The majority of the most challenging off-road trails in the UAE I mostly came across unknowingly. Taking into consideration the fact that there is not much information on the Internet in this field, I tend to learn about the severeness of the trail while approaching it. Just like Esfini off-road trail, I had no idea what kind of “trouble” I was getting myself into.
Sometimes I do not research about the particular trail because I tend to exaggerate the level of difficulty in my head, which results in postponing its completion or even plan cancelation due to feeling that I do not have enough skills to go through it.
And how did I find Esfini off-road trail? Previously studying Google Maps satellite, I found a water pond in the mountains of Fujairah that I decided to explore. There seemed to be two ways leading to it – both off-road – but differing in length. Since I had plenty of time for a road trip, I decided to take a long way. I somewhere found information that “this was the steepest road this person went through”. I thought to myself: this is South of Ras Al Khaimah emirate – it cannot be that bad since the mountains here are not so high. Well, I was mistaken.
But I decided to be governed by my main rule is: before approaching the trail, I look closely for the car tracks. If a car went this way before and someone else managed, then it is possible for me as well!
INNOCENTLY LOOKING ENTRANCE
When it comes to Esfini off-road trail, the innocently looking entrance (25.194283, 56.084097) lured me to drive inside the mountains. Little did I know that I will be praying for my life a little bit further, descending from the first high hill approach (25.191646, 56.117520).
THE FIRST OBSTACLE ON ESFINI TRAIL
Inconspicuous looking Esfini off-road trail is a dirt road, quite well paved leading to the farms inside the mountains. The first obstacle on the trail – a high hill seeming to literally reach the sky when you look at it from the bottom. There are a lot of big and loose rocks on this stretch. I would recommend using 4L and deflating the tires if you did not do it yet.
Just as high as this approach is, you need to have nerves of steel to descent from it. It even kept me wondering if I am doing this trail in the right direction (and not backward, by any chance). But researching about it after I finished it, seemed not to confirm my assumptions.
After going through the first hill of Esfini off-road trail, you will notice a farm area between the mountains with a possibility to divert into many mountain roads. If you like camping in the valleys, you will find plenty of hidden spots to pitch up your tent. If the first hill was too much for you and you already got your adrenaline boost, you can use this road: 25.186954, 56.126035, to come back to Esfini village in a safe manner.
IF YOU DID NOT TURN AROUND YET…
Once you pass the farm area in the mountains, you will approach a steep stone road. The steepness here is less of trouble – considering those loose rocks destroying your tires and making it a really bumpy ride up.
But as I mentioned my rule before “if I see car tracks, I drive through it”. And so, I did.
The first viewpoint at the top of the Esfini off-road trail is about 620 meters above sea level (25.192634, 56.179241).
When you eventually reach the top, to continue the Esfini off-road trail, take a left turn and the road will take you to charming farms in a valley. Here you will have two options: another approach to the top of the mountain (take a turn here: 25.196399, 56.190856), a flat area at the top perfect for camping with a breathtaking view to wake up to (25.208293, 56.195117) but… also a thrilling and frightening descent from the mountain in a very short distance. That road here will be covered with concrete, perhaps because of its steepness to provide better traction. Refrain from driving this part of the Esfini off-road trail after rain.
Taking the right turn in a village (25.196066, 56.191224), or rather driving ahead, is going to allow you to enjoy a peaceful drive through the valley, accompanied by rich vegetation and lush greenery. You will eventually exit on Mleiha – Fujairah main road (25.153562, 56.209879).
If you are planning to go through this trail, I recommend watching my video that will give you a better idea how to approach it.
REMEMBER:
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile it will attract animals. It may not only make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind but also it may make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eQMBbr
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check: https://www.fieldguidetoemirates.com
I hope you found this article about Esfini off-road trail helpful and it gave you an idea of where to head to next weekend. If you are looking for more off-road trails in the UAE, I recommend you to check: Top 5 Off-Road Mountain Trails in the UAE.
