Jebel Jais: the ridge trail west past the rest areas

From the car park beside Jebel Jais Flight, follow the dirt path west along the ridge. It passes a series of rest areas, small shelters that OpenStreetMap numbers 5, 4 and 3, with viewpoints over the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, and goes on down to the western end of the mapped trail, where there is another car park, about 1,250 m above the sea. Turn round there and walk back up the same way. OpenStreetMap names the path the Jabal ar Rahrah Ridge Trail.

It is 5.2 km there and back with 235 m of ascent, most of it on the way home; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy by the clock, but the return is a steady climb of some 240 m on stony ground, so keep water and energy for it.

There is no shade. Carry at least 3 litres of water each, with a hat and sun cream; Visit Jebel Jais, the mountain's official visitor site, gives October to April as the best season, and in warmer months you should start early and avoid the middle of the day. Walking the marked trails is free and needs no guide, but groups of more than 10 should register with RAKTDA, the tourism authority.

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.