In the rugged heart of Ras Al Khaimah lies Wadi Al Qor—a trail less traveled, yet unforgettable. This hidden path weaves through a riverbed where water still flows, carving a lush corridor against the arid mountains. It’s a place for those who crave more than just scenery, offering a blend of adventure and history: hike through shallow streams, camp under the stars, or take the wheel on an off-road trek through paths that lead to abandoned farms, remnants of an agricultural past left to the wild. Wadi Al Qor is more than a destination; it’s a journey through echoes of the past, wrapped in the beauty of untouched nature.
WHERE THE RIVER RUNS QUIET
Wadi Al Qor—or as I like to call it, “Wadi of Frogs”—is a trail like no other. Throughout this 4-kilometer journey, you’ll hear a chorus of frogs, thanks to the flowing streams. The trail is best suited for a 4×4 vehicle, as it involves off-road terrain that winds through riverbeds and rocky hills. However, if you don’t have a 4×4 but still want to explore the wadi on foot, you can leave your sedan at this point: 24.928443, 56.092514.
To begin the off-road adventure, make a left turn just after the farm. This point (24.927873, 56.091392) marks the entry into the wadi bed. From here, follow the riverbed to the right, and keep an eye out for a distinctive tree—a natural marker along the route. Near this tree, you’ll spot an off-road path climbing up the hill. This is your cue to leave the riverbed and ascend into the heart of Wadi Al Qor’s off-road trail.
After about 200 meters, the trail descends back into the wadi, leading you through another stretch of rocky terrain. Here, you’ll notice an off-road path climbing up the hill on your left. This is the last bit of ascent before the road clears up and opens into a more accessible route.
Your first stopping point awaits at 24.928255, 56.087706—a perfect spot for a small picnic. Park your car along the roadside, where you’ll find a flat, grassy area just right for setting up your picnic basket. From here, you can enjoy views of the running water in the wadi, making it a peaceful spot to relax and take in the surroundings.
As you continue along the trail, make a stop at 24.927439, 56.087166, where a small waterfall and clear pools invite you to pause and enjoy the refreshing sight and sounds of flowing water.
As the trail crosses the wadi again, you’ll pass the last active farm. A reminder: that all the farms in Wadi Al Qor are private property. Out of respect for the local community, it’s important not to enter these areas. Many trails in the region have been closed off due to disrespectful visitors, so please respect the boundaries and refrain from entering farm areas.
Continuing along the trail, you’ll drive through a riverbed stretch that runs for a few hundred meters. This spot is ideal for group camping, provided there’s no rain in the forecast. The open riverbed area offers plenty of space, with the sound of nearby running water adding to the atmosphere.
From here, the trail continues along the right bank of the riverbed, guiding you up towards a hill and eventually to the end of the track at coordinates: 24.931142, 56.082341. This final section brings you to a secluded part of the wadi near old farms.
THE FINAL STOP & CAMPING WITH THE VIEW
At the end of the trail, keep an eye out for a great camping spot visible on the right-hand side, slightly elevated above the trail. This spot overlooks the old farms and provides a secluded area to set up camp with beautiful views across the wadi. It’s an ideal choice for an overnight stay, where the gentle sounds of frogs and flowing water add a peaceful backdrop. Plus, with internet coverage available, this spot offers both tranquility and convenience—a perfect way to cap off your journey through Wadi Al Qor. It will easily fit a few cars.
HIKING FURTHER: STONE HOUSES RUINS & ABANDONED FARMING FIELDS
For those keen to explore beyond the 4-kilometer off-road trail, hiking deeper into Wadi Al Qor unveils additional hidden treasures. Approximately 2 kilometers further, you’ll encounter the ruins of old stone houses at 24.939645, 56.080589. These ancient structures evoke the lives of early settlers who cultivated the wadi and thrived in its fertile embrace. A little further along, at 24.943795, 56.076659, lie more old farming fields, indicating the wadi’s once-vibrant agricultural heritage.
I hope you found this article about Wadi Al Qor helpful and that it gave you an idea of where to head next weekend. If you are looking for more interesting places nearby, I recommend you to check out: Wadi Al Rabka: Off the Grid and Into Nature or Seeking Peace and Tranquility? Visit Faha Valley!
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://amzn.to/3JmqzNc
MY EBOOK ABOUT SALALAH
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 make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and make them sick.
- Have 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, and use the stove instead–it has less impact on the wilderness.
