, this spring-fed oasis today remains a lush and fertile plain with sustainable farming at its core. Picturesque trails and a collection of cafes and restaurants also offer a wealth of walking and relaxation opportunities.
Experience AlUla's Stunning Scenery GEOLOGY OF ALULA
Throughout the region you’ll see sand-drifted canyons, red-rock cliffs, and black basalt atop towering mesas, all surrounded by a dramatic sea of desert. Explore AlUla’s unique geology and lose yourself in its magic and majesty.
Adventure & Outdoor Experiences
20 Oct 2023 - 24 Feb 2024 Eco-Gardening
Connect with the lush natural environment of the Oasis in this eco-gardening experience. Learn all about the flora and fauna that thrive in this unique agricultural area, meet some of the farmers and animals they keep, and do some sowing of your own.
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19 Oct - 30 Nov Heritage Restoration Experience
Enjoy a hands-on experience learning the art of building with mud. You’ll also help restore some of these iconic mudbrick dwellings, and learn about their heritage and the people who once called them home.
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19 Oct - 30 Nov Reviving Nature Experience
Help tackle agricultural waste and be part of a visionary new sculpture and public space. You’ll enjoy creative workshops repurposing palm fronds and help create a dome that will also stand as a symbol of the interconnectedness of humanity.
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Available All Year Sharaan Reserve Safari Tour
Take a seat in a vintage 4x4 vehicle for a three-and-a-half hour tour across the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Your professional guide will take you on a journey exploring some of AlUla’s most magnificent wonders from unique rock formations to ancient inscriptions, make sure to keep an eye out for different species of animals along the way.
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Available All Year Sharaan Reserve VIP Safari Tour
Set out on an adventure to discover the breathtaking scenery AlUla has to offer with the Sharaan Reserve VIP Safari Tour. Explore the Sharaan Nature Reserve on this four-hour sightseeing tour with a private 4x4 vehicle and professional guide to show you ancient inscriptions and unique rock formations.
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Available All Year Giant Swing
Those looking for an adventure in AlUla will experience the thrill of a lifetime on the Giant Swing. Head to the Adventure Hub to leap from a mountain's edge and fly through canyon terrain while taking in gorgeous vista views.
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Available All Year AlUla Stairway
The first of its kind in the region, the AlUla Stairway takes you up a 45-metre suspended ladder stairway with an exhilarating zipline back down to the valley floor. Take part in this unforgettable, challenging adventure and leave with epic memories and photos to take home.
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Available All Year Abseil
Experience the thrilling adventure of abseiling down AlUla’s magnificent mountain landscapes. Feel the adrenaline rush as you descend downward and embark on this outdoor journey of a lifetime.
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Until 30 Sep 2023 Acacia Trail by Day
The Acacia Trail is a moderate 6km hike that explores the stunning landscapes of AlUla. Desert dunes, sandstone mountains and ancient inscriptions line the Acacia Trail that takes you through the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as the Red-Necked Ostrich and the Idmi Gazelle.
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Until 30 Sep 2023 Acacia Trail by Night
Explore the stunning landscapes of AlUla by taking the 6km hike along the Acacia Trail at night. Desert dunes, sandstone mountains and ancient inscriptions line the trail that takes you through the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, such as the Red-Necked Ostrich and the Idmi Gazelle.
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Available All Year Adventure Trail Hike
This 8 km walk takes you through some of AlUla’s finest natural wonders, ancient heritage and picturesque flora and fauna. You’ll navigate a variety of diverse terrains, whether you choose the early morning hike or the sunset trip.
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Until 30 September 4x4 Sharaan Nature Reserve Tour
Enjoy a day trip exploring AlUla, starting with a 4x4 Safari through the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Discover the sandstone mountains and learn more about AlUla's unique rock formations. In the afternoon, browse through the shops at the AlUla Old Town Market and end your day with breathtaking views and a visit to the iconic Elephant Rock.
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AlUla Camping & Activities Package
Camp between the sandstone mountains, surrounded by palm trees in this unforgettable two-night/three-day experience. Be fully immersed in the unique nature of AlUla and enjoy three Husaak outdoor experiences of your choice, from the Twisted Maze Hike to Stargazing and more.
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Available All Year AlUla Buggy Tours
Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling buggy ride over the rugged dunes and through the stunning sandstone mountains of AlUla!
