MAGHATYA TRAIL, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Ancient Trading Path in Arab Land

Jan 22, 2023

2 min read

Updated: Aug 22

Ancient Trading Path in Arab Land—Besides being a thrilling destination for trekking and desert mountain adventures, this trail tells much about the early history of trade and transport in Saudi Arabia’s northern regions and neighbouring countries, Jordan and Egypt.

https://youtu.be/6oCl425kBEI

The ancient watch tower used by the travelers to navigate the direction and other purposes.

Situated in the Al Thadiq municipality, the Maghatya Trail transports visitors to an era when camel and donkey caravans served as the primary means of transportation, linking people from various regions for trade and other socio-economic activities.

Today, this location ranks among the premier heritage sites, allowing visitors to witness, explore, and appreciate its stunning landscape of mountain trails, river routes, waterfalls, and cliffs.

Nonetheless, the creek and waterfall run dry during intense summer heat and extended dry spells.

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Behind its historic mark, Maghatya Trail has also an amazing landscape.
My guides preparing for the trail hike.
Crossing the stream on the way to the parking spot of the trail.
My guide, sharing some information about the trail and its historical account.
Driving on the way to the parking spot.
The stream we had to cross during our hike.
Car with a high clearance is a requirement to get to the parking spot.
My guides leading the author as the hike started.
Here, we were about to start climbing and trailing the ancient road.
The seasonal stream to cross during the hike

Note: It was raining during our hiking adventure, and what appears in the pictures is only from rainy days: the streams and the puddles.

Activities You Can Do:

Off-road driving
Trail hiking
Mountain Hiking
Mountain Biking
Picnic & Overnight Camping
Sightseeing

Facilities Available

No concrete structures are available. This is a natural, historical site; building structures may not be a smart move, as it would destroy the site's natural and historical value.

Things to bring:

Hiking pack
Water, snacks, and foodstuff for a picnic
Tent, should you plan for an overnight camping
Cooking utensils

Car Requirement

Any car will do. But should use a high-clearance vehicle if you want to drive and park at the trail hiking take-off.
If you have a sedan, park it at the arrival area and hike to the inner part of the trail.

Quick Facts:

Name: Maghatya Trail

Classification: Historical Site

Location: Al Thadiq, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Distance from Riyadh City: 106 Km

Travel Time: 1 hr during non-peak hours

1⅟2 to 2 hours during rush hour

The cave beside the trail serves as the resting point for the hikers.
The hiking end point.
Magatya Trail is not for extreme hiking; simple and exciting, I bet.
The stream by the side and below the trail.
The waterfalls
The natural pool that appears only during rainy season.
The natural pool that appears only during rainy season.

Note: It was raining during our hiking adventure, and what appears in the pictures is only from rainy days: the streams, waterfalls, and the puddles.

Guides:

Mr. Alwaleed AlEisa

Mr. Abdullah Al Eisa

Ghamra Adventures, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Contact No. +966555019341

Visit: https://ghamra.sa/