Thunder Canyon

AT A GLIMPSE
 
Activities: abseiling, hiking, climbing,  scrambling

Background

Although there is a multitude of dry canyons in Ras Al Khaimah, the following ones are generally considered to be the 4 Queens.
The trio of East Flank Jebel Jais (Jebel Jais Road)

Thunder Canyon
Wasat Canyon
Trident Canyon

And the fourth one located on the West coast. (Road to Musandam)
Rams Canyon  

All of these canyons offer spectacular descents and breathtaking landscapes.

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A two days overnight hike is possible starting at Thunder Canyon. Overnight on the plateau and next day, descent via the Wasat Canyon. 
All above canyons need 2 sets of 60 meter rope and the ability to abseil. 
With the lack of water and the weight of the gear, a group of 2 to 3 is advisable.  

Most of these canyons are bolted and have adequate abseil stations. Please do check the conditions of the bolts before trusting them with your weight. Some might need tightening after a long hot summer.

Direction & Short description

Location: on the road to Jebel Jais, East Flank of the mountain. 
GPS N 25° 51’ 46.15″ E 056° 05’ 30.93″ 
That’s just before the small mosque on the left.

5 Abseils (55m, 20m, 35m, 30m, 10m). 

The best equipped canyon of the East flank trio. There is even a chain fixed on the 30 meter station. The 10 meter doesn’t need a rope. 
One can either climb the canyon upwards or you can approach the canyon with a hike starting on the left of the canyon. A steep upwards hike will bring you to the 55 meter abseil. 

For this canyon a multipitch descent might be feasible so one 60 meter rope can be used. 

It`s a great fun canyon. Suitable to practice, abseil, climb or even to have a secluded picknick or camp. 

If one continues hiking upwards, you reach a plateau with farms. You can cross the plateau and descent the West Side through the Rams Canyon. The Rams canyon can also be bypassed with a hike starting on the left of the canyon.

The plateau can also be reached by car but the access road is actually restricted to local farmers.