The hidden canyons of Madain Saleh
If the monumental tombs of Madain Saleh are the must-see destination in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, the surrounding area is also worth a trip. What is probably the best example of a hidden marvel lays just a couple of kilometers northeast of the ancient Nabatean city and is a sandstone massif crossed by numerous deep and steep canyons where erosion has sculpted incredible shapes.
Massive sand banks surround the Jibal Al-Rukkab and line most of its canyons, providing easy access to stunning viewpoints over the fantastic rock shapes and the labyrinth of valleys that run through the massif.
The most impressive rock formations of Jibal Al-Rukkab are three incredibly tall natural pillars that stand in the middle of a wide wadi and at the bottom of huge sand bank that offers a perfect viewpoint on the out-this-world scenery. The silhouette of these rocks are so striking that locals gave them the nickname "the three dancers".
Viewpoint from a sand bank (photo: Florent Egal)
Driving along the maze of canyons surrounded by the colossal cliffs on both sides is a unique experience everyone should try when visiting the area.
If pictures give a general idea of what can be seen there they can't properly render the grandiosity of this place, even when cars provide a scale that shows the nearby walls are in fact over 100 meters tall.
The sandy bed of the valley makes the drive manageable for cars but at the same time many soft parts can be traps for inexperienced drivers who can end up in big trouble if not properly prepared and equipped.
Narrow and deep canyon - check the size of the car (photo: Florent Egal)
Vertiginous cliffs of Jibal Al-Rukkab (photo: Florent Egal)
It is worth checking the rocks and cracks in the walls as they may reveal tunnels or offer unexpected viewpoints.
The cliffs host another surprise too: old carvings and inscriptions. Obviously the amazing scenery of Jibal Al-Rukkab has attracted people for millennia and maybe the rain water that collected at some parts of the canyons were also of interest for travellers of the past. Some of them have left a record of their passage with carvings of camels and sheep, human figures, and inscriptions. The Nabatean ones that are found deep inside the massif prove that locals already explored this wonderful place some 2 000 years ago. Being on their tracks millennia after makes the visit even more exciting.
Old carving (photo: Florent Egal)
Nabatean inscription (photo: Florent Egal)
How to visit Jibal Al-Rukkab
As described above, Jibal Al-Rukkab is for experienced and well-equipped drivers only. Indeed, the labyrinth-like system of valleys, the soft terrain, and the tricky sand banks are like traps that can put people into big trouble. It is also very important to check the weather forecast before entering the maze of canyons as they can get quickly flooded during heavy rain. We strongly recommend visitors ask for the services of our professional guides who know how to avoid these pitfalls.
Tour operators organizing trips of Jibal Al-Rukkab
As of today all trips in Al-Ula are managed by the Royal Commission of Al-Ula and can be booked through the dedicated website: https://experiencealula.com.
Camel herd roaming on the edge of Jibal Al-Rukkab (photo: Florent Egal)
