We’re ditching the heels for hiking boots and hittin’ the hills for some fresh air.
Getting outside is a crucial way to show up for yourself and take some time away from the noise (and your phone). The internet is embracing soft hiking as a relaxed, un-intimidating and gentle approach to hiking.
The UAE has a ton of beginner-friendly hikes for all abilities, from casual strolls to gradual inclines. Gather your besties and make soft hiking your new hobby before the weather gets too hot as we enter the spring and summer months.
What is soft hiking?
You’ve heard of hot girl walking (err…hello, have you signed up to the latest Cosmo ME Hot Girl Walk in Dubai yet?), now enter – soft girl hiking. Operating on the same principle, soft hiking is simply the soft approach to the activity.
@softgirlswhohike Replying to @LousLife good question! we kind of coined the term ourselves. heres what it’s all about 🤎 #girlswhohike #hikinguk #hiketok #bestfriends #softhiking #softgirlswhohike #softlife ♬ pluto projector – al
A soft hike is often a short, easy hike done at a pace that suits you. Gone are step counts and Strava kudos, and instead, we’re simply enjoying our time in nature and away from our screens.
Whatever your ability, goal or fitness level, you can head out on a soft hike in the UAE at one of the various trails and routes across several Emirates.
Here are our top easy hikes in the UAE to enter your soft hiking era before it gets too hot…
Lower Jebal Jais trails, Ras Al Khaimah
What to expect: The UAE’s tallest mountain, Jebel Jais is split into two hiking areas. The lower segment has five trails for varying abilities, starting from 0.8km up to 6km. Check out the 1.6 km Sidr trail or 2.2 km Aspic trail for an easy hike. It is also arguably the most famous natural landmark in the country located in RAK. 2 hours to walk at a medium to slow pace. A very doable route and suitable for beginners.
Dubai’s Mushrif National Park 10km trail
What to expect: This new 10km hiking is open to the public in Dubai’s Mushrif National Park and free to use year-round. With multiple tracks ranging in distance, this is an easy trail in the heart of Dubai that is the perfect way to get your steps in.
Wadi Shawka, Hajar Mountains, Ras Al Khaima
What to expect: Just an hour away from Dubai, Shawka is a beginner-friendly hike that has several varied routes. You can choose from a quick ramble or make a day of it and include the Shawka pools, too. The only tougher part is the staircases at the beginning of the trail, but you’ll be instantly rewarded with incredible views over surrounding peaks. A great way to get a quick sweat in.
Wadi Shees, Sharjah
What to expect: Only an hour from Dubai, this beautiful nature reserve has everything from mountain views to views of an oasis. Climb a moderate staircase for unbeatable views. This hike is suitable for all levels and definitely one for your UAE bucket-list.
Hatta Wadi, Dubai
What to expect: Move over, Hollywood sign. Hatta Wadi Hub is a popular hiking spot with five diverse routes spread over nearly 33km to choose from. Hatta is Dubai’s largest national park, and with rugged hills and wadis, it’s the perfect place to snap an Insta pic. The paths take you through farms, over dams, by the heritage village, and up to the famous Hatta sign.
Wadi Naqab and Wadi Kub
What to expect: We see you, Grand Canyon. Wadi Naqab is also known as the ‘Red Wall Hike’, and it’s undeniably one of the most stunning landscapes in the UAE. Accessible from RAK, this hike is easy but it’s a long one, taking 5-6 hours to complete. If you’re looking for a proper hiking day out, this is one for you. Keen hikers can also opt for the extra trail at the end towards Wadi Koob. Trust, you won’t be disappointed.
In need of a cute hiking ‘fit? Check out our reccs here.