Donkey Path Hike: at a glimpse
- Trip type: return trip.
- Distance: approximately 5–6 km.
- Difficulty: Level 2.
- Trail: a visible path with soft ascent and descent, a short stretch of loose rock and no deep or dangerous cliffs on the described route.
- Elevation gain: about 248 m.
An old mountain route near Jebel Jais
This hike is situated in the Jebel Jais area. Its starting point is just off the tarmac road, so it is accessible with any sensible road car. That easy access, together with the defined path, makes it a refreshing alternative to the more rugged Hajar wadis.
The route was explored in December 2016, when cooler temperatures made an early-morning start especially enjoyable. A 7 am start means leaving Dubai very early, but it offers softer light, friendlier temperatures and more time to explore without rushing the descent.
The path is still used by people, donkeys and goats. Its continued use is the reason this is a comparatively light hike in the Hajar Mountains: instead of choosing every boulder in a dry wadi, you can follow a clear line uphill through a cultural landscape of terraces, walls and settlements.
Directions and coordinates
Save the points below in Google Maps or an offline navigation app before travelling. The route is obvious in many places, but a downloaded map makes it easier to confirm the correct settlement and path junction.
- Pin 1 — start on Jebel Jais Road: N25 54 10.64 E56 08 00.08, elevation 559 m. Follow the path uphill.
- Terraced field: N25 54 15.32 E56 07 29.28, elevation 770 m. Continue on the path through the terraces.
- Settlement: N25 54 19.68 E56 07 23.73, elevation 787 m. Walk through the settlement, then continue onwards.
- Start of second path: N25 54 21.80 E56 07 20.89, elevation 790 m. Follow the smooth path.
- Second settlement: N25 54 24.32 E56 07 04.45, elevation 787 m.
- End of hike: N25 54 20.04 E56 06 56.34, elevation 807 m. Return by the same path.
Description of the hike
From the roadside start, settle into a steady, soft ascent. The path provides a reassuring line through the mountain, but this is still uneven natural terrain—watch for loose stones, especially when descending. The first terraces and dry walls set the tone for the route, showing how people once worked and moved through this landscape.
Continue through the first settlement and take the second, smoother path when you reach its junction. The higher section stays gentle, with occasional loose rock rather than sustained scrambling. At the second settlement, take time to look around respectfully, then continue to the end point before retracing your steps.
There is an intention to develop this hike as a circular route in the future. Until there is a verified route description, treat it as an out-and-back hike and return on the same established path.
Why choose this hike?
- Great views across the Jebel Jais foothills
- Stunning dry walls and terraced fields
- Historic settlement traces and a cemetery
- Goats, sheep and donkeys using the old path
- An ancient wheat mill near the second settlement
- Remnants of falaj irrigation channels
- Sidr trees and acacias along the route
Safety and respect
Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, sun protection, snacks, a charged phone and offline maps. Wear shoes with good grip, start early and avoid hiking during extreme heat. Do not enter wadis or mountain routes when rain or flash-flood risk is forecast.
The path passes through places still used by local people and animals. Be quiet near homes and fields, do not disturb livestock, never climb dry walls or enter structures, and carry all litter home.
