Fossil Rock Maleha Hike (RIDGE TRAIL)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 4.07 mi
- Elevation gain
- 856 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 856 ft
- Max elevation
- 1,267 ft
- TrailRank
-
81
4.7
- Min elevation
- 510 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 2 hours 4 minutes
- Time
- 3 hours 26 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1206
- Uploaded
- May 1, 2021
- Recorded
- May 2021
near Adh Dhayd, Sharjah (United Arab Emirates)
Viewed 4077 times, downloaded 176 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Safety Disclaimer:
In March 2023, there was a fatal incident on this section of Ridge Ascent trail and the young hiker lost his life.
The geology of the fossil rock is thin and hollow from the inside while it looks solid from outside.
The layers can easily crack and destabilize the hiker.
The exact reason for the accident is not known to me, but sharing the information here for your own judgement.
Please note that this particular Trail Ascent segment goes through some exposed parts of the Pointed Ridge on the mountain top in addition to unstable ground.
There is a standard Fossil rock hike recorded here which is much easier.
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/fossil-rock-loop-hike-76678437
My personal FB Page dedicated to UAE Hiking.
https://www.facebook.com/Patricks-Hikes-101251445547970
Maleha Fossil Rock Hike.
The surfaces of these rock formations are pricky, so hand gloves will be helpful to keep your palms scratch free.
Long pants will be better to save any exposed leg areas from scratches too.
We hiked the Fossil Rock of Maleha as a Leisure hike for the Sunset.
But this particular Trail Ascent segment goes through some exposed parts of the Pointed Ridge on the mountain top in addition to unstable ground.
Full caution to be taken on Ascent part of this trail and this trail should be hiked by experienced and persons without fear of height and exposure.
The descent part of this Trail is fully safe and can be used for both Ascent and Descent.
For best and safe experience, use this trail in reverse and hike up and down the same way to avoid exposed trail section.
It is quite easy to reach and park.
Closer to Dubai and Sharjah.
Hiking can be according to your limits, no laid path.
Best to go as a group.
Sunset view over the Red Sand Dunes is impressive.
If going for Sunset view, carry headlamps for the return hike.
In March 2023, there was a fatal incident on this section of Ridge Ascent trail and the young hiker lost his life.
The geology of the fossil rock is thin and hollow from the inside while it looks solid from outside.
The layers can easily crack and destabilize the hiker.
The exact reason for the accident is not known to me, but sharing the information here for your own judgement.
Please note that this particular Trail Ascent segment goes through some exposed parts of the Pointed Ridge on the mountain top in addition to unstable ground.
There is a standard Fossil rock hike recorded here which is much easier.
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/fossil-rock-loop-hike-76678437
My personal FB Page dedicated to UAE Hiking.
https://www.facebook.com/Patricks-Hikes-101251445547970
Maleha Fossil Rock Hike.
The surfaces of these rock formations are pricky, so hand gloves will be helpful to keep your palms scratch free.
Long pants will be better to save any exposed leg areas from scratches too.
We hiked the Fossil Rock of Maleha as a Leisure hike for the Sunset.
But this particular Trail Ascent segment goes through some exposed parts of the Pointed Ridge on the mountain top in addition to unstable ground.
Full caution to be taken on Ascent part of this trail and this trail should be hiked by experienced and persons without fear of height and exposure.
The descent part of this Trail is fully safe and can be used for both Ascent and Descent.
For best and safe experience, use this trail in reverse and hike up and down the same way to avoid exposed trail section.
It is quite easy to reach and park.
Closer to Dubai and Sharjah.
Hiking can be according to your limits, no laid path.
Best to go as a group.
Sunset view over the Red Sand Dunes is impressive.
If going for Sunset view, carry headlamps for the return hike.
Waypoints
Intersection
633 ft
Intersection
Photo
697 ft
Photo
Summit
Comments (10)
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Hi 👋🏼 could you tell me where to park for this hike please?
Hi Michelle,
When we hiked there, the access wad open for all.
In the recent past, i heard that the whole area has been fenced and closed.
I have not hiked recently.
So I'm not sure how to access the hike.
Hi Patrick, is Fossil Rock is available for hiking? I heard entry is closed now a days?
It's a tricky question!!
There is double layer fence installed, meaning not allowed to enter.
But there is a hole in the ground dug up that allows people to crawl inside and people are entering through this path.
It's a technical issue if this entry is legal or not.
Thanks. If caught then punishable. I haven’t seen and hikes recent time in Wikiloc.
I have followed this trail verified View more
Information
Easy to follow
Scenery
Easy
thank you for the trail, it was easy to follow.
😍 What a stunning trail in #UAE!
📍 Located in Wadi Shawka, Ras Al Khaimah (just a 1 hour drive from #Dubai).
👣 Plenty of trails to choose from at the beginning. No need for a 4x4 and easy to find parking. #hiking #outdoorfun
Thank you Christian, indeed it is a nice, picturesque hike.
I Just tried this 2 days ago. but the area is now fenced off. tried to go around and find an entry point but no luck.
Hope this helps.
If anyone knows how to go in / entry point please share :)
Hi there,
Unfortunately there was a tragic and fatal incident on that ridge section hike 3 weeks ago, so now onwards no more access to that area by authorities I suppose.
In any case, there was a double fence around the Fossil Rock since more than a year and hikers were crossing the fence for the hikes (illegally ??)