Ascent of Jabal Sawda on 2018-06-12| Other People: | Solo Ascent
Only Party on Mountain | | Date: | Tuesday, June 12, 2018 | | Ascent Type: | Successful Summit Attained | | Peak: | Jabal Sawda | | Location: | Saudi Arabia | | Elevation: | 9839 ft / 2998 m |
Ascent Trip ReportApparently the highest point in Saudi Arabia, although not altogether clear. Also seems unlikely that the peak is exactly 3000m, which it is listed as, so this seems to be an estimate.
Took a taxi from Abha to the overlook above Al Soudah Park. From there you have a great view off the escarpment. Behind, to the east, is a massive hotel, with cell towers on a knoll. This appears to be the highest point around. I walked up thru juniper forest about .5 miles from the parking area. There is a large fence around the hotel and another to the south and around the cell towers, but, to my pleasant surprise, the actual peak was accessible. The summit was right next to the cell towers. A decent view, but not as good as the parking area.
The large black boulders on the summit were covered with what appear to be ancient petroglyphs. Lots of circles and what appear to be ibex. Very cool. Also “USA 1979” inscribed on one boulder.
Overall, quite nice and rewarding despite the rampant development, radio towers, and monstrosity of a hotel marring the landscape. |
GPS tracks from the parking area up to the summit (2018-06-12). Photo by Evan Buechley.
Click here for larger-size photo. | | Summary Total Data | | Route Conditions: | Road Hike, Open Country | | Ascent Statistics | | Distance: | 0.5 mi / 0.8 km | | Descent Statistics |
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