Hiking the UAE’s Stairway to Heaven: The Ultimate Guide

The UAE’s Stairway to Heaven hike was once called “The Most Dangerous Hike in the UAE.” With thin gravel paths traversing rocky cliffs and the peaks of the surrounding Hajar mountains reaching 1,800 meters into the sky, it’s not difficult to see where this trek got its reputation.

And yet for some, this infamous route is a daily commute. For local farmers who have (and continue to) call these mountain peaks home, the 20km loop over well-trodden donkey trails and alongside rocky canyons is a daily part of life. 

Luckily for locals and thrill-seekers alike, serious efforts have been put in place over the last few years to make the hike safer for all who use it. While Stairway to Heaven is still the most physically demanding hike in the UAE, you’ll be grateful for the strategically placed handrails around some of the more daring curves. 

Despite the challenge, Stairway to Heaven has quickly become one of my favorite hikes in the UAE. The northern emirates are full of hidden gems, so if you need a break from the desert, there are plenty of mountains to explore. 

So up for the challenge of the UAE’s toughest trail? Here’s everything you need to know to tackle the Stairway to Heaven Hike.

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The Stairway to Heaven Basics

Total Distance: 20km loop trail, 8km right bank trail
Duration: Minimum 6-8 hours for loop, 5-6 hours for right bank
Elevation Gain: 1800 meters
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Location: In the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes from Dubai 
Cost: Free

Know Before You Go

Before you set off up the Stairway to Heaven, here are a few things to prepare you for your hike.

The Right Bank vs. The Loop Trail 

There are two popular ways to hike the Stairway to Heaven trek – the right bank and the loop trail. I highly recommend first-timers tackle the right bank – not only is it significantly shorter (8km) but much easier to navigate and better marked. 

The loop trail is longer and steeper at 20km. It is also less well-marked, so I highly recommend going with a guide or someone who has hiked before if it is your first time trekking the full loop.

Guide or No Guide?

A guide is not required to hike the Stairway to Heaven, but highly encouraged for first timers or less experienced hikers. Specifically, if you plan to attempt the full loop trail, I highly recommend going with a guide to ensure you stay on the right path. Here’s a great guided tour on Tripadvisor (Call or email for booking)

Be Aware of Local Villages

There are still active villages along the Stairway to Heaven, like the village of Ras al Ghash at the peak. It’s not uncommon to spot a farmer tending to their crops or a villager trekking up the trail with their donkey alongside you.

With this in mind, please remember to respect local customs and dress conservatively, even in the heat. Men and women should both try to cover their shoulders and knees. Head coverings are not required. 

Recommended Reading: A Guide to Al Jazirat Al Hamra – An Abandoned Village in Ras Al Khaimah

The Best Time to Hike Stairway to Heaven

The best season for hiking in the UAE is in the winter, typically from October-March. During this period, temperatures are significantly cooler, which is especially important for longer hikes like the Stairway to Heaven. Because of the difficulty of this trek and the limited shade, I do not recommend attempting it during the summer months. 

One way to beat the heat is to do a night/morning trek, camping in the middle. When we hiked the Stairway to Heaven in April we began around 4PM, trekked until dark, camped, and then woke up early and finished the trek the next morning. There are plenty of small shelters along the right bank of the trek perfect for camping. 

As always when hiking in the UAE, do not attempt to hike in the chance of rain. Wadis are extremely prone to flash floods, and the steep trails of the Stairway to Heaven could quickly turn into waterfalls!

What to Bring to Hike Stairway to Heaven

This is a serious trek, so whether you plan to attempt it as a day hike or spend the night on the mountain, it’s important to come prepared. Note that temperatures can vary from the bottom of the wadi to the peak of the mountain, so I suggest wearing layers when attempting this trek, especially if camping. Here are a few more of my Stairway to Heaven essentials.

How to Get To the Trailhead

The Stairway to Heaven hike is located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate in the UAE. The trailhead is around 150 km from Downtown Dubai, or a 1 hour 45 minute drive. 

To access the trailhead from Dubai, first take E611 (Emirates Road) north towards Ras Al Khaimah. Outside the city of Ras Al Khaimah, merge onto E11 (Al Manama – Ras Al Khaimah Road) and continue for approximately 18 km. Once you pass the town of Khor Khwair, turn right onto Al Sayl Road, and continue approximately 10 km to the Wadi Ghalilah Dam.

If you have 2WD, I highly recommend parking your car at the dam and beginning the trek from here on foot. Those with 4WD can continue past the dam down an unpaved road about 2km to the official start of the trailhead, which begins right past a small farmhouse.

Hiking the Stairway to Heaven Right Bank

This guide details how to independently trek the Right Bank of the Stairway to Heaven hike. I do not recommend trying to trek the full loop independently – this overview on Wikiloc tells the tales of many who have needed helicopters to get off the left bank of the trail. If you are interested in attempting the full loop, here is a guided tour on TripAdvisor.

