Hidden Oasis - Wadi Shah Loop (RAK)
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 8.63 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,346 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Difficult
- Elevation loss
- 2,346 ft
- Max elevation
- 3,511 ft
- TrailRank
-
80
3.7
- Min elevation
- 903 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- 5 hours 3 minutes
- Time
- 7 hours 34 minutes
- Coordinates
- 2564
- Uploaded
- April 10, 2021
- Recorded
- April 2021
near Shāh, Raʼs al Khaymah (United Arab Emirates)
Viewed 8608 times, downloaded 315 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS HIKE UNLESS YOU READ ALL THE DESCRIPTION & COMMENTS BY FELLOW HIKERS ALONG WITH ALL PICTURES POSTED HERE TO UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES.
I have realised that some hikers have simply followed the trail without any research and then commented negatively.
Thank you for your understanding.
If you followed my trail, referred my detailed text and if it helped you in achieving your goal or not, Kindly leave a comment / review on wikiloc post after your hike.
It will be helpful for fellow hikers to understand the trail and your inputs will be appreciated.
My non commercial FB Page dedicated to UAE Hiking activities.
Please follow and like the page for previous hikes and future hikes updates.
https://www.facebook.com/Patricks-Hikes-101251445547970
Hidden Oasis - Wadi Shah Loop in Jebel Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah.
Update 2023.
Please read all comments by fellow hikers and my responses.
There are many other Trails recorded in the same area on my profile in 2022 and 2023 which may give you many other options.
1. My hike was recorded well before RAKTDA created new trails in the area by removing the massive boulders in Hidden Oasis access path and then further extension they created towards the Wadi Shah peak / Musaibat village.
So my trail may not match the new existing trails that you may see.
2. Walking down can be different experience for different people as per their abilities and previous experiences.
In UAE most of the mountain surface descent is loose, and similar to what you have seen here.
Thatswhy fellow hikers usually wear good hiking boots and use hiking poles.
3. I graded this hike as Moderate on wikiloc (No plus option), but in the text I graded as Moderate plus as per my experience, but it can be seen as easier / difficult to individual hikers.
Again, their fitness and previous experience will decide that.
4. Regarding the hiking through boulders, you would have reviewed differently if you had seen what the previous challenges were in this particular hike, especially in first 2 Kms (The offroad road that you see, the dam, the Lahsa road all these areas were full of raw boulders and nothing else )
I consider this Trail as suitable for the Moderate+ Hikers only due to the Demanding terrain, Elevation Gain and Distance.
We tried merge 2 Common Trails of Wadi Shah to Hidden Oasis and Wadi Shah Full Loop.
There are few Trails available with this Trail plan by other Hikers.
We parked at old Via Ferrata / Bear Grylls Center at Wadi Shah.
We started the Hike on the Wadi along the Jais Road on Boulders path to the Hidden Oasis ( standard Trail )
Once at Hidden Oasis, we entered into the Wadi further East and hiked into the Branch Wadi South that leads up towards the Wadi Shah Summit Peak at 1125 Meters Elevation.
Somewhere at midpoint of this Wadi, you will encounter a vertical wall that needs manual climbing.
You can avoid it by bit backing up and climbing on the mountain section in the left by way of a balcony and you will reach the higher section of the wadi.
From the Shahha Peak, the views of surrounding areas and mountains are impressive.
You can see Jebel Yabana, Jebel Jais, Shahha Village, Omani mountain range and few valleys.
Afterwards, we descended Eastwards into Wadi Shah via some steep mountain section and few Terrace fields and Farms.
This Route is part of the Standard Wadi Shah full Loop Trail. (Reverse)
We reached back to the cars through the Wadi.
This section of Wadi is beautiful, Polished boulders and Flat large Stones Wadi section.
Do Not Try Any Mountain Hikes If You Do Not Understand The Mountain Terrains, Dangers From Wildlife, First Aid, Hydration And Snacks, Your Own Fitness, Remote Activity Preparations, Communication Tools, Mountain Geography, Topography, Risk Factors, HSE Requirements, Hiking Risks, Fitness Level Of The Group Members.
