Overview of the Hatta Back Country Trails
In the Hajar Mountains Mountain Trails offer over 30 km of purpose-built walking routes weaving through rocky ridges, sandy valleys, and shaded wadis. Colour‑coded for all levels of hikers and bikers—ranging from gentle family-friendly paths to challenging uphill routes—the trails span diverse terrain and provide breathtaking views over Hatta Dam, Oman’s border hills, and scattered palm groves below. We have a unique route combining some of the older and newer trails to make a perfect fit for beginners and intermediate hikers.
The network is enhanced by wooden footbridges, strategically placed rest areas, seamlessly integrating the trails into the wild landscape. Whether you’re aiming for solitude, panoramic mountain vistas, or a confident early morning adventure, this trail delivers an unforgettable mountain experience with incredible views.
This hike is for enthusiastic hikers who just can’t wait to get back out outside on the trails and are willing to wake up before the sunrise to be able to hike in the best time of the day suitable for outdoor activities.
Intermediate group will take the back country route behind the mountains towards the Oman border and ultimately reach the Hatta Sign, continue over on the more challenging trails and finish after 11k.
Beginner hike will go through the back route closer to the mountain, but will still have a great hill to climb and amazing view at the top! Both groups will take 3 hours to complete the hikes but one group will go a longer distance than the other.
Location & Car Access:
1 hour 35 minutes from Dubai. Parking requires a short drive on a gravel road at starts at Suhaila Rest Area but accessible by any car.
After the hike, you can enjoy some of the many activities in the Hatta Wadi Hub or even head to the dam to enjoy Kayaking! Ask our guides for more information.
Distance & Duration of the Hike:
Beginners; Approximately 7.5KM loop trail, with a maximum of 50 m of elevation gain over the entire trek, this will take about 3 hours to complete the circuit.
Intermediate:Nearly 11k and 3.5hours
What We Provide
Small groups! We usually have groups of less than 10 hikers, maximum 15 with 2 guides to ensure everyone hikes at their own pace and nobody is ever hiking alone feeling ‘left behind’
Guides who are experienced and certified in Wilderness First Aid and registered with Fujairah Adventures.
A hiking backpack with as much water as you need 2-3, electrolytes and a hearty snack at the top.
Post-hike refreshment: chilled juice and cold water upon return to the cars is a 3.5 hour one way hike with the option to retrace after 2 hours along the same path if anyone needs to do so. the hills of Khor Fakkan on a great trail and reach 2 summits after some heart-thumping hills with a comfortable sandy trail. Get a great workout with switchbacks and 2 30 minute summit climbs along with amazing views! Just 1.5 hours from Dubai. will also take our route to avoid the hills if necessary to avoid heat exhaustion so expect a casual hike to get adjusted to the heat, get used to carrying water and enjoy being outside again!
If you have done this with us in the past, this will be an entirely new route in order to avoid the car shuttle off road section. has designed completely new trails, complete with shaded shelters along the way. However, they are somewhat confusing for the average hiker, We use a combination of old and new trails to mostly avoid meeting any other hikers or bikers and get the best views. If you did Hatta with us last season, these routes are completely different and will be a refreshing and exciting hike that you will really enjoy!
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The trail will be as long or as short as the group can manage. We will walk on a bit of road, a little on trails. The rest of the trail has smaller hills, and shaded rest areas the whole way. Along the way, our guides will teach you about the flora, fauna and mountains, and give you lots of guidance in learning to become an independent hiker.
We will pass through some local farms on the flat section before we loop around the smaller hills then visit the ancient village and the mountain ridge.
This hike is a favorite for new hikers and offers a great bonding opportunity for families. It is a chance to experience hiking and the mountains without worrying about footing or their fitness.
Enjoy the walk along the ridge of two foothills and the unobstructed view of the Hatta Mountain Range while playing. The Hatta mountains are a unique part of the UAE, very different from other mountains.
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September/October:
Start: 5:00 am
Finish hike 8:00 AM
November: December January
Start: 7:00 am
Finish: 10:00 am
February: 6:00 am
March 5:30 am
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We include your backpack with water, juice, snack and electrolytes so you don’t need to worry about anything.
Our educational guide who will take you through the trails and teach you about the wonder around you.
Snacks - plenty of juice, water and snacks to keep you energized and hydrated.