The Right Bank of the trail is a great trek for seasoned hikers or those looking for a challenge. Here’s a full breakdown of how to navigate the Right Bank of the Stairway to Heaven on your own.

Section 1: Through the Wadi

The hike begins through a wadi behind a small farmhouse. The terrain is rocky, but cuts through the larger rocks so no bouldering is required. 

The trail sticks to the right side of the wadi with slight elevation gain, so don’t forget to look behind you every once in a while to see the wadi getting smaller behind you in the distance. 

You’ll know you’ve reached the end of this section when you encounter the first small shelter to the left of the trail. This is a great place to stop for a break before you start heading uphill. 

Section 2: Villages and Waterfalls

You’ll start heading uphill at a steeper incline during the second section of the hike. You will soon encounter your first short set of stairs, which passes above an old village. Keep an eye out for the stone buildings and abandoned wheat grinder nestled along the terrace below the steps. 

It is across this small village that the trail splits to the left for the loop trail. However, as is typical for the loop trail, this is not very well marked and easy to miss. Stick to the clearly marked stairs above the small village and you’ll stay on the Right Bank trail where you need to be. 

Soon after climbing the steps, you’ll be able to see a dried-out waterfall in the distance. The trail continues to the base of the waterfall, where it passes around a small pool (sometimes empty) at the bottom through a stunning crack in the bottom of the cliff. 

Section 3: The Stairs

This part of the trek is what it’s famous (or perhaps infamous) for! Past the pool of water, the trail turns into a true Stairway to Heaven. Much of the path is constructed of rocky stairways, traversing via switchbacks up the mountain. 

There are small shelters about every kilometer along this section, so take advantage of them and rest if you need it. You’ll also notice some terraced farms along the side of the mountain, most of which are still in active use. 

Since we did our hike over 2 days, we actually camped out in one of these shelters before attempting the final push to the summit. We had some pretty epic views of the sunset, not to mention an unbelievable sky full of stars! (More on camping below)

Section 4: The Summit

The final push to the summit has a few more stairways to navigate, which finish in the final shelter on the peak of the mountain. Just beyond this shelter is a small farm, nestled on the ridge of the mountain with views of the Gulf of Oman in the distance. 

You can choose to end your hike here, or take the path further across the ridge to the “true” summit about an hour walk away. Honestly, the views from the highest point are about the same as from the farm, so only attempt this extra trek if you have the time and energy. Remember – you have to come back down!

Section 5: The Descent

To get back down, return the way you came: pass the shelter on the summit and take the stairs back down the mountain. But be warned: trekking down the Stairway to Heaven is just as challenging, if not more so, than ascending the trail. Plan your descent accordingly with consideration to the time of day, weather, and energy you have left.

The path is often steep, with loose rocks and scree, so be gentle on your knees and take your time to avoid falling. A hiking pole can help ease the pressure on your knees for this descent. 

Whether your trek ends back at the small farm or the Wadi Ghalilah Dam, congratulate yourself! You just completed the most challenging hike in the UAE!

Tips for Camping on the Stairway to Heaven

We chose to do the Stairway to Heaven hike over two days, camping in between. While we mainly did this to avoid the sweltering heat in April, I highly recommend breaking up this hike into two days for more novice hikers or those who want to spend more leisurely time along the trail. Here are a few tips for camping along the Stairway to Heaven.

• Camp in shelters: There are small shelters located approximately every kilometer or so along the Right Bank trail. They have flat ground perfect for pitching a small tent. 
• Bring a flashlight: It seems obvious, but with the steep and rocky terrain, a flashlight is essential for a midnight bathroom break or navigating your campsite. 
• Pack in, pack out: Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and leave your campsite better than you found it. This means packing out all trash and gear.

Curious about camping in the UAE? Here’s a great in-depth article with everything you need to know before you pitch your tent. 

My Essential Gear for Traveling in the UAE

Desert environments can be unforgiving, so having the right gear is essential! Here are some of my tried-and-tested essentials I recommend to any outdoor adventurer in the UAE:

• The Wikiloc App – If you’re heading out on a UAE hike, there’s no better app than Wikiloc! Download routes, share photos with other hikers, and stay safe out on the trails.
• Sturdy Sandals – Perfect for wearing around your campsite or exploring the desert! I live in my Tevas for all outdoor adventures.
• Well-Made Boots – Good boots are a must for navigating the rocky Hajar Mountains. I’ve hiked all over the UAE in my Blundstone Boots.
• A Purifying Water Bottle – Water is scarce, so it’s important to have access any chance you get! This Water-To-Go filtered bottle means you can drink from wadi streams with no issues. 
• Lightweight Scarves – I always keep a lightweight scarf in my bag in case I need to cover my head or need some extra protection from the desert sun.

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