The Edge of the World
One of Saudi Arabia's most renowned tourist spots, The Edge of the World (actual name: Jebel Fihrayn), earned its name from the unbroken view of the horizon it provides from its 300-meter-high cliffs that overlook the surrounding plain. It's a 305-meter plummet into an ancient ocean bed that's part of the much longer Tuwaiq escarpment. You can see dried rivers flowing across the country from the tops of the cliffs, and you could even see camels moving far below – an ancient caravan route formerly traveled through these grounds. The drive from Riyadh to the Edge of the World takes roughly 90 minutes.
The Jebel Fihrayn, located just west of Riyadh, is another fittingly called natural wonder - a massive striated sandstone wall that rises unexpectedly from the reddish plain of an ancient ocean bed. The peak offers an unbroken view across the barren country, where wild camels can still be seen meandering along ancient caravan routes and is best accessible by four-wheel-drive. Hikers can take a variety of paths to the summit, although good walking shoes are required due to the harsh terrain, steep slopes, and jagged rocks. The Edge of the World is so popular that local authorities have built a road leading to the site's gates. The Sha'ib Kharmah, a huge valley that becomes lush and green during the rainy season (November to April), is a wonderful area for a picnic. The valley stretches for about 15 kilometers west until it reaches the base of the huge cliffs that form the Edge of the World.
Location: the Northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Entrance fee: N/A
Riyadh Hiking's price: 250 – 300 SAR/person
Best time to visit: fall and winter months
Hours: N/A
