Al Uraidh Camping Ground - Hiking & Camping

The author flashing thumb up - amazed by the landscapee

Hiking & Camping - Al Uraidh Camping Ground is a public nature park located in Laha Valley, Riyadh. It offers an aesthetic experience where you can commune with nature in a desert landscape, a shift from the usual woodland with dense trees and camping spots.

In this place, the Saib Laha Hidden Pools (known as Shaib Luha Hidden Pool). So, you have the chance to see a live pool with its underground spring in the middle of the desert.

These two parts I am presenting in this article are just among the points you can explore at Al Uraidh Camping and Hiking spot:

1. Saib Laha Hidden Pools

2. Laha Camping Ground

At the entry point, take the left and drive as far as you think your car can go. You are driving off-road, but you will see a car trail on the ground. Park the car in a suitable spot you think best, then start hiking.

The pool you will arrive at is one of the two hidden pools in the area. Trek either side of the first pool to advance to the top of the cliff wall of the pool, and proceed trailing the dry streambed until the end point. There you will find the hidden pool number 2.

Location

Laha Valley, Al Uraidh, Riyadh

Direction

• Going to Saib Laha Hidden Pool (known as Shaib Luha Hidden Pool), at the entry point, the open space on the right side is the Laha Camping Ground. You go through that open space up to the hillside.

• From the City Centre, drive via Dirab Road.

• After the security checkpoint, you will find a U-turn slot.

• Turn left at the U-turn slot. You will find the road going down; take it and drive down the scenic road to Al Waslah Park.

Distance From The City Centre

• The approximate distance from the City Centre is 42 km (Kingdom Tower/Centre as the reference point).

Accessibility

• The place is accessible by any car

• The road going to the spot is in excellent condition.

• Upon entering the spot, you will find it now driving over rough terrain, though not seriously so.

Car Requirements

• High clearance is an advantage in getting to the hillside.

• If you are driving a sedan, you need to figure out how far your car can go, park it, and then start enjoying the hike.

Activities

• Picnic and overnight camping

• Off-road biking (bring your own bikes)

• Trekking

• Sightseeing

Comfort Facility

• No comfort rooms available

• No water supply source

• For those planning a full picnic or an overnight camping trip with ladies in the group, it is advisable to bring a portable toilet or at least a small, separate tent to provide cover for the ladies' personal needs.

Observe proper maintenance of the place by bringing a waste bag to dispose of your garbage.

Nearby Places

1. Al Waslah Park

2. Mount Uraidh Viewing Point

3. Tower Ridge Hiking Trail

To see more images, please click the arrow.

Looking back at the gulley you passed through on your way to the higher slope.

The split rock

The author enjoying the view.

The hidden pool No. 2 as seen through the cliff hole.

The Hidden Pool No. 1

You may enjoy standing on top of the rocks.

Enjoy the golden natural color of the cliffs.

A monolith rock built by the nature time-after-time.

Desert trees add colours to the landscape, but be careful of the thorn.

One of the cinematic corners you will see at the camping ground.

The dates plantation.

A vast dates farm by the roadside, beside the camping ground.

Dates plantation

A truck passing beside the dates farm

Another shot of the dates farm

The widest portion of the valley

The main camping ground

Another shot of the dates farm

Be watchful of the thorns of the desert trees.