For many visitors to AlUla, one of the abiding memories they take away with them are the extraordinary rocks that dominate the landscape. As well as captivating the eye with their rugged beauty, these magnificent formations also provide the arena for numerous thrilling experiences.

Standing for millions of years, the rocks of AlUla are now a playground for adventure seekers who explore their every nook and cranny with the help of modern day equipment. Abseiling down the mountains is a popular pastime, as is rock climbing that gives mountaineers a literal touchpoint to AlUla’s ancient past.

These geological marvels are the starting point for some of AlUla’s heart racing activities such as the Giant Swing which begins with a 25-minute hike to a platform. From here, intrepid thrill seekers attach to a cable and swing in a graceful 70-metre arc 85 metres above the ground. AlUla Stairway challenges visitors to climb a 45-metre suspended ladder before taking a rapid zipline back to ground level. Elsewhere, Saudi’s longest and fastest zipline awaits – a 1.5km ride that can reach speeds of 120km/h.

For hikers, AlUla is filled with trails to satisfy all levels of fitness and ability. Ambitious hikers should investigate the Journey Through Time Trail, an 8km trail through volcanic rocks, dunes and wildlife with either a sunrise or sunset departure. The Top of AlHarra Hike is a five-hour journey that affords spectacular views from Madakheel Plateau. Slightly shorter is Ridge Walk Hike, a three-hour walk that takes hikers up and then across a flat ridge overlooking AlUla’s Old Town and the lush Oasis. Shorter still is the Hidden Valley Hike, a 1.5-hour jaunt through the magnificent Sharaan Nature Reserve.