Hiking trail · Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Hidden Pond
Our highest regular route, into the Jebel Jais foothills to a hidden pond.
- Distance
- 9.0km
- Elevation gain
- +800m
- High point
- 1,137m
- Time
- 6 h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
Trail summary
The Hidden Pond hike at a glance
The Hidden Pond hike is a 9.0 km out-and-back trail in the Jebel Jais foothills in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, with about 800 m of climbing and a high point of about 1,137 m. Most groups take about 6 hours. We grade it Hard: a long day on rough, steep ground, so do a Moderate trail with us first.
Updated 10 November 2026
Route
The map and the climb
Route shown for orientation. Your leader carries the full GPS track. Move along the profile to follow the climb on the map.
About the trail
What to expect
Hidden Pond shares its start with the Hidden Oasis Loop at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, then heads higher into the Jebel Jais foothills to a small pond tucked away in the rocks. It is our highest regular route, topping out at 1,137 m.
It is a long out-and-back day on steep, rough ground, with wide views over the folded ridges below Jebel Jais.
What you'll see
- A small pond hidden in the rocks
- Views up to the Jebel Jais ridges
- The folded foothills below the mountain
Good to know
- About six hours, almost all of it uphill or downhill.
- The pond depends on rain and can be dry.
- For experienced hikers. Poles recommended.
Trailhead
We send the exact meeting pin on WhatsApp the evening before. Meeting time 05:30.
Photos
Photo credits for Hidden Pond
- View of Jabal Hawari - Wadi Shisah by Ciorraga, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Mountain view with beautiful blue sky and clouds, Jebel Jais, Ras al Khaimah, UAE by Tashmetova808, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Dusk at Jebel Jais by Nilesh Trivedi, CC BY-SA 4.0
From Wikimedia Commons, cropped and resized. Some show the area around the trail rather than the route itself.
Questions
Hidden Pond hike FAQ
How long is the Hidden Pond hike?
9.0 km, out and back, with about 800 m of elevation gain. Allow about 6 hours at a steady pace, including breaks.
How difficult is the Hidden Pond hike?
We grade it Hard: a long day on rough, steep ground, so do a Moderate trail with us first.
Where does the Hidden Pond hike start?
At the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, below Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, near 25.89966, 56.14195. We send the exact meeting pin on WhatsApp the evening before, and groups meet at 05:30.
When is the best time to hike Hidden Pond?
Between October and April, starting at first light. From May to September it is too hot to hike safely. Bring a warm layer: Jebel Jais is about 10 °C cooler than the rest of the country.
Can I join a guided group on the Hidden Pond hike?
Yes. Trails runs guided small-group hikes on this route most weekends from October to April. Send us your name, WhatsApp number and how many people, and we get back to you with the next dates. AED 99 per person, and your first hike is free.