The creeping vistas of Jebel Yanas in Ras Al Khaimah promises panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The ascent is a rhythmic dance between challenging inclines and serene plateaus. The trail, flanked by indigenous flora adapted to the arid climate, provides a stark contrast to the towering limestone peaks that dominate the skyline. Tiny camps and traditional farms/villages speckle the sprawling flat plateaus of Yanas. A keen eye may catch glimpses of local wildlife adapted to the harsh environment, including nimble mountain goats gracefully navigating the cliffs to the occasional raptor soaring overhead.
To the west, the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf stretch endlessly, reflecting the golden hues of the sunrise. To the east, rugged mountainscapes extend as far as the eye can see, invoking a sense of awe and appreciation for the untamed beauty of the UAE. Jebel Sall in RAK lies to the north while Jabal Yibir/Mibrah in Fujairah sits to the south.
The hike details:
The drive up Jebel Yanas is the most challenging part, with a 40 minute drive of steep elevation, where the road becomes less established once you hit the top. After parking, you begin the steady trail that quietly reveals the panoramic vistas on each side of the trail. This trek brings you to a small village to rest, with an optional stop at the terraces at the adjacent village on the other side of the steep gorge below.
N.B: Please see the tentative itinerary for this trail including scheduled dates, below. Kindly note that details such as elevation, meet up times, location, trail info etc., serve as a guide only and that ECC Adventures has the right to cancel or change these dates and itinerary as required without any prior notice.
Final details related to each event will be confirmed with those who have booked online, at least 24 hours before the start of each hike via a WhatsApp group chat. So, please ensure that you receive the most-up-to-date itinerary before joining the hike.
Example itinerary for morning hike (For evening hikes please adjust time intervals accordingly):
- 6:00 AM: Meet at the ENOC|1444|Ras al Khaimah gas station
- 7:00 AM: Arrive at Jebel Yanas sedan parking at the bottom, drive the off road to the top with high clearance vehicles (1 hour), begin hike
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Finish Hike
Steady ascent, slippery areas, length of the trail, sun exposure, loose rocks, hazardous species.
[Beginners add 2, Experienced hikers subtract 2 to difficulty]
Special Notes:
- If the hike is scheduled as an evening hike, please bring a head torch if you have one, just in case. If you don't have one, we can provide one, too.
- The drive up to our trail can take about an hour and it is only accessible through 4x4. We will organise car pooling when this is required for those with low clearance vehicles. But, please be prepared for some delay on this as it would depend on the number of participants requiring a ride and those with 4x4's who can offer to take them up to the top. If you have a high clearance vehicle or have access to one, we urge you to arrive in this for the hike.
- Experienced and certified mountain guide (English speaking)
- Outdoor education, Assistant Guide/s
- First Aid
- Hat
- Backpack
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- 1-2 liters of water (DEC – MAR) | 2-3 liters of water (for the rest of the months).
- Salted snacks and/or fruit for a few hours of hiking with a little extra.
- Hiking boots or trainers with good grip/not worn out.
- Shorts or comfortable hiking pants/leggings.
- T-shirt light pullover for sun protection/warmth in the morning/evening.
- Trekking poles (optional to help with balance or mitigate fatigue).