Study All Above Matters Well Before Following Any Trails That You Find Online. Please Do Not Over Estimate Yourself.
Better Be Safe Than Put Yourself / Group In Danger And Regret Later.
Lately We Have Seen A Lot Of Unwanted Hiking Incidents That Could Have Been Avoided With Better Preparation.
Wish You All The Best.
Wikiloc, Only For Reference. There Can Be Errors On The GPS Recording Due To GPS Jumping In The Wadi Sections or Erroneous Recording.
I have realised that some hikers have simply followed the trail without any research and then commented negatively.
Thank you for your understanding.
If you followed my trail, referred my detailed text and if it helped you in achieving your goal or not, Kindly leave a comment / review on wikiloc post after your hike.
It will be helpful for fellow hikers to understand the trail and your inputs will be appreciated.
My non commercial FB Page dedicated to UAE Hiking activities.
Please follow and like the page for previous hikes and future hikes updates.
https://www.facebook.com/Patricks-Hikes-101251445547970
Hidden Oasis - Wadi Shah Loop in Jebel Jais Mountain, Ras Al Khaimah.
Update 2023.
Please read all comments by fellow hikers and my responses.
There are many other Trails recorded in the same area on my profile in 2022 and 2023 which may give you many other options.
1. My hike was recorded well before RAKTDA created new trails in the area by removing the massive boulders in Hidden Oasis access path and then further extension they created towards the Wadi Shah peak / Musaibat village.
So my trail may not match the new existing trails that you may see.
2. Walking down can be different experience for different people as per their abilities and previous experiences.
In UAE most of the mountain surface descent is loose, and similar to what you have seen here.
Thatswhy fellow hikers usually wear good hiking boots and use hiking poles.
3. I graded this hike as Moderate on wikiloc (No plus option), but in the text I graded as Moderate plus as per my experience, but it can be seen as easier / difficult to individual hikers.
Again, their fitness and previous experience will decide that.
4. Regarding the hiking through boulders, you would have reviewed differently if you had seen what the previous challenges were in this particular hike, especially in first 2 Kms (The offroad road that you see, the dam, the Lahsa road all these areas were full of raw boulders and nothing else )
I consider this Trail as suitable for the Moderate+ Hikers only due to the Demanding terrain, Elevation Gain and Distance.
We tried merge 2 Common Trails of Wadi Shah to Hidden Oasis and Wadi Shah Full Loop.
There are few Trails available with this Trail plan by other Hikers.
We parked at old Via Ferrata / Bear Grylls Center at Wadi Shah.
We started the Hike on the Wadi along the Jais Road on Boulders path to the Hidden Oasis ( standard Trail )
Once at Hidden Oasis, we entered into the Wadi further East and hiked into the Branch Wadi South that leads up towards the Wadi Shah Summit Peak at 1125 Meters Elevation.
Somewhere at midpoint of this Wadi, you will encounter a vertical wall that needs manual climbing.
You can avoid it by bit backing up and climbing on the mountain section in the left by way of a balcony and you will reach the higher section of the wadi.
From the Shahha Peak, the views of surrounding areas and mountains are impressive.
You can see Jebel Yabana, Jebel Jais, Shahha Village, Omani mountain range and few valleys.
Afterwards, we descended Eastwards into Wadi Shah via some steep mountain section and few Terrace fields and Farms.
This Route is part of the Standard Wadi Shah full Loop Trail. (Reverse)
We reached back to the cars through the Wadi.
This section of Wadi is beautiful, Polished boulders and Flat large Stones Wadi section.
Do Not Try Any Mountain Hikes If You Do Not Understand The Mountain Terrains, Dangers From Wildlife, First Aid, Hydration And Snacks, Your Own Fitness, Remote Activity Preparations, Communication Tools, Mountain Geography, Topography, Risk Factors, HSE Requirements, Hiking Risks, Fitness Level Of The Group Members.
Study All Above Matters Well Before Following Any Trails That You Find Online. Please Do Not Over Estimate Yourself.
Better Be Safe Than Put Yourself / Group In Danger And Regret Later.
