Al Shafa Mountain Trail

The Asir region of southwestern Saudi Arabia is the country's green highlands — a landscape of juniper and acacia forest, terraced villages, and a mountain escarpment that falls 2,500m in under 30km to the Tihamah coastal plain. This is not the Saudi Arabia of popular imagination. The Hejaz Mountains are legitimate wilderness, and the Al Shafa trail traverse through the highlands is one of the more serious remote trail challenges available on the Arabian Peninsula.

The route follows a combination of traditional paths connecting highland villages, ridge trails above the escarpment, and sections of cross-country navigation through terrain that has seen very few non-Saudi runners. The Asir National Park covers part of the route and provides some infrastructure, but the trail network is sparse and trail information in English is almost nonexistent.

Altitude is significant. The ridge above Al Shafa runs at 2,000-2,800m, with some sections above 3,000m. The summit of Jabal Sawda (3,015m) is the highest peak in Saudi Arabia and accessible from the route. The altitude makes the climate genuinely cool from November through March — a stark contrast to the coastal heat 30km west.

Saudi Arabia's tourist visa situation has changed significantly since 2019 — e-visas are now available for most nationalities. Entry is straightforward but some areas near the Yemen border require additional clearance. Research current entry and travel advisory conditions carefully.

Water is the main logistical challenge. Springs exist but are not reliably marked. Villages along the route can sometimes supply water. Carrying 4L minimum capacity is standard.