The Cultural Hike Wadi Al Helo (Sweet Valley)
Wadi Al Helo is located on Sharjah Kalba Highway blessed with abundant underground water, Wadi al Helo – or “sweet valley” is home to an important archaeological site and a restored Islamic watchtower. Nestled between the Hajar mountains, the wadi is a protected area for endangered birds, reptiles, rodents, and freshwater fish.
The most popular trail is an easy walk to the top of a hill, where an old fort offers a breath taking 360-degree view of the UAE mountain range. You are very likely to encounter wildlife like the Arabian Oryx, the UAE’s national animal, camels, donkey, mountain goats, birds, and find desert flowers blooming along the way but not in summer. We extend our trail to 3 peaks and if time allows we may explore further and return back to the start point. First peak is easy, small and less steep. Second peak is not too difficult to climb but while getting down is little bit sharp with wobbly sand and stone. The third peak is not so easy as it is steep to climb because of narrow paths but the more interesting seeing the few archeologically site like watch tower, well, fort. These three mountains as every mountain is challenging and tricky from one another.
It has also been the proud home of the Al Mazroui tribe for more than 80 years. One of the most popular attractions at Wadi Al Helo is the hiking trails in the Hajar Mountains. These trails are suited to beginners as well as experienced hikers. The best time to conquer this mountain is either sunrise and sunrise.