Lately We Have Seen A Lot Of Unwanted Hiking Incidents That Could Have Been Avoided With Better Preparation.
Wish You All The Best.
Wikiloc, Only For Reference. There Can Be Errors On The GPS Recording Due To GPS Jumping In The Wadi Sections or Erroneous Recording.
Waypoints
Intersection
1,366 ft
Summit
Comments (32)
You can add a comment or review this trail
Looks like a nice one, combining two great hikes. Haven't done hidden oasis yet (was waiting for the rain to make it green, didn't happened last year), so definitely next winter :)
Hi Ausra, it is still pleasant enough to do this trail in next 2 weeks.
The Oasis is green with trees but the ground is dried up. Refer the pictures.
Overall its a nice Hike. The Oasis hungry goats will be happy if you take some food for them.
Hey Patrick, isn't it too hot? the thermometer was hitting 42 degrees past two days. I was looking more at super early short morning hikes now.. I wonder if we can feed goats with our food? I know they love biscuits, but I am a bit hesitant if they become too dependant on humans feeding them with random stuff especially. Do you know what is the safe food for goats that hikers can give?
Ausra,
Early morning 5.30 start will give you a good advantage.
I guess Banana peels, apple remains and cucumbers that we carry, I suppose.
okay, need to do some research about goat feeding :) 5:30 start yes indeed.. that's the hardest part- to wake up at 3am and drive all the way without falling asleep on the way:)))
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Easy to follow
Scenery
Moderate
Long but interesting hike. Start and end of hike is. Changed now due to dam construction
When we hiked this trail, there was no Dam construction or change of terrain by offroad build.
I have clearly classified the trail grade with mentioned reason.
Its a nice Hike for its own reason as it merged 2 well known trails..
Safe hiking!
Nice hike.. we did this last week.. as mentioned above there is construction goin on at both sides.. Nevertheless still a good hike merging both trails and the hidden oasis was full of green due to the recent rainy days..
Hi Muhaissin,
I'm glad that you found my trail helpful and you enjoyed the hike.
Keep hiking !!
Hi. The rocks in photo 32, did you have to climb them to the top? Also I've been told the loop had a lot of narrow ledges after the oasis. Can you advise?
Hi,
There is an option to avoid this rock by hiking up through the canyon wall from the left.
You will have to figure it out there. You may have to go back few meters to explore to climb up safely and traverse around.
It is a safe climb, if you have someone to push you up or pull you up from up.
Never hike alone.
Generallly this hike is safe without any exposed places.
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an amazing hike but I would personally classify this one as a difficult one. lots of technical parts and definitely a test of endurance, not a straightforward hike at all. 5am start is needed for sure to do all of this. I definitely do NOT reccomend this hike if you dont have experience and not familiar with fitness levels. I did this last night and it certainly found it a little difficult with a little technical parts
Hi Shazaib,
The hike rating is as per the opinion of the hike uthor.
For me, my team mates and later on other who followed it had not much issues.
It depends person to person based on many factors.
Happy Hiking !
Amazing trail with alot of endurance put on test. Me with a group of 5 other friends hiked
Hi Vinay,
I am glad that you found my trail helpful.
Follow my account for future updates on different hikes.
Enjoy your hikes !!
Hi Patrick,thanks for another idea to go friends are not very comfortable with climbing,so not sure if I can take them with me.
The description of the hike is missing or it’s just me that has only 2 lines.
Hi Miriensita,
The description is full with all details in it.
I'm not sure how it's not visible to you.
Please check again.
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It's beautiful hike especially with the hidden oasis. Going for the peak i certainly recomend to go off track and follow thw official trails! However its very high on danger side after the peak. Walking down is way too dangerous for non experienced people and certainly mandatory high endurance fitness. I don't mind some people enjoy it but please change the ranking. We've done moderate hikes around the world but few times going down we felt that this is very dangerous (slipping off some of those boulders certainly will mean something broken in your body)
Hi Ralista,
Thank you for your review, Your concerns are well noted.
