NEW TRAIL: Exploring Mawan Canyon (>10km)

Next weekend, head south to explore a promising new area around Mawan Canyon, cutting a new trail for Wayfarers. Please note the canyon will not have any water: expect exploring dry, rocky wadis.

While we don't have a set trail to follow, I expect to cover at least 10 km over three to four hours of walking. The final route will depend on what we discover!

SIGNUP PROCESS

• Saturday-Tuesday: Join the waitlist to request to join the hike
• Wednesday AM: RSVPs close
• Thursday: Group finalised
• Friday AM: WhatsApp group live
• Friday PM: final itinerary sent on WhatsApp

Please read this description and review our FAQs (located under the October 2025 Update) carefully before asking any questions, especially if it's your first time attending.

PREPARATION

• Please bring a snack and LOTS of water (2 liters minimum, given the temperatures and exposure of this hike).
• Walking in the desert requires preparation. Proper hiking clothes and hiking footwear (ideally hiking boots) are a must. So is appropriate protection from the sun (hat, sunglasses, sunblock). Temperatures in the desert can change quickly: wear comfortable, breathable clothing to withstand the midday heat and bring an extra layer in case your stay in the desert is unexpectedly extended to the evening, when the temperature drops in the evening.
• Finally, and most importantly, make sure you are in great physical shape: Every person is responsible for him or herself.

TRIP COORDINATION

• Read this information and the group's FAQs (below the October 2025 update) carefully as they answer a lot of the common questions before contacting me. I organize these trips in my free time, so please respect my time as the organizer.
• This is a free trip, organized by me on a volunteer basis and made possible by our wonderful volunteer drivers, who generously take other hikers along with them. Paying Meetup's fee does not give you priority off the waitlist.
• Hikes are coordinated through a dedicated WhatsApp group, which will be launched by Friday morning. All information about the trip (meeting point, final schedule, hiking start location) will be shared through the dedicated WhatsApp group, not here. Please don't contact me before Friday 10am asking why you're not in the WhatsApp group.
• Joining the Waitlist on Meetup is not a guarantee of a spot. You need to answer all the questions, provide a mobile number, and confirm your interest by WhatsApp when I reach out to you. If you don't provide a phone number or confirm your interest when I reach out, I will move you to "Not Going".
• No guests: everyone needs to register interest individually in Meetup.
• SUVs are required for this trip: since it's an unfamiliar area, we will travel in SUVs to make sure . I will only add you to the group once I am sure that you have a ride if you need one.

APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE (to be confirmed on the WhatsApp group)

• 7:45: Gather at a meeting point in central Riyadh (location shared on WhatsApp) and check in.
• 8:00: Departure to the hike location. We will not wait for latecomers.
• 9:15: Arrival at the hike starting point and introductions.
• 9:30: Hike start.
• 13:30: Latest expected return to the vehicles. Check out.
• 15:00: Expected return to Riyadh (timing not guaranteed)

As always, if you are as excited as I am about hiking, want to help, or have a day trip suggestion, please give me a shout.

Anna