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Available All Year AlUla Zipline
One for thrill seekers, test your nerve by whizzing through the air on the zipline at Harrat Mountain.
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Until 30 Sep 2023 Camping at Pangaea Farm
Surrounded by majestic rock formations and fertile farmland, the Pangaea Adventure Centre provides a fabulous camp site where you can immerse yourself in AlUla’s stunning landscape. This one-night camping experience really brings you closer to nature.
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Harrat Viewpoint
Enjoy the outdoor terrace, built to blend in with the magnificent surroundings. Telescopes allow you to see further, finding constellations and stories among the stars.
Available All Year Helicopter Tour
Take to the skies to experience the breath-taking views of stunning desert vistas and iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and World UNESCO site, Hegra. View the world from a new angle and make memories that will last a lifetime.
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Heritage Oasis Trail
The Heritage Oasis Trail is a designated trail within the AlUla Oasis with beautiful spots for photos and a few local farm stalls along the way. Guided tours are available.
Available All Year Heritage Oasis Trail Tour
Take a guided tour along the Heritage Oasis Trail and let a local Rawi lead you through the beauty and natural wonders of the Oasis. This 3km tour is a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Oasis while learning about its important role in AlUla’s history.
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Available All Year Hidden Valley Night Hike
Embark on a magical night hike through the Hidden Valley, set in the heart of Sharaan Nature Reserve. Walk along soft sand under the cover of darkness, see moonlight shadows fall on sandstone mountains and feel the wonder and peace of the Arabian desert.
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Available All Year Ridge Walk Hike
The Ridge Walk Hike is an easy hiking experience that will fully immerse you in the desert environment, marked by awe-inspiring views of AlUla’s stunning landscape.
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Available All Year Rock Climbing
Take adventure to the next level with rock climbing on the spectacular mountains of AlUla. Enjoy this fun adventure sport while taking in nature’s beauty surrounding you.
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Available All Year Stargazing at Gharameel
Experience the wonder of the cosmos with this stargazing tour among the magical desert landscape of Gharameel. An expert will guide you through the constellations and you’ll enjoy a traditional fireside dinner under the stars.
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Available All Year Top of Harra Hike
Enjoy a short but challenging trek along rocky trails and over boulders to the top of Harra. From here you’ll get to experience some of the most breathtaking views over the AlUla landscape, before a steady descent back down to earth.
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Available All Year Via Ferrata & Canyon Hammock
Aerial challenges and suspended obstacles make up the adventurous route of the Via Ferrata. Whether it's the daring heights or stunning canyon views, get ready to take your breath away.
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Wheels Bike Hub
From daily cyclists to leisurely riders, the Wheels Bike Hub is your home for everything related to cycling. Explore 26km of cycling trails in the beauty of AlUla from the freedom of your bike. Enjoy refreshments at the Bike Hub Café after your ride.
Temporarily Closed Wild Camping in AlUla
There’s no better way to experience the simple beauty of AlUla’s magnificent landscape than a wild camping trip. Watch the sun go down over dramatic rock formations, before a fireside dinner under the stars and retiring to your tent to sleep among the scenery.
This experience is currently unavailable but will return to AlUla in October 2023. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
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This experience is currently unavailable but will return to AlUla in October 2023. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
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Temporarily unavailable Hegra Rock Art Trail
Explore Hegra with a Rawi (guide) and learn the stories of the rock art found amongst the stone.
This experience is currently unavailable but will return back to AlUla soon. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
This experience is currently unavailable but will return back to AlUla soon. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
Temporarily Unavailable The Twisted Maze
Are you up for a challenge? Hike, climb and swim your way through some of AlUla’s more rugged landscapes on the Twisted Maze Hike.
This experience is currently unavailable but will return back to AlUla soon. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
This experience is currently unavailable but will return back to AlUla soon. Follow @AlUlaMoments on Social to be the first one to know when this experience is back.
All-New Experience AlUla App
Check out the new Experience AlUla app to really make the most of your visit to this extraordinary destination. With fast and easy-to-navigate information, interactive features and bookable experiences, you have the best of AlUla at your fingertips.
Plan and Book Your Trip
Learn about the different options to make the most of your time at AlUla. You can book your trip through our preferred booking partners or book your trip yourself by exploring AlUla accommodations and thrilling experiences.