As a response,
1. My hike was recorded well before RAKTDA created new trails in the area by removing the massive boulders in Hidden Oasis access path and then further extension they created towards the Wadi Shah peak / Musaibat village.
So my trail may not match the new existing trails that you have seen.
I have not hiked this trail afterwards, so no updates from me.
2. Walking down can be different experience for different people as per their abilities and previous experiences.
In UAE most of the mountain surface descent is loose, and similar to what you have seen here.
Thatswhy fellow hikers usually wear good hiking boots and use hiking poles.
3. I graded this hike as Moderate on wikiloc (No plus option), but in the text I graded as Moderate plus as per my experience, but it can be seen as easier / difficult to individual hikers.
Again, their fitness and previous experience will decide that.
4. Regarding the hiking through boulders, you would have reviewed differently if you had seen what the previous challenges were in this particular hike, especially in first 2 Kms (Theo ffroad road that you see, the dam, the Lahsa road all these areas were full of raw boulders and nothing else )
Thank you for the inputs and enjoy hiking !!
Follow my wikiloc account as I post new trails consistently.
This hike is not for everyone. Is extremely challenging and took more than 8 hours, there are a lot of technical parts and off road without a clear track in place for many parts of the hike. Be aware that this is for advance hikers and def not a intermediate level
I have followed this trail verified View more
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Don’t follow the intermediate guidance in this review. There is a lot of technical parts and majority of the track is off road.
Andres
Only if you had read few comments by other hikers above from February and my response to them, you wouldn't have had much better preparation.
When we hiked it, it was as it is recorded and completed.
I'm sure the details are good enough.
Happy Hiking!
I have followed this trail View more
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After the first 2 hours where everything was fine, the trail was easy to follow and the hike was easy/moderate, the trail disappeared and we had to climb up, with lots of push ups and helping to pull each other up, which was not safe, unless you are with a professional/ very advanced guide that knows where you are supposed to go.
80% of the hike was off track, with no trail, which I highly recommend only to advance hikers.
Going down from the pick of the mountain is even more dangerous, given it’s very slippery and you need to jump down in multiple occasions.
We started the hike at 6am and completed at 5pm. So we took much longer than 6-7hrs.
I really discouraged this hike unless you are professional/advance hiker!
Dear Chiara,
Thank you for your review.
Only if you had read few comments by other hikers above from February and my response to them, you would have been much prepared what to expect.
I have tried my best to give proper description in the details and as response in comments section.
When we hiked it, it was as it is recorded and completed.
I'm sure the details are good enough.
Regarding your comment about descent section after the summit, it is a popular path and part of the popular Wadi Shah Summit trail.
The path is as it is, its nothing new for that section.
Happy Hiking!
Dear all,
PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS HIKE UNLESS YOU READ ALL THE DESCRIPTION I POSTED & COMMENTS BY FELLOW HIKERS ALONG WITH ALL PICTURES SHARED HERE TO UNDERSTAND THE CHALLENGES.
I have realised that some hikers have simply followed the trail without any research and then faced difficulties.
Thank you for your understanding.
Boss I have done this trial yesterday with 2 beginners started from bear grylls then wadi shah peak after that musibath village and hidden oasis full loop . Thanks for complete details
Hello Kishor,
Long time no see !!
Well done.
Thank you for your review.
We went today. After reaching Hidden Oasis and following your route we were soon met by a high (over 2 metres) rock wall? Did you use equipment/climing gear to get up over it? We turned around and made our way back for an early lunch.
Hi,
We had climbed that wall by Scrambling.
I have also mentioned on my description text about option of crossing that wall from the left side of the section.
Thank you for the reply. Up until that point we actually found the trail to be super easy and fun. Pity as we were looking for something more suitable for running/walking fast and without having to do any rock climbing. Do you know of any routes in Jebel Jais which are more suitable for running on? I mean, something that would appeal to 'trail runners'? I would appreciate any help and advice in this matter. Kind regards, Arthur
Hi Arthur,
Look up for Shahha 5 villages trail on my wikiloc profile, it will be a good trail run route
https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/shahha-5-villages-loop-hidden-oasis-circuit-155823049?utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=share&utm_source=4739121