I love to hike, but don’t seem to do as much as I would like. When my Airbnb host told me he enjoyed hiking, I asked if there was anywhere close by I could go. Being the type of person who likes being involved in his guests stay, he offered to hike together. I gladly accepted as the terrain does look a little daunting. Here is my adventure of hiking the Muttrah GeoTrek in Muscat Oman.
Where to Go
This trail is not a loop, instead it has two ends with which it can be accessed. One is at the Riyam Park parking lot and the other is tucked in behind a residential area in Muttrah near the souk. It is this place where my host took me before the crack of dawn one morning.
We left the flat in the dark and drove for less than five minutes. The only sign I saw at this end of the trail is pictured below. However, on another day, when I went on a solo hike, I found this other information sign at another location closer to Riyam Park. Perhaps a better place to enter if you are planning to do this yourself.
The Muttrah GeoTrek trial is marked with painted coloured flags on the stone along the way. I need to mention however, that a massive project is underway. The construction of a new cable car attraction that is supposed to be completed in the next six months. One of the tower bases is being built in the exact spot of part of this hike, and the trail has been erased. If you are here alone, a novice hiker, or one who needs an actual trail to follow, this section will be difficult to navigate.
The Beginning
Off we set, up the initial incline, a set of steep stone stairs. This portion lasts for perhaps fifteen minutes or so and can be quite taxing on the legs. There are two shaded rest areas should you need them. It was here that we were joined by a single wild female dog, who stuck by our side like glue, for the entire trek.
Once the stairs end, the rest of the hike is on volcanic rock. It is sharp and extremely loose under the feet. We were able to follow a narrow trail for a small way, but much of the hike was simply climbing upwards where we could safely do so.
The Middle
After scrambling up steeper and steeper inclines on the loose rock, we finally reached the artificial plateau created for the cable car base. Here workers were just beginning to arrive for their daily shift. We walked around the area greeting the men, my host asking where the trail was so we could continue on.
I was busy taking photos as you can imagine, the views were incredible looking back over the terrain we had just hiked. The views of the harbour, corniche and park are beautiful at this time of day.
The Top
After navigating a bit, going up and then down, testing to find a place that was hikable, we finally decided to climb up one side of a peak. The going was not easy, that’s for sure, this is a medium grade hike for those who are in relatively good shape.
As mentioned previously, the rock is so loose, it often crumbles under your feet. The way we tackled this section, was my host went first, so any loose rock did not tumble down into my face. After he reached a safe place to pause, I would come up behind him. And repeat and repeat until we reached the top.
Now we were by no means at the top of the highest peak, but we did reach an apex and sat to have photos and high five each other. With legs feeling fatigued and thirsty as heck, the small bottles of water we had brought with us were a blessing. In this photo, it is difficult to tell, but I am sitting on the right side of a precipice. If I reach out my left hand, I can crumble that rock and push it over the edge. To say I felt like a mountain goat is the correct verbiage. 🐐
At this point, we have been hiking for 1.5 hours. We discuss what to do next, and realistically I am not going to push any further. So, we decided to head down, but at a leisurely pace and explore along the way. Perfect!
Views
As mentioned previously, the views from this upper realm are intense. The orb of the golden Arabian sun cresting these rugged Hajar Mountains is a breathtaking sight indeed and one I will remember for a long time. Looking in every direction offers one a sense and scene of awe. From the barren and raw beauty of these rock formations, to the manicured corniche and harbour with its luxury yachts.
At this time of year, there is hardly a green leaf in sight. Completely arid and not a speck of moisture is found. We slowly make our descent, some of which I will admit was a scramble down on my butt. 😂
Covered in dust, with cut and scratched hands, jello legs and sticky with sweat, we make it back to the vehicle. High fiving, huge grins and massive adrenaline coursing through our veins. This is living your dreams my friends.
