Jebel Jais summit climb

Route overview

Suits climbers comfortable with 1,131 m of gain in 45 km, nearly all of it in one sustained ascent.

A 45 km out-and-back from Ras Al Khaimah climbing 21.8 km straight to 1,646 m in the Hajar Mountains, then descending the same road.

The ride starts low in the Hajar Mountains at Lahsa, Wadi Jib, and begins climbing immediately. There is no warm-up: the road rises for 21.8 km at an average of 5.2%, gaining 1,130 m, with gradients held to a maximum of 6% throughout. Viewpoints come at 12.9 km, 14.5 km and 18.8 km, with a rest area at 15.4 km, and the hamlet of Baighit sits just off the road at 17.2 km. The high point of 1,646 m arrives at 21.8 km, beneath Jabal ar Rahrah at 1,691 m. Almost the whole of the day's climbing, 98%, is done in the first half. The return retraces the same road downhill, passing Dafalas at 23.9 km, the 1,484 m viewpoint at 24.8 km and Jabal Maqatail at 1,556 m, then a rest area and viewpoint at 27.5 km below Jabal Shintal at 1,435 m. Wassab follows at 32.9 km, with further viewpoints at 34.4 km, 40.3 km and 42.8 km before the route bottoms out at 491 m near 43.8 km and finishes back at the start.

Highlights

• 21.8 km climb at 5.2% to a high point of 1,646 m
• Jabal ar Rahrah, 1,691 m, close to the summit turn
• Named 1,484 m viewpoint on the descent at 24.8 km
• Rest areas at 15.4 km, 27.5 km and 40.3 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Out & back

Riding time

2½–3½ hours riding

Know before you go

• The route crosses into Oman and back into the UAE
• Heat: 32°C recorded in July
• No cafés or water points listed on the 21.8 km climb

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.