Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), drawn by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park off Highway 70, follow the wooden path to the entrance of Elephant Rock (جبل الفيل) and walk the footways round its foot. The rock is a sandstone formation, 52 m at its highest point, eroded over millions of years by rain, wind and sand into the shape of an elephant; the Royal Commission for AlUla says it cannot be climbed.
It is a 1.3 km circuit on the flat (8 m of ascent); allow about 25 minutes, longer to watch the light change. The grade is Easy: a wooden path, then sand and footways.
The Royal Commission for AlUla gives opening hours of 16:00 to midnight every day and free parking, and says hours may change in Ramadan, so this is an evening walk: it is cooler then, but carry water and take a light layer for the desert chill after dark. Dress modestly, as the UK government advises across Saudi Arabia.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Elephant Rock (جبل الفيل) is a natural sandstone formation, 52 m at its highest point, eroded over millions of years by rain, wind and sand
- The Royal Commission for AlUla says the rock cannot be climbed
Getting there
Start: Elephant Rock car park, off Highway 70. 26.69020, 37.98336
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Elephant Rock car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line is drawn along OpenStreetMap paths and the figures are worked out from it; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.